Gifts to the Highland County Community Fund’s endowment fund are invested, with earnings from those dollars returned to our communities through grants to nonprofits, schools and public organizations serving our neighbors.

With the support of our donors and in partnership with FAO, our grants fund projects and programs that advance opportunities across five areas, known as our Pillars of Prosperity: 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 2024 grant application closed on Sept. 10.

A growing impact, year after year

$15,000 awarded in 2023!

In 2023, the Highland County Community Fund awarded seven grants, totaling $15,000, to support initiatives benefiting our residents and communities. This includes two grants for projects developed and implemented by Highland County youth under age 18, empowering our young people’s good work today and inspiring them to embrace future roles as community builders.

Grant Recipients

  • Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio to purchase food for mobile food pantry distributions in Highland County
  • Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Councilt o 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

  • 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

  • Alternatives to Violence Center to assist domestic violence victims with housing costs
  • American Red Cross of South Central Ohio to purchase smoke detectors for area homes
  • Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Council to help support 174 girls in Highland County through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience
  • Mary’s Episcopal Church to help fund its monthly “Soup’s On” free community meal
  • Wilmington College to provide scholarships for Highland County children with disabilities to attend a summer therapeutic horse-riding camp

  • Greenfield Area Christian Center’s New Directions Youth Ministry to support the summer 2022 Discover Inspire Grow Group
  • Hillsboro First Baptist Church to support The Diaper Depot in providing free diapers to families in need
  • Highland County Community Action for the I’m a Child of Highland County Youth Leadership Academy