FAO affiliate foundations award more than $525,000 in funding across Appalachian Ohio

More than 180 grants to support nonprofit, public and youth-led projects and programs

NELSONVILLE, Ohio – The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio’s 15 affiliate foundations have awarded 186 grants, totaling $528,348, to support initiatives benefiting the region’s residents and communities, including 30 youth-led projects.

“Our affiliate foundations and the visionaries and leaders behind them are a vital part of our community of givers and our mission to create an abundance of possibilities for all who call our region home,” said Cara Dingus Brook, FAO president and CEO. “Through these grants, the love and commitment of donors are being invested in the love and commitment of doers across Appalachian Ohio, including local youth who are embarking on their legacies of service to community.”

This summer, FAO’s 14 geographic affiliates and the regionwide African American Community Fund, in partnership with FAO’s I’m a Child of Appalachia^® Fund, invited nonprofits, schools and public organizations to apply for grants to advance initiatives across five areas essential to creating and sustaining transformative change: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. Emphasis was on supporting individuals of all ages who are spearheading projects and programs that create opportunities, meet pressing needs and unleash the potential within Appalachian Ohio.

The I’m a Child of Appalachia^® Fund also provided each affiliate foundation up to $5,000 to support projects developed and implemented by local youth under age 18. The goal of this funding is to empower young leaders and inspire them to embrace greater roles in their communities. 

During the 2023 funding cycle, 186 grants were awarded:

• The African American Community Fund, with support from the AEP Foundation, awarded a total of $175,750 through 31 grants, including grants for two youth-led projects and 10 grants for capacity building, with funding from the U.S. Bank Foundation.
  
• The Gallia Community Foundation awarded nearly $21,000 through nine grants, including two youth-led projects.
  
• The Guernsey County Foundation awarded more than $46,000 through 17 grants, including two youth-led projects.
  
• The Harrison County Community Foundation awarded nearly $32,000 through 11 grants, including a youth-led project.
  
• The Highland County Community Fund awarded $15,000 through seven grants, including two youth-led projects.
  
• The Hocking County Community Fund awarded more than $22,000 through 12 grants, including four youth-led projects.
  
• The Jackson County Community Foundation awarded more than $18,000 through nine grants, including two youth-led projects.
  
• The Lawrence County Community Foundation awarded $15,000 through seven grants, including a youth-led project.
  
• The Meigs County Foundation awarded more than $50,000 through 17 grants, including a youth-led project.
  
• The Monroe County Community Foundation awarded more than $25,000 through 12 grants, including three youth-led projects.
  
• The Morgan Community Fund awarded $15,000 through seven grants, including a youth-led project.
  
• The Nelsonville Community Foundation awarded nearly $24,000 through 15 grants, including three youth-led projects.
  
• The Noble County Community Foundation awarded $15,000 through nine grants, including three youth-led projects.
  
• The Community Foundation for Perry County awarded nearly $38,000 through 16 grants, including two youth-led projects.
  
• The Vinton County Community Fund awarded $15,000 through seven grants, including a youth-led project.
  

Matching funds are available for year-end gifts

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is providing a 50-cent match for every $1 given to any endowment at FAO, including those supporting its affiliate foundations. Matching funds can even be used to help start a new endowment fund. A total of $500,000 in match funding is available on a first-come, first served basis through Dec. 31, with up to $25,000 in match available per household. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/endowmentmatchFAO.

To learn more about the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, its affiliate foundations and how you can support the people and places of this 32-county region, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org, email info@ffao.org or call 740.753.1111.