In early 2020, a group of local Northeast Ohioans saw the need for an organization that’s entire charitable mission focused on establishing as well as continually providing long-term positive impact across this great region. Our first foundational concept is simple, all funds raised by the local community, stay in the local community. This seems like an easy concept considering most people like to eat local or shop local, but A LOT of the traditional nonprofits people across Northeast Ohio donate to are organizations based in Chicago, D.C., and New York. How much of your donated monies really stays here? We can proudly say, when you choose to #DonateLocal through One Step Ahead Ohio, 100% of your contributions stay in Mahoning, Trumbull, Ashtabula & Cuyahoga counties!
 
Our second concept was understanding everyone’s needs are unique and will continue to change. Individuals, families and other organizations shouldn’t be disqualified from receiving support because their “hardship/mission” doesn’t meet a singular specific guideline. This established our adaptable dual outreach approach where all donations back into the community are facilitated through our Positive Acts of Kindness and Skilled Trade Development initiatives.  
 
The final organizational concept was based on what our founders saw lacking at a high-level, across the entire charitable landscape, related to accessible details outlining fundraising & donation transparency. One Step Ahead Ohio is committed to keeping every supporter up to date on all fundraisers, annual events, grants, and/or donations back into the community through email blast, regular social media and website updates on a monthly basis.