Improving Lives

Our vision is more than just a world where stable, affordable housing is available to all. OCCH created the Ohio Capital Impact Corporation (OCIC) because we also envision a world where the residents and communities we serve feel supported and empowered to grow and thrive.

The Ohio Capital Impact Corporation awards philanthropic grants to our partners to enrich the lives of residents and improve communities.

Raised since 2012

Raised from Impact Investors

Granted to partners in 2019

• Partners to further their goals
• Residents to improve their lives
• Students to pursue their degrees
• Communities to thrive

Impact Investors

OCIC is not funded by OCCH’s earnings alone. Many of our investors stepped up to provide philanthropic dollars by taking a lower yield on their investments. With our Impact Investors’ advice, we are able to serve communities and partners that are of particular interest to them.

For example:

Fifth Third CDC

Fifth Third CDC has demonstrated a commitment to serve the children of Scholar House properties by providing back-to-school supplies and opportunities to attend summer camp. Scholar House properties are supportive environments where students with children pursue higher education and raise their children in a nurturing environment.

Huntington CDC

Huntington CDC made a $2.5 million multi-year investment to encourage innovation in the area of digital inclusivity. Residents of affordable housing are often left behind in the world of technology and connectivity. Flexible grant dollars will support hardware and technical assistance to improve digital access. Hardware may include computers, Wi-Fi hot spots, tablets and other personal devices. Technical assistance may include staff to facilitate digital literacy training and economic empowerment. The first award went to St. Mary Development to provide voice-controlled smart speaker devices that run programs designed by AARP, and free Wi-Fi in 145 resident apartments.

Republic Bank

Republic Bank made nearly 20 $5,000 grants to their partners that serve vulnerable populations throughout their footprint. Many regional Habitat for Humanity branches benefited.


Hover over the pie chart for details on 2019 Investments.

Jerry Grier Scholarship Program

The Jerry Grier Scholarship Fund, named after former OCCH board member and HUD attorney Jerry Grier, assists low-income students living in affordable housing communities with the cost of attending a college or university.

• OCCH has committed nearly $1 million in scholarships to date.

• In 2019, the OCCH board committed another $1 million to fund students for the years ahead.

• Residents attending college can earn up to $10,000 per year in scholarship dollars, including an incentive for maintaining at least a grade C average.

• Nearly 100 scholarships funded to date with 30 additional students receiving scholarship for 2019-2020 school year.

• Scholarship administration, counseling, and outreach provided by I Know I Can.

• Nearly half of those served are non-traditional students, including many Scholar House residents.

Summer Camp

Sending resident kids to summer camp has been a signature program for OCIC. Kids are provided with the opportunity to learn, explore, play, and form positive social relationships. Summer camp expands their vision and allows them to dream bigger.

• Over 700 kids to camp in 2019

• 35 camps throughout Ohio and Kentucky

• Nearly $600,000 was provided to make camp a reality

• Camps varied from day camp to overnight, from week-long to summer-long, and from local YMCA camps to a wide variety of other providers