More than $20,000 awarded to advance 14 projects and programs
GALLIPOLIS, Ohio – The Gallia County Foundation (GCF), with the support of its donors and in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), has awarded $20,660 during its 2026 grant round to advance 14 projects and programs benefiting the county’s residents and communities.
“Behind every dollar granted are generous donors who care deeply about our communities, and behind every funded project are dedicated individuals committed to serving others,” said Nick Roach GCF committee member. “Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant future for everyone who calls Gallia County home.”
Nonprofits, schools and public organizations serving Gallia County were invited to apply for grants – made possible by gifts to GCF’s endowment fund – to advance opportunities across five areas essential to flourishing communities: 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 projects and programs that create opportunities, meet pressing needs and unleash the potential within Gallia County.
The 2026 grant recipients are:
- Court Street Ministries to fund monthly foodbank delivery fees for a year
- District 2 Joint Volunteer Fire Department to help purchase a utility task vehicle for emergencies inaccessible to standard vehicles
- Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio to increase local enrollment in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio and provide books to Gallia County children in the program
- Economic and Community Development Institute to support the Ignite Gallia County entrepreneur bootcamp and pitch competition for current and aspiring business owners
- Gallia Academy High School to cover the cost of transporting AP English students to Cincinnati to tour the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and attend the Broadway touring production of “The Outsiders”
- Gallia-Vinton Educational Service Center to purchase supplies for the Active Citizens Team (ACT), a K-12 civics education instructional framework being implemented in 13 after-school programs across Gallia County
- Gallipolis City School District to establish a mock trial team at Gallia Academy Middle School
- God’s Hands At Work to support Stepping Forward, a new and free six-week life and career readiness class for Gallia County residents
- Integrated Services for Behavioral Health to purchase supplies that support daily behavioral health programming and therapy groups for Gallia County youth
- John Gee Black Historical Center Inc. to purchase a wireless microphone system for mobile display presentations at public events and educational programs
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southern Ohio to support mental health education and suicide prevention for middle and high school students in both Gallia County school districts
- River Valley Middle School Student Council to replace the school’s storm-damaged blessing box and help stock it with food, hygiene items and other necessities
- Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio to help cover the cost of overnight stays for Gallia County families
- Sojourners Care Network to provide resources that support Gallia County youth experiencing homelessness during their stay in a shelter and as they transition into permanent housing
GCF, one of FAO’s 15 affiliate foundation partners, was established in 2011 to develop and grow permanent resources that provide continuous investment in Gallia County and its nonprofits, schools and communities. Each year, earnings from charitable giving to GCF’s endowment fund are reinvested in Gallia County through grants that meet the county’s greatest needs and most promising opportunities.