• MISSION AND HISTORY

Mission

The Bay Village Foundation is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) corporation dedicated to preserving the quality of life in Bay Village, Ohio, using the talents and resources of private citizens and non-government funding.

The Foundation exists to provide support for projects and programs fostering Bay Village’s historical, cultural, social and educational heritage. Through the Bay Village Foundation, residents and businesses are encouraged to perpetuate the traditions that make Bay Village a special place to live and work.

History

The story begins in 1995 when a group of civic minded volunteers established a fund to help the city build a playground. The project was called Play in Bay. The playground was completed by the cooperative efforts of nonprofit organizations that came together to see the project through to completion. Seeing this collaborative effort succeed, a small group decided to see what they could do to develop a community fund that would be there when another project like Play in Bay emerged. Under the leadership of T. Richard “Dick” Martin, they began to think about creating one organization to which all the others could look for financial help. So they set about making their dream a reality. That fund is now called the Bay Village Foundation.

“For many years, the Bay Village Foundation has partnered with the City of Bay Village on numerous projects, including the rehabilitation of the clock tower, improvements to the Bradley Road tennis courts, support of the annual July 4th fireworks celebration and the major restoration of Play in Bay. I am grateful not only for their commitment to our town, but for their leadership in involving residents in the projects, which has created a sense of community.”