Seven grants to support nonprofit, public and youth-led projects and programs
HILLSBORO, Ohio – The Highland County Community Fund (HCCF) has awarded seven grants, totaling $15,000, to support initiatives benefiting the county’s residents and communities, including two youth-led projects.
“This funding reflects the love and generosity of our donors and is an investment in the people and organizations doing amazing work in our communities,” said Lindsay Cloud, HCCF committee member. “We look forward to seeing the immediate and long-lasting impact these grants will make.”
This summer, HCCF and the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio’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 Highland County.
Grants were awarded to:
· Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio to purchase food for mobile food pantry distributions in Highland County
· Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Council to assist with program costs for the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in Highland County
· Highland County Community Action Organization Inc. to support the I Am a Child of Highland County Leadership Academy
· Hillsboro First Baptist Church to purchase diapers and other items for The Diaper Depot’s distributions to families in need
· Junior Achievement of OKI Partners Inc. to help fund the participation of Highland County high school students in the Inspire to Hire career expo
The I’m a Child of Appalachia® Fund provided HCCF 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. HCCF awarded youth-led project grant funding to:
· Greenfield Area Christian Center’s New Directions Youth Ministry to help fund 2024 Discover Inspire Grow Groups led by former and current students
· Highland County ACCESS Program to fund micro-internships for Highland County high school students
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 Highland County Community Fund and how to support its work, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org/Highland, email Highland@ffao.org or call 740.753.1111.