GIVING IN SUPPORT OF CURRENT, EMERGING, AND FUTURE CHANGEMAKERS
GROWING THE NEXT GENERATION OF COMMUNITY LEADERS
Investments made in the children and emerging leaders of Appalachian Ohio are investments made in our communities’ futures. In 2022, donor generosity and support from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund fueled the development and launch of our Growing Home Fellowship, designed to recruit, retain, and nurture the next generation of community leaders for Appalachian Ohio.
The inaugural class of 121 fellows, the Classroom to Community cohort, includes 18-to-35-year-olds from across 29 Appalachian Ohio counties who work with our region’s K-12 population. In exchange for agreeing to live, work, and volunteer in the region for five years, the fellows receive a financial stipend and access to a leadership program that includes service, skill development, and peer learning.
EMPOWERING LOCAL LEADERS TO FOSTER YOUTH RESILIENCY
FAO’s “Investing in Youth Resiliency” program is aimed at decreasing substance use disorders and the long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences by empowering community-based programs and organizations whose work complements behavioral health professionals.
In 2022, FAO, in partnership with the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation of Nelsonville, awarded its second round of youth resiliency grants, giving more than $350,000 to 20 programs led by those providing the children of Appalachia with a community of support that is most active outside traditional school hours.
EDUCATING OUR CIVIC LEADERS OF THE FUTURE
In partnership with the Longaberger Family Foundation, FAO launched a “Civics Education in Appalachian Ohio” program to prepare the children of our region to become informed and engaged adults and community leaders.
Two rounds of grant funding, totaling nearly $60,000, have supported educators and nonprofit service providers who are spearheading programming that allows students in Appalachian Ohio to study, participate in, and experience what it means to be engaged in their communities and to embark on lives enriched by civic service.
MATCHING A REGION OF GIVERS TO THE CAUSES CLOSEST TO THEIR HEARTS
FAO’s Cause Connector website connects givers who want to make a difference with local nonprofit projects elevating quality of life, creating opportunities, and nourishing thriving communities.
In 2022, another successful round for Cause Connector generated a total of $185,050 to advance 103 projects that helped local changemakers and organizations launch new programs, expand existing initiatives, or bring long-held dreams to fruition.
Read about the Cause Connector projects fueled by donors and local changemakers.
Do you want to be a part of building an abundant future for the people of Appalachian Ohio?
Give today to the I’m a Child of Appalachia® Fund. Every gift makes a difference – in ways that can be seen today and will be felt for generations. For information about giving to other FAO funds, establishing your own named fund, or making a planned gift, call FAO at 740.753.1111.
