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Eight Grant Awards Support Local Projects in Perry County

New Lexington, OH – The Community Foundation for Perry County (CFPC) has announced eight grant awards to local organizations. The more than $5,000 in grant awards represent an investment in the arts, the environment, and the ongoing response of nonprofits to the effects of COVID-19 in Perry County.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created a very difficult situation for our community’s nonprofits, as many respond to increased needs with fewer resources,” said Kevin Wood, a CFPC committee member. “We are grateful to support the work of so many organizations that are committed to making Perry County a brighter place in this constantly evolving environment.”

2020 grant recipients include:

Hopewell Health Centers received $1,500 to support food delivery to those at particular risk of COVID-19. The grant will also support Hopewell Health Centers in connecting food insecure clients with other available food security resources. This grant was made possible through a partnership of CFPC, the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio’s Emergency Response Fund, and the Perry County Hunger Relief Fund.

The Ludowici Community Foundation received $1,000 to support signage on a family-friendly hiking trail at the Ludowici Community Foundation Park in New Lexington.

The Perry County Cultural Arts Center received $500 to support scholarships for Perry County youth to attend their socially distanced and extended summer arts classes.

The Perry Soil and Water Conservation District received $1,000 to improve the water quality of Rush Creek. The grant will support data collection in the Upper Rush Creek Watershed, which will help identify challenges and opportunities to watershed restoration and determine best practices for watershed management.

Rural Action received a $500 grant to support a virtual Monday Creek Watershed Camp experience. The camp is designed for youth aged 8-12 who live in rural areas and have limited opportunities for environmental and aquatic education. The grant specifically supports the purchase and distribution of backpacks and other materials to supplement the virtual environmental education lessons.

The Somerset United Methodist Church received $1,000 to ensure that its emergency disaster shelter is Red Cross-approved. The grant specifically supports kitchen electrical improvements in the shelter. 

Sunday Creek Associates received a $500 grant to support the completion of the Music and the Knights of Labor documentary, which uncovers the music relevant to the history of the Knights of Labor in an exploration of coal mining and labor organizing. After the film premieres, it will be shown in Perry County libraries, history centers, schools, and beyond.

The Village of Somerset received $500 to support community volunteer groups in obtaining IRS nonprofit status. The Village will support volunteer groups in the application process. This will help volunteer groups gain more funding and more effectively execute their missions.

The Community Foundation for Perry County supports groups and organizations that work to increase the quality of life, create access to opportunities, or implement a solution for a need in the Perry County community and is excited to recognize those who look to make a difference in Perry County’s communities. CFPC looks forward to offering additional opportunities throughout 2020 and beyond. To stay up to date with CFPC funding opportunities, follow the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio on Facebook and @FDNforAppalachianOhio on Instagram, and sign up for FAO’s eNewsletter at AppalachianOhio.org.

The Community Foundation for Perry County was established in 2012 to ensure permanent support for the citizens and communities of Perry County. A community fund of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), CFPC works with FAO to grow grantmaking dollars for projects that improve quality of life in Perry County and across Appalachian Ohio. To learn more about the Community Foundation for Perry County and how you can support the Appalachian Ohio communities closest to your heart, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org/CFPC or call 740.753.1111.

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.