More than $33,000 awarded to support projects, programs benefiting Harrison County
CADIZ, Ohio – The Harrison County Community Foundation (HCCF), in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), has awarded 15 grants, totaling $33,280, to support projects and programs benefiting the county’s residents and communities.
“With this funding, we are investing in the people and organizations doing transformative work in our communities and in initiatives that otherwise might not be possible,” said Kris Puskarich, HCCF committee member. “Every dollar is a testament to the generosity of donors who share our love for and commitment to Harrison County.”
Nonprofits, schools and public organizations serving Harrison County were invited to apply for grants 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 collective potential within Harrison County.
Grants were awarded to:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Ohio to help expand a school-based mentoring program for students whose families are battling opioid addiction
- Blues For A Cure to sponsor the 2025 concert, benefiting Harrison Community Hospital-WVU Medicine and Harrison Cancer Crusaders
- Crossroads Farm to help fund the purchase of a 15-passenger van for the rural youth ministry’s programs and events
- Deersville Community Players to complete the theater’s lighting project and to help fund a new sound system
- Harrison County Dog Pound Volunteers to help fund veterinary care for dogs at the pound
- Harrison County Tourism Council received two grants: (1) to repair the Christmas light display at the courthouse and (2) to sponsor the 2025 summer concert series at Sally Buffalo Park
- Harrison Hills City School District received three grants: (1) to help fund Harrison Central High School’s “Close Up” government studies program in Washington, D.C., (2) to support the Caring for Huskies program and the emergency clothing it provides to students and (3) to purchase a freezer for the monthly food distributions the district hosts
- Humane Society of Harrison County to support its Trap-Neuter-Return program for stray cats
- Puskarich Public Library System to support the first two years of a new partnership with Kulture City that will enhance sensory and accessibility services for individuals with disabilities
- Scott Memorial United Methodist Church to help stock a new Foster Closet for families and children in foster care
- Tri-County Help Center to support a new support group for Harrison County youth and community education and youth outreach efforts in the county
In addition, HCCF, with funding from FAO, awarded a grant to support a project developed and implemented by local youth under age 18. The goal of this funding is to inspire young people to embrace roles as changemakers committed to creating strong, vibrant communities. The Harrison Hills City School District received funding for a project spearheaded by three Harrison Central High School seniors who are working with the district’s elementary teachers to develop mathematical fact fluency decals that will be installed on the elementary school’s stairways. The project is rooted in research that shows repeated exposure to learning tools like this helps with memory consolidation, faster recall and greater levels of confidence with math.
HCCF, one of FAO’s 15 affiliate foundation partners, was established in 2012 to develop and grow permanent charitable resources that provide continuous investment in Harrison County and its nonprofits, schools and communities.
To learn more about HCCF and how to support its work, email Harrison@ffao.org or call 740.753.1111.