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Over $7,000 Awarded to Support Local Projects

New Lexington, OH – The Southern Perry County Academic Endowment Fund (SPCAEF) was established to create resources to promote academic experiences for residents of the Southern Local School District. And this year, SPCAEF announced that it would advance this mission by awarding over $7,000.00 in grants to organizations creating educational opportunities across the district’s communities.

2019 grant recipients include:

Little Cities of Black Diamonds received a $1,500.00 grant to support its 25th annual Little Cities of Black Diamonds Day, which celebrates and creates opportunities for people of all ages to explore local history. In recognition of the milestone year, this year’s event will showcase previous themes on topics such as the labor movement, sports, opera houses, prohibition, and more.

Millcreek Elementary received a $3,408.11 grant to help sixth grade teachers purchase laptop computers for their classrooms. By connecting each student with a laptop, educators will be able to engage students in interactive, online lessons, individualized instruction, and much more while encouraging the development of important 21st century skills.

Sunday Creek Associates received a $2,250.00 grant to support its free, eight-week, YouthShops summer learning and activity program, open to all Perry County youth ages 6-14. Attendees enjoy a variety of activities, such as the arts, STEM education, environmental exploration, sports, and a field trip out of the county.

SPCAEF was established in 1987 to create resources to promote academic experiences for residents of the Southern Local School district. A member of the Community Foundation for Perry County’s Family of Funds and composed of 22 donor-established funds, SPCAEF partners with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) to provide community mini-grants and scholarships to promote academic excellence and enrichment opportunities for Southern Local School District residents.

Gifts to the Southern Perry County Academic Endowment Fund are tax deductible and can be made in many ways, including cash, bequests, and life insurance. Donations can be made online at www.AppalachianOhio.org by designating the Southern Perry County Academic Endowment or one of its component funds when donating. To mail your donation, please designate the Southern Perry County Academic Endowment Fund and mail to PO Box 456, Nelsonville, OH 45764.

SPCAEF community grant and scholarship applications open annually on April 1 and close on May 1. To learn more about SPCAEF and how you can support students and residents alike in your community, please call 740.753.111 or visit www.AppalachianOhio.org.

About the Community Foundation for Perry County
In 2012, past and present Perry County residents created the Community Foundation for Perry County (CFPC) Fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. The CFPC was created to provide grants to advance charitable projects of benefit to Perry County residents. It also establishes a collective resource for all those looking to support Perry County’s current and future opportunities through charitable giving. More information can be found at www.AppalachianOhio.org/CFPC.

About the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) is a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. A 501(c)(3) public charity, the Foundation creates opportunities for Appalachian Ohio’s citizens and communities by inspiring and supporting philanthropy. For more information about FAO, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org.

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