Foundation for Appalachian Ohio

09/03/2026

Communities across Appalachian Ohio have 101 new reasons to smile.

Read about the 101 grants, totaling nearly $300,000, that our affiliate foundation partners serving Gallia, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Meigs, Morgan and Perry counties recently awarded: https://appalachianohio.org/2026/08/seven-fao-affiliate-foundation-partners-announce-2026-grant-recipients/.

From supporting food pantries and housing initiatives to funding educational programs and community events, these investments are strengthening our communities and helping ensure that the people of Appalachian Ohio have the resources and opportunities they need to flourish.

We’re grateful for the donors to our affiliate foundation partners' endowment funds who make these grants possible. These grants are a powerful reminder of what generosity can do when it's given the chance to grow.

Applications for 2026 grants available through our affiliate foundation partners serving Guernsey, Harrison, Lawrence, Monroe, Noble and Vinton counties, as well as the Nelsonville area, close Sept. 8. Learn more and apply at www.AppalachianOhio.org/Grant-Opportunities.



Community Foundation for Perry County
Gallia County Foundation
Guernsey County Foundation
Harrison County Community Foundation
Hocking County Community Fund
Jackson County Community Foundation
Meigs County Foundation
Monroe County Community Foundation
Morgan Community Fund
Noble County Community Foundation
Vinton County Community Fund

08/28/2026

The Perry County Disaster Relief Fund is accepting applications from 501(c)(3) public charities and other organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions, including schools, faith-based organizations and other public entities providing immediate relief and essential services to individuals impacted by the August flash flooding.

Applications will be reviewed weekly. Learn more, apply for funding or support the fund at www.tinyurl.com/FAO-PCDRF.

The Community Foundation for Perry County established the fund to provide critical support for Perry County’s immediate recovery while creating a lasting resource to help the community respond to future disasters. Our heartfelt thanks to all who have donated, volunteered and stood in support of the people and communities of Perry County. Your generosity is making a difference.

08/26/2026

We join admirers near and far in remembering the life and legacy of Dolly Parton, a proud child of Appalachia who never forgot her roots and whose extraordinary kindness and generosity has touched countless lives, including those here in our beloved Appalachian Ohio.

Literacy and education are the foundations upon which strong futures are built. That’s why we and many of our affiliate foundation partners are proud to support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio programs across our region. Investing in our children from the very beginning is one of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen our communities and our future.

Dolly’s one-of-a-kind talent was matched by her heart of gold. Today and always, we are grateful for her example, her generous spirit and the inspiration she gives us to serve, strengthen and celebrate Appalachia.



Community Foundation for Perry County
Gallia County Foundation
Guernsey County Foundation
Harrison County Community Foundation
Hocking County Community Fund
Jackson County Community Foundation
Meigs County Foundation
Monroe County Community Foundation
Morgan Community Fund
Noble County Community Foundation
Vinton County Community Fund

08/24/2026

August is National Make-A-Will Month – a time to reflect on the people, causes, organizations and communities that matter to us most and to consider how we can support them for generations to come.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of an extraordinary planned gift made through FAO – a transformative commitment that will provide permanent support for several nonprofits and causes, including FAO, while inspiring philanthropy across the region.

In 2016, Jeff Chaddock and his husband, Mark Morrow, announced plans to leave 97% of their estate to the charitable causes close to their hearts: https://appalachianohio.org/story/jeff-chaddock-mark-morrow/.

Ten years later, they have grown their planned giving commitment to 99% of their estate, and their bold giving has inspired others to make their own commitments – to their families and loved ones but also to the missions that speak to them.

Planned giving of every amount is an essential pathway to a . We invite you to consider your legacy and the difference you can make for all you love.



Community Foundation for Perry County
Gallia County Foundation
Guernsey County Foundation
Harrison County Community Foundation
Hocking County Community Fund
Jackson County Community Foundation
Meigs County Foundation
Monroe County Community Foundation
Morgan Community Fund
Noble County Community Foundation
Vinton County Community Fund

08/20/2026

In the wake of flash flooding that has devastated communities across Perry County, many of our friends and neighbors are facing long roads to recovery – and many have asked how they can help.

The Community Foundation for Perry County has established the Perry County Disaster Relief Fund to support those affected by the flooding. Grants from the fund will go directly to organizations providing immediate services and relief. Any remaining funding will be reserved to help Perry County respond to future disasters.

We’re already seeing Perry County’s spirit of generosity in action. Among the many community members, businesses and organizations stepping up to help in the recovery efforts, Tecumseh Theater • Tecumseh Commons is generously donating half of the ticket sales from its Sept. 5th “Live From Tuesday Creek” performance to the disaster relief fund.

The need is great. But so is the compassion and generosity of our communities.

Support the Perry County Disaster Relief Fund at www.tinyurl.com/FAO-PCDRF.

08/18/2026

It was 20 years ago this week that Appalachian Ohio lost one of its greatest conservation champions to date: Ora "Andy" Anderson.

His legacy and commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of our region lives on through the Ora E. Anderson Conservation Fund for Appalachian Ohio, which is accepting 2026 grant applications to support conservation activities and programs across our 32 counties.

Learn more and apply online by Tuesday, Sept. 29: www.AppalachianOhio.org/Ora-Anderson.



Community Foundation for Perry County
Gallia County Foundation
Guernsey County Foundation
Harrison County Community Foundation
Hocking County Community Fund
Jackson County Community Foundation
Meigs County Foundation
Monroe County Community Foundation
Morgan Community Fund
Noble County Community Foundation
Vinton County Community Fund

08/17/2026

Happy National Nonprofit Day!

From championing local projects and supporting families in crisis to opening doors to new opportunities, nonprofits across our region are building pathways to a brighter future for the communities we cherish.

We and our 15 affiliate foundation partners are proud to stand alongside these organizations doing powerful work every day and to partner with donors who make that work possible. Today and always, we're deeply grateful for all who give their time, talent and treasure to advance a .



Community Foundation for Perry County
Gallia County Foundation
Guernsey County Foundation
Harrison County Community Foundation
Hocking County Community Fund
Jackson County Community Foundation
Meigs County Foundation
Monroe County Community Foundation
Morgan Community Fund
Noble County Community Foundation
Vinton County Community Fund

08/06/2026

Step back in time and explore the history of Nelsonville!

Invisible Ground recently unveiled two immersive historic markers at Nelsonville’s Public Square and Brick Kilns, along with a new podcast episode about Nelsonville. Using augmented reality, the markers bring local history to life through your smartphone or other mobile device, offering an interactive way to experience Nelsonville’s past.

The Nelsonville Community Foundation, in partnership with FAO and the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation, awarded this project a 2024 grant. We are proud to support this innovative project that preserves and celebrates the rich history of our beloved hometown and communities across Southeast Ohio.

To learn more about the Invisible Ground project, visit www.FindInvisibleGround.com.

07/31/2026

We remember with gratitude the life and legacy of Larry A. Caldwell whose unwavering commitment to community can be seen and felt throughout his beloved Guernsey County.

Among Larry’s many contributions to his community, he was a co-founder of the Guernsey County Foundation – the first of what has grown to 15 affiliate foundation partners at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.

His legacy lives on in the many Guernsey County organizations he led and served, the lives he touched and the people he inspired to invest in the place he loved.

Learn more about Larry’s life and enduring impact: https://www.thorn-blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/larry-caldwell.

View Larry A. Caldwell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/28/2026

Have a vision for your community? This could be where it begins!

Starting today, seven of our affiliate foundation partners are accepting grant applications.

Nonprofits, schools and public organizations serving Guernsey, Harrison, Lawrence, Monroe, Noble and Vinton counties as well as the Nelsonville area are invited to apply for funding. Grants will be awarded to projects and programs across five areas essential to flourishing communities: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services.

Applications are due by Sept. 8. Learn more and apply at www.AppalachianOhio.org/Grant-Opportunities.



Guernsey County Foundation
Harrison County Community Foundation
Monroe County Community Foundation
Noble County Community Foundation
Vinton County Community Fund