$12,000 awarded to support six projects and programs
HILLSBORO, Ohio – The Highland County Community Fund (HCCF), with the support of its donors and in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), has awarded $12,000 during its 2025 grant cycle to advance six projects and programs benefiting the county’s residents and communities.
“These grants are a testament to the generosity of both donors and doers and their shared commitment to the people of Highland County,” said Lindsay Cloud, HCCF committee member. “Together, we are advancing a flourishing Highland County – from supporting job readiness to improving community health.”
Nonprofits, schools and public organizations serving Highland County were invited to apply for grants – made possible by gifts to HCCF’s endowment fund – to advance opportunities across five funding areas: 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 Highland County.
The 2025 grant recipients are:
- Greenfield Area Christian Center’s New Directions Youth Ministry to support the summer 2026 Discover Inspire Grow Groups
- Highland County Board of Developmental Disabilities to purchase a portable universal changing table for use at community events
- Highland County Community Action Organization-Highland County OhioMeansJobs to assist Highland County residents or individuals employed in Highland County with one-time support services (e.g., appropriate work clothing/footwear, required documents) to help secure or retain employment
- Hillsboro First Baptist Church to purchase diapers and other items for The Diaper Depot’s distributions to families in need
- Southern Ohio Educational Service Center to fund micro-internships for Highland County high school students with Highland County businesses
- Highland County Family YMCA to increase free and subsidized access to fitness classes, chronic disease prevention programs and other healthy living services for Highland County residents
HCCF, one of FAO’s 15 affiliate foundation partners, was established in 2020 to develop and grow permanent resources that provide continuous investment in Highland County and its nonprofits, schools and communities. Each year, earnings from charitable giving to HCCF’s endowment fund are reinvested in Highland County through grants that meet the county’s greatest needs and most promising opportunities.