At FAO, we are advancing a flourishing Appalachian Ohio, a region that forged the very beginnings of our state and a trailblazing nation. A region built and sustained by its people. A region rooted in an unwavering spirit of generosity, of doing good for others.

Many communities in Appalachian Ohio formed around extractive industries – coal, oil and gas, clay, and timber. But while the hard work, innovation and resilience of Appalachians fueled our nation, boom-to-bust development has resulted in generations of poverty and grave disparities in quality of life for the people of Appalachian Ohio.

Born out of necessity

In 1998, a group of leaders on the front lines of poverty relief recognized that Appalachian Ohio needed a source of local philanthropy to address the root causes of the region’s most significant challenges. They believed the people of our region had the same potential as people anywhere; they lacked the same opportunities.

Fortunes had been made on the backs of our region’s people, but unfortunately, our wealth was extracted before it could be retained for future resilience. The result? A philanthropy gap that has left our region with 90% less philanthropic resources than the rest of the state.

Our founders went to state leaders with a novel idea for a regional approach to ensure every community in Appalachian Ohio received philanthropic support. And with the partnership of the State of Ohio and then-Gov. Bob Taft, the state issued an extraordinary challenge grant. For every dollar FAO’s early leaders raised from the region and beyond, the state would match each one up to $1 million.

Like an Amish barn-raising where community members bring their gifts together to achieve a collective goal, our founders raised more than $1 million, earning the state’s matching funds for FAO’s initial operations.

The early years

In February 1999, the IRS confirmed FAO’s status as a 501(c)(3) public charity, and in 2006, FAO became one of the first community foundations in Ohio to meet the Community Foundation National Standards.

Thanks to donor generosity, we awarded our grants in 2001 and launched our scholarship program in 2003. In 2006, we launched a mindset campaign – I’m a Child of Appalachia® – to encourage pride and high expectations among all who call Appalachian Ohio home, but especially among our young people.

A game-changer

But even as our donors were creating opportunities across the region and we were uplifting success stories of what Appalachian Ohioans can achieve, our impact was stifled by having to raise funds to cover FAO’s operating costs.

In 2014, this reality inspired FAO to create an innovative model of philanthropic support, the world’s first nonprofit IPO (Initial Philanthropic Offering). Modeled after the private-sector model through which businesses support expansion by selling shares of stock to investors, FAO set out to raise 100 shares of $32,000 apiece to underwrite the foundation’s operating costs.

FAO exceeded its goal, raising more than 106 shares, totaling more than $3.4 million. Known as our Leadership 100, FAO shareholders – individuals, businesses and organizations – have been game-changers for our region. Their support and generosity have helped seed 15 affiliate foundations and investments in transformational innovations.

Toward a Flourishing Appalachian Ohio 

Our region’s challenges have forged one of our greatest assets: the boundless love our people have for each other and their communities. Over the last 25 years, thousands of givers – both donors and doers – have brought forth ideas, good deeds and dollars to create opportunities far greater than any individual could have achieved alone.

Together, we envision a future where every person and every community in Appalachian Ohio flourishes. A future where children and families have access to educational opportunities and arts and cultural experiences previously unavailable to them. Where strong, vibrant communities provide job and social opportunities that call our young people home. Where residents of all ages live longer, healthier lives and our natural environment is maintained for future generations.