More than $91,000 awarded to support 23 projects and programs
POMEROY, Ohio – The Meigs County Foundation (MCF), with the support of its donors and in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), has awarded $91,140 during its 2025 grant cycle to advance 23 projects and programs benefiting the county’s residents and communities.
“The heart of Meigs County can be seen in the people who give and the people who do,” said Jennifer Sheets, MCF president. “Thanks to the generosity of many donors, we are seeing record investment in Meigs County and in the people here who give of themselves to make a difference in the lives of others. We are overwhelmed with gratitude.”
Nonprofits, schools and public organizations serving Meigs County were invited to apply for grants – made possible by gifts to MCF’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 Meigs County.
The 2025 grant recipients are:
- Carleton School received two grants: (1) to purchase equipment and supplies for life skills lessons in cooking, cleaning, laundry and self-care; and (2) to purchase supplies for the playground space, toileting areas and classrooms
- Chester Shade Historical Association to purchase equipment and materials to serve Meigs County students who attend programs at the Chester Academy and Courthouse
- Eastern Local School District received three grants, all funded by the Buckley family: (1) to purchase study materials, safety equipment, labware and building supplies for the Science Olympiad Team; (2) to purchase start-up equipment for an after-school esports club; and (3) to fund a new drone team
- God’s Hands At Work to purchase food for the Meigs County mobile food pantry
- Loyalty is Forever to support the 2026 Meigs County Back to School Bash, which provides local students with essential school supplies, clothing and resources while connecting families with community services
- Meigs Band Boosters to fund new instruments and instrument repairs for the marching, concert and jazz bands
- Meigs County Community Improvement Corporation to provide seed funding for a formal study into the feasibility and sustainability of a new facility to address the need for daycare and non-school-based afterschool activities for Meigs County families
- Meigs County Farmers’ Market to help fund the market’s Donation Station, Kids Korner and a new voucher program for seniors
- Meigs County Schools Food Pantry to purchase food
- Meigs Local Blessings in a Backpack to purchase food provided to students for weekends
- Racine Firefighters Association to purchase traffic safety vests for emergency response to roadway incidents
- Racine Methodist Church to provide fresh food, including meat, eggs, bread and produce, at the Charlotte’s Cupboard Food Pantry
- River City Players to fund a marketing intern, advertising, sound engineering consultation and training, and sound system repairs and possible equipment upgrades
- River of Life Care Closet to purchase food for its food pantry
- Rural Action to purchase food from local farmers to distribute to Meigs County food pantries
- Sage Teachings to help establish and sustain a recovery and wellness center in Meigs County
- Southern Elementary K-8 PTO to increase the amount of food provided to students for weekends
- Southern Local School District to implement the ROX (Ruling Our eXperiences) Program at Southern Elementary School, helping girls develop supportive relationships, navigate complex challenges and acquire critical life skills
- Village of Middleport to install mile markers and other signage on the multipurpose trail along the Ohio River
- Village of Pomeroy to create a mural on the Hartwell House wall along Court Street
MCF, one of FAO’s 15 affiliate foundation partners, was established in 2011 to develop and grow permanent resources that provide continuous investment in Meigs County and its nonprofits, schools and communities. Each year, earnings from charitable giving to MCF’s endowment fund are reinvested in Meigs County through grants that meet the county’s greatest needs and most promising opportunities.