Matching funds available! The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is providing a 50-cent match for every $1 given to any endowment within the Highland County Community Fund’s family of funds. Matching funds can also be used to help start a new endowed fund and for new documented planned gifts. A total of $300,000 in match funding is available on a first-come, first served basis through Nov. 8.

For more information on the 2024 match opportunity, click here.
For information on ways to give to Highland County, click here.

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A permanent endowment fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), the Highland County Community Fund was created to assist the Highland County community in growing philanthropic resources to enrich quality of life. The Fund will make grants to support the community from its interest and earnings, ensuring permanent resources designed to address Highland County’s changing needs over time.

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2023 Annual Report

To view the Highland County Community Fund’s 2023 annual report, click here.

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Grant Opportunities

The Highland County Community Fund, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is accepting grant applications now through Sept. 10 from nonprofits, schools and public organizations for projects and programs benefiting Highland County residents and communities.

Grants will be awarded to projects and programs advancing opportunities across five areas of need, known as our Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. Emphasis is on supporting individuals of all ages who are spearheading efforts that create opportunities, meet pressing needs and unleash the potential within Highland County.

Funding requests should be between $500 and $5,000, but larger requests may be considered based on potential impact.

2024 grant applications

The 2024 application period for grant funding opens July 30 and closes at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 10, 2024. Applications must be submitted online.

FAO has transitioned to a new online system, Spectrum Portal, for grant applications. Before applying for grants, all applicants must register and create an account in the new system. Once registered, click on the “Grant Application” tab and then select “Available Grants,” where you can access the specific grant application form.

For questions, please contact FAO at 740.753.1111 or view the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Youth-led grant opportunity

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and its 15 foundation affiliate partners are accepting grant applications Aug. 20 through Oct. 1 for projects developed and implemented by youth under age 18. Additional information and the grant application are available here.

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2023 Grant Recipients

• Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio to purchase food for mobile food pantry distributions in Highland County
  
• Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Council to assist with program costs for the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in Highland County
  
• Highland County Community Action Organization Inc. to support the I Am a Child of Highland County Leadership Academy
  
• Hillsboro First Baptist Church to purchase diapers and other items for The Diaper Depot’s distributions to families in need
  
• Junior Achievement of OKI Partners Inc. to help fund the participation of Highland County high school students in the Inspire to Hire career expo
  
• Greenfield Area Christian Center’s New Directions Youth Ministry to help fund 2024 Discover Inspire Grow Groups led by former and current students
  
• Highland County ACCESS Program to fund micro-internships for Highland County high school students

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Family of Funds

3 funds partnering with Highland County Community Fund in service to our community:

• Highland County Community Fund
• Highland County Bat Stewardship Fund
• Highland County Conservation Fund

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Highland Committee Members

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Support the Highland Community

Gifts are tax deductible and can be made in many ways, including cash, bequests, life insurance and charitable remainder trusts. To mail your donation, please designate the Highland County Community Fund and mail to Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, PO Box 456, Nelsonville, OH 45764. Make a secure online donation by clicking here, noting the Highland County Community Fund. To learn more, contact FAO at 740.753.1111.