Funding available for Southern Perry County students, schools and organizations
CORNING, Ohio – Applications open Monday, Jan. 5, for 2026 community grants and scholarships available through the Southern Perry County Academic Endowment Fund (SPCAEF).
SPCAEF was established in 1987 to create resources to promote academic experiences for the residents of the Southern Local School District. Part of the Community Foundation for Perry County’s family of funds, SPCAEF partners with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) to provide an annual community grants and scholarships program.
Grant funding
Schools and nonprofit community organizations serving the Southern Local School District are invited to apply for grants to fund programs that promote academic excellence and educational enrichment opportunities. In 2025, SPCAEF awarded two grants, totaling $10,000.
Scholarship funding
More than 20 scholarships are available to graduating seniors and graduates of Miller High School who are pursuing postsecondary education in various areas of study. Two scholarships, the Willard and Frances Kay Burns Legacy Scholarship and the Janice E. Norris Memorial Scholarship, will be awarded for the first time this year. In 2025, SPCAEF awarded more than $43,000 in scholarships to 14 students.
How to apply
Additional information, including guidelines, eligibility requirements and application materials, are available at www.AppalachianOhio.org/SouthernPerry. FAO has transitioned to an online system for grant and scholarship applications. Completed applications and all accompanying materials must be submitted online by Friday, March 6.