More than $31,000 awarded to support 11 projects and programs
McCONNELSVILLE, Ohio – The Morgan Community Fund (MCF), with the support of its donors and in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), has awarded $31,485 during its 2025 grant cycle to advance 11 projects and programs benefiting the county’s residents and communities.
“These grants embody the generosity of our donors and the determination of those on the ground working every day to strengthen Morgan County,” said Kelsey Wells, MCF committee member. “Together, we are giving our time, talent and financial resources to ensure all who call our communities home have opportunities to flourish.”
Nonprofits, schools and public organizations serving Morgan 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 Morgan County.
The 2025 grant recipients are:
- Appalachian String Initiative to expand and sustain the Arco Strings beginner music education program for Morgan County children and adults
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Appalachian Ohio to expand the Lunch Buddies mentoring program at Morgan East Elementary School to include interactive, educational enrichment activities
- Community Action of Washington-Morgan Counties to support the 2026 Summer Feeding Program for Morgan County children ages 1-18
- MoCo Kitty Kontrol to help fund the spaying and neutering of cats in Morgan County at two public veterinary clinics in 2026
- Morgan Community Support and Solutions to fund summer internships for two Morgan High School students
- Morgan County Community of the Arts to purchase equipment and tools for “carry-in” art classes that will be held at various sites in Morgan County
- Morgan Local Schools received two grants: (1) to purchase gym shoes and exercise mats for physical education classes at Morgan East Elementary School and (2) to support the Morgan South Care Team’s work to provide South Elementary School students with food, clothing, hygiene products and attendance incentives
- Rural Action to purchase food from local farmers for distribution at the Bishopville Food Pantry and Morgan County United Ministries
- Twin City Opera House to purchase and integrate listening devices that will allow individuals with hearing impairments to enjoy on-screen content at the venue
- United Way of Muskingum, Perry and Morgan Counties to increase local enrollment in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio and to provide books to Morgan County children in the program
MCF, one of FAO’s 15 affiliate foundation partners, was established in 2008 to develop and grow permanent resources that provide continuous investment in Morgan County and its nonprofits, schools and communities. Each year, earnings from charitable giving to MCF’s endowment fund are reinvested in Morgan County through grants that meet the county’s greatest needs and most promising opportunities.