Our near-term impact
Our future starts now
FAO was founded upon the belief that access to local philanthropy is vital to a community’s well-being. That mindset has fueled our work to establish 15 affiliate foundations across the region. Now, every county in Appalachian Ohio is represented by a local foundation.
We envision a future where everyone in Appalachian Ohio can flourish — and that future starts today. As we build endowments to support opportunities for future generations, we’re partnering with our affiliate foundations and others to improve lives today.
Partnering with local affiliates to fill community needs
Through our 15 affiliate foundation partners, we help meet immediate needs and support new opportunities in Appalachian Ohio communities with the fewest philanthropic resources. The results? In partnership with FAO, the Meigs County Foundation has awarded more than $1 million to projects and programs in Meigs County in the last seven years alone. And that’s just one example of the impact our affiliates are having.
Our impact
In 2024 alone, FAO and our affiliate foundation partners awarded more than $6 million in grants, scholarships and fellowships throughout Appalachian Ohio’s 32 counties. Over the last 25 years, that figure is nearly $50 million. Learn more about the needs we’ve filled and the opportunities we’ve provided.
Growing Home Fellowship
Building our next generation of community leaders
Through our Growing Home Fellowship, 100+ young leaders are conducting service projects and serving with more than 80 nonprofit, government and civic organizations. Their work touches 29 Appalachian Ohio counties and all five Pillars of Prosperity: Community & Economic Development, Health & Human Services, Education, Environmental Stewardship, and Arts & Culture.
The Growing Home Fellowship is already transforming our region by answering one of Appalachian Ohio’s most press questions: 'Who is coming next?' I am proud to be the answer to the above question. As an agricultural educator, FFA advisor, new mother, current Growing Home Fellow and a lifelong resident of Appalachia, I am changing my community for the better in part because of the work FAO has done in creating the fellowship program. Through the fellowship program, I have been given the leadership tools and encouragement necessary to serve the community that I so dearly love.
Fill the Freezer
Addressing food insecurity in Appalachian Ohio
Many families in Appalachian Ohio face food insecurity. In partnership with our affiliate foundations, we’re working to meet this need through grants to local food pantries and through the Fill the Freezer program. Each summer, buyers at livestock auctions at a growing number of local fairs can donate their animals back to local food pantries. In 2024 alone, 24,600 pounds of meat were donated through this program. The number of affiliate counties participating grew from one to five between 2021 and 2024 — and more will join in 2025.
COSI partnership
Taking science-based learning on the road
This summer, we’re partnering with the nation’s leading science museum to bring COSI’s programming directly to Appalachian Ohio middle school students. During this pilot phase, we plan to visit at least six communities. Our goal? To spark excitement for science-based learning and increase awareness of local career pathways and opportunities.
Environmental Stewardship
Stewarding our natural environment
Thanks to the generosity of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District and donors who helped establish our Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity, we are able to award grants, fellowships and scholarships annually to support conservation and environmental stewardship in Appalachian Ohio. Earlier this year, we awarded more than $160,000 to support innovations and ideas throughout our region.
Crafty Bus
Bringing arts and music experiences to children
A visionary mother of three has transformed an old school bus into the Crafty Bus, a mobile arts experience for children. In partnership with FAO, this nonprofit will bring arts and music activities to children throughout Appalachian Ohio. In doing so, we’re helping to build stronger and more connected communities through creative expression.
Friends of FAO Fund
Advancing innovative ideas in Appalachian Ohio today
Our Friends of FAO Fund is an annual giving campaign that supports opportunities today while we grow endowments. Join today to have collective and immediate impact for the people and communities of Appalachian Ohio.
Learn more about the Friends of FAO Fund