Our journey to 2024
FAO’s journey began with a group of visionaries and leaders on the front lines of poverty relief who recognized that lasting change for the people of Appalachian Ohio would not occur without philanthropy. They believed the people of our region had the same potential as people anywhere; they lacked the same opportunities.
In 1999, FAO became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – and, even more, a community of givers that has grown stronger with each new member and every gift of time, talent and treasure.
Our Silver Anniversary Celebration
On Nov. 16, 2024, we hosted FAO founders and champions of Appalachian Ohio for an evening celebrating 25 years of many hands, many hearts and many gifts – all united for a Flourishing Appalachian Ohio. Here are just a few highlights from our 25th anniversary celebration:
Our future vision
FAO President and CEO Cara Dingus Brook shares our vision for a Flourishing Appalachian Ohio.
Our Second Mountain
Our 2050 time capsule
We are commemorating our first 25th anniversary by joining together to create a gift for the future leaders and community builders of FAO and Appalachian Ohio – a time capsule to be opened in 2050!
Submit your memories and messages for the time capsule through Sunday, Dec. 1, by emailing rsvp@ffao.org or by mail to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, 35 Public Square, Nelsonville, OH 45764. We will be sealing the time capsule during our Dec. 3 virtual Giving Tuesday celebration.
A milestone moment
Nearly 300 people attended the 25th anniversary celebration at the Ohio Statehouse. The location for the event was a testament to FAO’s founding. It was state leaders who pledged $1 million in matching funds that gave birth to FAO, the first and only community foundation serving all 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio.
An ode to FAO
Ohio Poet Laureate Kari Gunter-Seymour, a ninth-generation Appalachian and FAO’s inaugural Arts & Culture Pillar of Prosperity Fellow, penned and performed, “In Service to a Flourishing Appalachian Ohio,” during our 25th anniversary celebration.
