The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), in partnership with the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation of Nelsonville (OHFN), shared an opportunity intended to address social, economic, educational, and health challenges faced by young people in Appalachian Ohio. Given the critical role of childhood development on lifelong wellbeing, FAO’s I’m a Child of Appalachia^® Fund through its Health & Human Services Pillar of Prosperity and OHFN are inviting proposals designed to support nonprofit and public organizations focused on building resilience and increasing protective factors for youth in our region. While this opportunity is currently closed, we encourage you to learn more about past Investing in Youth Resiliency grantees.

To read more about the second cohort of recipients, please visit this link.

Examples of protective factors supporting youth include academic success; emotional self-regulation; coping and problem-solving skills; increased self-esteem; supportive relationships with family members; connecting with mentors; physical and psychological safety; or engagement and connections with school, peers, employment, or community – including the ability to connect through technology.

As we work to strengthen Appalachian Ohio’s communities, investing in the health, wellbeing, and opportunities available to our region’s young people is a key priority for FAO and OHFN.

FUNDING AVAILABILITY AND GRANT PERIOD

As part of a 1:1 funding partnership, FAO and OHFN made up to $380,000 through the RFP. Most funding awards ranged between $5,000- $30,000.

The grant period for cohort two grantees is currently active and will conclude April 30, 2023.

ELIGIBILITY and FUNDING INTENT

Nonprofit and public organizations in all 32 Appalachian Ohio counties are eligible to submit project proposals meeting the following criteria:

• Funding will be used to promote programming focused on building resiliency for youth (pre-school age through age 18).

• Priority will be given to organizations focused on young people who experience risk factors that jeopardize their ability to thrive and achieve, especially during times when protective factors are needed the most, especially during out-of-school time.

• Funding will be used to support an organization’s efforts to develop, expand and/or improve the quality of youth resiliency programming.

Examples of how grant awards may be used include, but are not limited to:

• Tutoring and mentoring programs
• Support groups
• Enrichment opportunities in art, music, athletics, and other opportunities young people may not otherwise be able to access, including related participation fees
• Vocational and career awareness activities and programs
• Service learning and team building opportunities
• Expanding and encouraging youth engagement and leadership through participation in program design and in the broader community
• Eliminating barriers to program participation that might otherwise exist

Grant awards may also support capacity building designed to help organizations best meet the needs of those they serve by expanding services, enhancing program quality, and/or improving operational efficiencies. Applicants are encouraged to include within their requests funding for capacity building, which may include, but is not limited to:

• Professional development and training opportunities;
• Activities designed to increase staff engagement and retention; and
• Technology and equipment upgrades.

The goal of capacity building support is to strengthen the program, the organization, and those doing the work.

While applying organizations are not required to include capacity building in their overall request, we encourage applicants to consider how such requests may strengthen your organization and its ability to serve young people.

A portion of budget requests may also include support to address unmet needs of young people served, which may include but are not limited to:

• Transportation
• Food
• Personal care items
• Clothing, outerwear, shoes, and face coverings
• Specific behavioral and mental health interventions
• Wraparound interventions for families where providing such supports creates more resilient families and therefore more resilient young people

Applicants are encouraged to collaborate between organizations and stakeholders to create a continuum of programming in communities through partnership with education, business, healthcare, government, faith-based, and other local partners.

Organizations serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio may apply. These include Adams; Ashtabula; *Athens; Belmont; Brown; Carroll; Clermont; Columbiana; Coshocton; Gallia; Guernsey; Harrison; Highland; *Hocking; Holmes; *Jackson; Jefferson; Lawrence; Mahoning; *Meigs; Monroe; *Morgan; Muskingum; Noble; *Perry; Pike; Ross; Scioto; Trumbull; Tuscarawas; *Vinton; and Washington.

*Indicates OHFN priority counties for this funding opportunity

QUESTIONS

All questions regarding the Investing in Youth Resiliency RFP and application procedures should be directed to Kelly Morman, Director of Programs at FAO, at 740.753.1111.