About the FORGE Boys Leadership Foundation

The FORGE Boys Leadership Foundation was created to serve the growing needs of Appalachian youth by empowering boys to become strong, purpose-driven young men who lead with character, courage and grit.

FORGE stands for Focused, Opportunities, Respect, Grit and Evaluation — core pillars in helping boys become confident leaders and resilient problem-solvers, both now and in the future.

Launched as a brother initiative to the successful inspiHER Girls Leadership Foundation, FORGE brings the same high-impact, community-rooted programming to boys in grades 5–8 across southeastern Ohio. Through interactive summits, mentorship and real-world leadership experiences, participants are challenged to grow in confidence, set meaningful goals and define what it means to lead with purpose.

2026 marks its inaugural year, with the first FORGE Summit launching in Gallia County on March 21, 2026. This historic event will bring together boys from across the region to begin forging their leadership journey.

Your gift to the FORGE Boys Leadership Foundation Fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio helps:

  • Host immersive FORGE Summits for middle school boys
  • Develop mentorship programs with high school boys and community male leaders
  • Provide tools, books and activities aligned with our FORGE pillars
  • Expand to new counties and school districts across Appalachian Ohio
  • Empower the next generation of male leaders in our region

For more information, contact theforgeboysfoundation@gmail.com.

Support the FORGE Boys Leadership Foundation Fund

Gifts to the FORGE Boys Leadership Foundation Fund are tax-deductible and can be made in many ways, including cash, bequests, stock, real estate, royalties, insurance beneficiaries and qualified charitable distributions from IRAs.

To mail your donation, please designate the fund and mail to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, 35 Public Square, Nelsonville, OH 45764.

Donations can be made online by designating the FORGE Boys Leadership Foundation Fund when donating.

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