Nearly $67,000 awarded to support projects, programs benefiting Meigs County
POMEROY, Ohio – The Meigs County Foundation (MCF), in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), has awarded 17 grants, totaling $66,954, to support projects and programs benefiting the county’s residents and communities.
“We are honored to support these outstanding organizations and their dedication to filling needs and expanding opportunities for the people of Meigs County,” said Jennifer Sheets, MCF president. “None of this would be possible without the generous donors who walk alongside the Meigs County Foundation in our service to our communities.”
Nonprofits, schools and public organizations serving Meigs County were invited to apply for grants to advance opportunities across five areas essential to flourishing communities: 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 collective potential within Meigs County.
Grants were awarded to:
- Chester Shade Historical Association to purchase a Smart Board and other items to create an educational floor at the historic Chester Academy
- Eastern Local School District received three grants, funded by the Buckley family: (1) to support the Science Olympiad Team for students in grades 6-12, (2) to adjust the backboards at the elementary school gym to allow them to be lowered for youth practices and games, and (3) to purchase equipment for the Eastern Eagles Archery Program
- God’s Hands At Work to purchase food for the Meigs County mobile food pantry
- Meigs Band Boosters to purchase percussion equipment for the drumline and pit percussion sections and to fund instrument and uniform repairs and replacement
- Meigs County Farmers’ Market to support food vouchers for veterans and the Music Along the River program
- Meigs Local Blessings in a Backpack to purchase food provided to students for weekends
- Meigs Local School District received two grants: (1) to support Meigs High School Treats and Trends in providing students with food, hygiene items and clothing, funded by Travis and Julie Abbott and (2) to fund a learning experience at Hocking Hills State Park for eighth-grade students
- Meigs County Schools Food Pantry to purchase food
- Meigs United Methodist Cooperative Parish/the Mulberry Community Center to provide back-to-school backpacks and supplies to students in all school districts in the county
- Riverbend Arts Council to purchase sheet music for the Meigs County Community Band and to support a series of free art classes for local emerging artists
- River City Players to purchase a wireless microphone system and other sound equipment and to fund marketing materials
- River of Life Care Closet to purchase food for its food pantry
- Village of Rutland to purchase two sets of doors for the Rutland Civic Center’s gymnasium, which will complete a project that will allow the facility to also be used as an emergency shelter
In addition, MCF, with funding from FAO, awarded a grant to support a project developed and implemented by local youth under age 18. The goal of this funding is to inspire young people to embrace roles as changemakers committed to creating strong, vibrant communities.
The Racine Methodist Youth Group received funding to purchase hygiene items and detergent for a new showering and laundry facility at the Mulberry Community Center for individuals experiencing homelessness or in need. The grant is also funding 100 meal tickets, which the youth will decorate with encouraging messages, to be distributed to individuals who come to the center for food.
MCF, one of FAO’s 15 affiliate foundation partners, was established in 2011 to develop and grow permanent charitable resources that provide continuous investment in Meigs County and its nonprofits, schools and communities.
To learn more about MCF and how to support its work, email Meigs@ffao.org or call 740.753.1111.