Third Round of Grants Awarded from Appalachian Ohio Emergency Response Fund
Eight Organizations Receive Funding to Respond to COVID-19 Crisis
Nelsonville, OH – The Appalachian Ohio Emergency Response Fund has awarded $33,000 in grants through a third round of funding to support nonprofits that are working to provide basic necessities to ensure the health and safety of Appalachian Ohio’s most vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 crisis.
Through this round of funding, the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) awarded grants to eight nonprofits working to make a difference across 19 counties in Appalachian Ohio. In total, through all three rounds of grants, the Appalachian Ohio Emergency Response Fund has now awarded nearly $84,000 to 18 nonprofits serving 28 Appalachian Ohio counties, and more awards will soon be announced in the coming weeks.
“As we give our third round of grants through the Appalachian Ohio Emergency Response Fund, we are continuously inspired by the love, strength, and innovation of those working to provide meals, medical supplies, and other essential items,” said Foundation for Appalachian Ohio President and CEO Cara Dingus Brook. “There are no words powerful enough to say how profoundly grateful we are for their work and for the donors whose gifts make our grants possible.”
The most recent grantees include Access Tusc, the Alliance Family Health Center, Area Agency on Aging Region 9, Backpack Buddies, the Clermont YMCA, Helping Appalachian Rural Peoples, the Hocking County Diaper Bank, and St. Vincent de Paul in Perry County.
Access Tusc received funding to support its Bridges to Wellness program through the purchase of formula, wipes, and diapers, as well as groceries and other essential items for families in Tuscarawas County, while growing the program to Carroll, Coshocton, Muskingum, and Guernsey counties. The Bridges to Wellness program supports at-risk individuals and families identified by service providers including Job and Family Services, doctors’ offices, and hospitals.
The Alliance Family Health Center received funding to support a mobile health unit to provide telehealth and COVID-19 testing in nursing homes and homeless shelters in Carroll, Columbiana, and Mahoning counties. Grant dollars will also be used to offset lost revenue to allow the organization to continue providing essential medical services in these communities.
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA), Region 9 received funding to create a basic needs “closet” to provide cleaning supplies, hygiene items, and other essential items that AAA staff can take from and immediately deliver to seniors in Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Muskingum, and Tuscarawas counties. As Ohioans continue to stay at home to socially distance and follow public health recommendations, older adults and disabled individuals at higher risk for COVID-19 are less able to meet basic needs, especially if they are without support systems to acquire these essential items.
Backpack Buddies in Lawrence County received funding to provide daily meals for 500 children in the Rock Hill Local School District. Grant dollars will also be used to increase support for the emergency food pantry it operates while meeting increased demand as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
The Clermont Family YMCA, located in Batavia, received funding to assist with immediate needs for Y clients, including providing meals and groceries for families through the Clermont County YMCA’s Family Relief Hub and distributing meals to those unable to travel to food distribution locations.
Helping Appalachian Rural Peoples (HARP) received funding for supplies to help with emergency housing repairs for seniors and veterans to ensure that they are able to remain in their homes. HARP serves Noble, Guernsey, Muskingum, Morgan, Washington, Monroe, and Belmont counties.
The Hocking County Diaper Bank received funding to respond to an increased demand for diapers, wipes, formula, and basic feeding essentials for infants whose families are unable to provide them. The Diaper Bank provides diapers for babies up until the age of three. Due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis, the need for diapers and other essentials is continuing to grow in the Hocking County community.
St. Vincent de Paul in Perry County received funding to support county-wide feeding efforts as they work to keep up with increased demand. During this time, they are providing food distribution, as well as financial assistance for utility payments, rent, and temporary housing.
The immediate and long-term needs resulting from COVID-19 will be felt across Appalachian Ohio’s communities for quite some time and with additional gifts, the Emergency Response Fund will be here to help. Because of the generosity of donors, FAO continues to have funds available and encourages nonprofits in need of assistance to reach out and share their needs.
FAO is continuing to review grant requests. To learn how your 501(c)(3) nonprofit or public organization may request funding, or to help grow the dollars available for the next round of funding, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org/Coronavirus or contact FAO at 740.753.1111 or listening@ffao.org.
About the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) is a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. A 501(c)(3) public charity, the Foundation creates opportunities for Appalachian Ohio’s citizens and communities by inspiring and supporting philanthropy. For more information about FAO, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org.
