Nine grants to support nonprofit, public and youth-led projects and programs
JACKSON, Ohio – The Jackson County Community Foundation (JCCF) has awarded nine grants, totaling $18,050, to support initiatives benefiting the county’s residents and communities, including two youth-led projects.
“These grants are investments in the people, communities and very future of Jackson County,” said John Jones, JCCF committee member. “We are grateful to the donors who made these opportunities possible and to the doers who will bring these opportunities to life.”
This summer, JCCF 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 Jackson County.
Grants were awarded to:
· City of Jackson to install playground equipment at Hillcrest Park
· God’s Hands At Work to purchase food for its Jackson County mobile food pantry
· Grace Clinics of Ohio Inc. to fund pharmacy vouchers and operational expenses for the Jackon Clinic
· Jackson County 4-H Advisory Council to purchase curriculum and supplies for the Jackson County Spring Project Fair and 4-H Open House
· Make Wellston Beautiful Inc. to purchase materials to build new quilt racks and art display boards for the Wellston OHillCo Festival Art Show and Quilt, Needlework, and Craft Show
· Oak Hill Area Chamber of Commerce to help fund the fabrication and installation of “The World’s Largest Acorn” sculpture at Central Memorial Park in honor of the Village of Oak Hill’s 150th anniversary
· Sojourners Care Network to provide Jackson County youth experiencing homelessness at least one warm holiday experience this December
The I’m a Child of Appalachia® Fund provided JCCF 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. JCCF awarded youth-led project grant funding to:
· Kicks 4 Coats, an initiative led by a Jackson High School senior, to provide warm coats to Jackson County children ages 1-18
· Southern Ohio Soles Inc., a nonprofit organization led by local high school students, to provide footwear to students in need in Jackson County’s public schools
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 Jackson County Community Foundation and how to support its work, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org/Jackson, email Jackson@ffao.org or call 740.753.1111.