Hudson is one of the few cities our size to have an independent community foundation. That means we have an established organization in place, staffed and prepared with resources to support a broad range of locally focused initiatives to make Hudson the best possible place to live, work, study, play and raise a family.
Over the past 25 years, we have provided grants, operating and fundraising support to more than 50 non-profit organizations in and serving Hudson. The impact of Hudson Community Foundation (HCF) can be seen every day in ways that are both large and small.
Hudson Fireworks Endowment – HCF has built an endowment fund to ensure that Hudson’s iconic Independence Day Fireworks show can be presented each year in perpetuity. The fireworks, produced with donor funds in partnership with the City of Hudson, has been a signature family-oriented celebration in Hudson since 1918. The endowment, completed in 2017, includes contributions from some 3,000 local individuals, families and businesses.
Holiday Lighting of the Greens – In collaboration with the Hudson Community Service Association, HCF is building an ongoing fund, which eventually is expected to grow into an endowment, to pay for the brilliant lights and decorations installed each holiday in downtown Hudson. Hudson’s lighting of the greens is a tradition begun in 1948 by a local resident and her family. It continues today as a gathering point for residents and visitors throughout the holiday season, kicking off with a song-filled community gathering on the day after Thanksgiving.
Building Hudson Memorial Stadium – HCF played a key role in collecting and managing donations used to build Hudson Memorial Stadium, home of the Hudson High School Explorers athletic teams. The $5.5 million stadium was built entirely with private funds. It opened in 2012 after a three-year community fundraising campaign. This drive was described as “the single largest community philanthropic effort in the City of Hudson.”
Pandemic Aid for Local Businesses – When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down business as usual in 2020, HCF provided emergency grants to Hudson’s retail stores and restaurants to help them adjust to the rapid and dramatic loss of foot traffic. These special one-time grants directly to businesses helped sustain the vibrant retail district we enjoy today in Hudson.
Harmony Performing Arts Project – In partnership with the Hudson City School District and the Hudson City Schools Foundation, HCF is supporting the Harmony Performing Arts Project, which was created to provide private funding for construction of a new orchestra room, renovate the band and choir rooms and update the auditorium to a state-of-the-art facility at Hudson High School. This $5.5 million project, which is on the horizon, will be a joint venture of both public and private funds.
Hudson Community Living – With HCF collecting contributions and administering the fund, Hudson Community Living, a group of dedicated parents and business leaders, are creating a safe, inclusive, and community-accessible neighborhood that provides a unique lifestyle for their Adult Children with developmental disabilities – allowing them to work, socialize and age in place in Hudson. The neighborhood will provide a Supportive Living environment and will be located near city amenities including the Hudson square, city parks, police and EMS, restaurants and shopping.
Hudson Inclusive Playground – Working with a group of dedicated Hudson families and public officials, HCF is playing an active fundraising role in transforming Middleton Park into a multisensory movement playground that encourages cooperative play among children. This is a public-private partnership with the Hudson Inclusive Playground Committee, City of Hudson, State of Ohio and numerous community donors. The result makes us a more welcoming and inclusive community – complete with a safe and state-of-the-art accessible play space that exceeds ADA standards.
Hudson Pickleball & Tennis Courts – A special fund at HCF is in place to collect funds toward the installation of lighting for the pickleball and tennis courts at Barlow Farm Park in Hudson. This project is meant to enhance a popular recreational activity for Hudson residents of all ages.
Hudson Senior Network – HCF is helping Hudson Senior Network, a caring group of volunteers created to support local Hudson residents as they age by encouraging social connections, promoting healthy, vibrant and meaningful living opportunities. The HSN hosts a series of wellness, strengthening, and fall prevention classes, special events, and social opportunities throughout the year. HCF maintains a fund to collect donations for Hudson Senior Network activities and provides grants for important components of the program.
Arts and Culture – Knowing the importance of arts and culture to stimulate creativity and enhance quality of life, HCF provides regular grants to local organizations that engage talented participants and audiences alike. Among the local non-profit arts and culture organizations we support:
Social Services, Health and Wellness – HCF convenes and funds a range of initiatives to improve the quality of life for Hudsonites who need help overcoming life’s challenges. Groups/activities we support include:
Historical and Environmental – Preserving Hudson’s charm and connection to nature is a priority for our community to thrive. Here are some examples of what we do:
Youth Education and Recreation – Hudson is a place known for high-quality education with an outstanding school district and several exceptional private schools. We value and embrace our children and families in a variety of important ways, including:
