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News & Happenings

2008 mini-grant winners announced

Foundation awards more than $28,000 to nonprofits and schools

(January 23, 2009) Nelsonville, Ohio – More than $28,000 infunding has been awarded to area nonprofits and schools through theAccess to Education Mini-Grants Program by the Foundation forAppalachian Ohio (FAO).        

Grants ranging from $500 to $2,500 were provided for 20 projects thatsupport Appalachian Ohio’s communities by improving access toeducational opportunities for the region’s citizens. View a complete list of 2008 mini-grantees.

“These small grants make big differences,” said Cara Dingus Brook,President and CEO of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. “Whencombined with the energy of teachers and community groups, grants of$500 change lives.”

A portion of the Foundation’s 2008 mini-grant funding was provided byBlack Spring and Alignment Services based in Muskingum County. The$7,500 sponsorship supported mini-grant awards within the company’sservice area, which includes: Athens, Coshocton, Guernsey, Hocking,Holmes, Jackson, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble; Perry,Tuscarawas, Vinton and Washington counties.

“Sponsors like Thom Black’s company allow us to provide even moreresources to the organizations working hard to open doors ofeducational opportunity for our region’s students,” said Cara DingusBrook.

“We were delighted to support the Foundation’s mini-grants program,”said Thom Black, CEO of Blacks Spring and Alignment. “These funds helpstudents build the confidence and knowledge necessary to accesspost-secondary education opportunities.”

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is a 501(c)(3) public charity andregional community foundation. FAO’s mission is to enrich the currentand future quality of life in the 29 counties of Appalachian Ohio byfostering access to opportunity.

This is the fourth year for the mini-grants program. Past distributionsalso have focused on improving quality of life by increasing access toopportunity in Appalachian Ohio including support for college visits,ACT test preparation and other activities that directly lead toincreasing student preparation for educational success and advancement.

Since the program’s inception in 2004, more than $240,000 has beenawarded to regional nonprofit and education projects. Many granteesalso are able to use the mini-grant dollars to leverage more fundingfor their programs.

Be sure to check FAO’s grants page often for future grant and scholarship opportunities to be announced.