Funding to support youth leadership, student internships and household stability
NELSONVILLE, Ohio – The Dale Hileman Legacy Fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) has awarded $2,750 in grants to three projects advancing economic development and growth in eastern Ohio.
“These grants reflect Dale’s commitment to the people and communities of eastern Ohio and his belief that strong communities are built through opportunity,” said Cindi McClung, executive director of the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance (EODA). “By investing in our young people, supporting working families and preparing a skilled workforce, this funding is backing the people and programs that help this area thrive – just as Dale did throughout his lifetime.”
The 2026 grant recipients are:
- Barlow Vincent Church of Christ to provide full scholarships for 30 Washington County youth ages 9-18 to attend a five-day leadership immersion program at the Ohio Valley Christian Youth Camp
- Caldwell Exempted Village School District in Noble County to fund four student internships that align with current and emerging regional workforce needs
- United Way of Jefferson County to support its Community Stability and Opportunity Initiative, which helps ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households stay housed, fed and connected to essential services
Established with support from EODA, the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund supports a cause that was close to Hileman’s heart – economic development and growth – and organizations within EODA’s service area. The service area covers Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Tuscarawas and Washington counties.
A native of Columbiana County, Hileman’s legacy includes a lifetime of service to eastern Ohio. He worked for Columbia Gas of Ohio for 40 years, serving Carrollton, Jackson and Cambridge in Appalachian Ohio, and helped establish EODA to promote economic development and growth in eastern Ohio. In retirement, he remained committed to improving quality of life in the region and to promoting his community of Cambridge in Guernsey County, where he shared his final years with his wife, Evelyn.