Foundation for Appalachian Ohio

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Foundation for Appalachian Ohio

Creating opportunities for Appalachian Ohio Give. Grow. Create. We’re here to help donors give back in ways that are meaningful – to them and to our region.

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio envisions a future where all citizens of Appalachian Ohio live in a region abundant with possibilities. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit community foundation, the Foundation’s mission is to create opportunities for our citizens and communities by inspiring and supporting philanthropy. Since 1998, the Foundation has been working with donors who are passionate about Appalach

ian Ohio, its communities, and its future. To learn more about how the Foundation can help you make a difference in Appalachian Ohio, visit www.appalachianohio.org.

06/04/2026

Imagine learning about state government not just from inside a classroom, but inside the Ohio Supreme Court. Exploring local history not only through readings, but by visiting the places where it happened. Becoming civic minded not merely by studying, but by practicing civic leadership and addressing real community needs.

Our Strengthening Civics Education in Appalachian Ohio initiative, a partnership with the Longaberger Family Foundation, is turning these what-ifs into reality for students across the region.

Read about the 17 learning experiences awarded 2026 civics education grants: https://appalachianohio.org/2026/05/seventeen-grants-awarded-to-support-k-12-civics-education-in-appalachian-ohio/.

Since 2019, this initiative has awarded more than $182,000 to provide K-12 students with opportunities to participate in their communities, understand how government works and see themselves as community builders and leaders.

Noble County Community Foundation
Guernsey County Foundation
Hocking County Community Fund
Gallia County Foundation
Community Foundation for Perry County

05/26/2026

As we usher in the unofficial start of summer, we’re reflecting with gratitude on the donors, doers and partners who preserve and invest in the rolling hills, winding waterways and biodiverse landscapes that make Appalachian Ohio such a special place to call home.

Check out our latest Environmental Stewardship Impact Report and see how, together, we are ensuring that Appalachian Ohio’s natural assets – and the people and communities they sustain – continue to flourish for generations to come: https://appalachianohio.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Environmental-Stewardship-Impact-Report-2024-2025-FOR-WEB.pdf.

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
Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District
American Electric Power - AEP
Nicolozakes Trucking and Construction
Ohio Cat

05/14/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Southern Perry County Academic Endowment Fund (SPCAEF) scholarship and grant recipients!

“These scholarships and grants reflect a deep and ongoing commitment to Southern Perry County,” said Angela Plant, president of the SPCAEF board. “By supporting students, educators and community programs, this funding is not only opening doors to higher education but also strengthening educational opportunities right here at home.”

Read more about this year’s scholarship and grant recipients: https://appalachianohio.org/2026/05/spcaef-announces-2026-scholarship-and-grant-recipients/.

Community Foundation for Perry County
Southern Local Schools
Little Cities of Black Diamonds
Miller High School Band
New Straitsville Public Library

05/11/2026

From investing in our youth and supporting working families to preparing a skilled workforce, the Dale Hileman and Donald R. Myers legacy funds at FAO are building stronger Appalachian Ohio communities through opportunity.

Read about the 2026 Dale Hileman Legacy Fund grant recipients: https://tinyurl.com/mv8tdjeb.

Read about the 2026 Donald R. Myers Legacy Fund to Support Partnership in Appalachian Ohio grant recipients: https://tinyurl.com/ybzv3rph.

It is an honor to back the organizations and programs who help our people and communities flourish – and to see Dale and Donald’s legacies continue to shape our region.

Guernsey County Foundation
Noble County Community Foundation
Barlow Vincent Church of Christ
Caldwell Exempted Village School District
Newcomerstown NOW
Valley YOUTH Network
Southeastern Ohio Counseling Center LLC
United Way of Jefferson County Ohio

05/07/2026

Priority applications open one week from today for the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation Scholarship!

The scholarship will fully fund participation in the SOAR Ohio Experience for the 2026-2027 school year for four rural districts new to the SOAR network, with priority given to districts in the Appalachian region. This statewide leadership network supports superintendents and their teams in creating future-ready systems that prepare every student for success in college, career and life.

Superintendents and district leaders are invited to an information session on Wednesday, May 13, from 2-3 p.m. to learn more about the program and the scholarship opportunity. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/nharwxbx.

05/05/2026

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King

For the past 15 years, we’ve partnered with the Jenco Foundation Fund to celebrate individuals whose compassion, service and leadership make communities across our region great places to call home.

We invite you to be a part of this tradition and to shine a light on those making a difference in your community! Nominations open today for the 2026 Jenco Awards, honoring Appalachian Ohioans who embody what’s possible when we give our time, talent and passion to serving others and our communities.

Nominations are due by June 16. Learn more at: www.AppalachianOhio.org/Jenco.

African American Community Fund
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

04/30/2026

Join us in celebrating our newest Child of Appalachia honoree, Thomas B. Evans!

A Jackson County native, Tom is an experienced investment professional who has been shaping the future of higher education for decades. As co-founder of American College of Education, he has expanded access to flexible, affordable online degree programs for working professionals across education, health care and business – impacting the lives of 55,000+ alumni worldwide.

Tom’s story reflects the unlimited potential within the people of Appalachia, and his entrepreneurial vision and commitment to transforming higher education is felt far beyond Appalachia.

Congratulations, Tom, and thank you for being a proud and inspiring Child of Appalachia!

Read more about Tom’s life and impact: https://appalachianohio.org/2026/04/fao-honors-tom-evans-as-newest-child-of-appalachia-honoree/

African American Community Fund
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
American College of Education

04/28/2026

Grant applications open today for seven of our affiliate foundation partners!

Funding is available for nonprofits, schools and public organizations in Gallia, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Meigs, Morgan and Perry counties. Grants will be awarded to projects and programs advancing opportunities across our Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services.

Applications are due by June 9. Learn more and apply at www.AppalachianOhio.org/Grant-Opportunities.

In 2025, our affiliate foundation partners awarded more than $627,000 in grant funding to create opportunities and address pressing community needs. Your project could be next!

Community Foundation for Perry County
Gallia County Foundation
Hocking County Community Fund
Jackson County Community Foundation
Meigs County Foundation
Morgan Community Fund

04/24/2026

We remember with gratitude and celebrate the life and legacy of Margaret Matterson Fredericks, a 2015 Jenco Award recipient.

A longtime Washington County teacher, Margaret saw the need her students had for extra homework help and a place to go after school. Informal meetings on her front porch expanded rapidly to become what is now the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County in Marietta.

This was just one of the many ways Margaret served others and her community. Her legacy will always be a powerful reminder of what one person can do when driven by heart, purpose and service.

Learn more about Margaret’s life and impact: https://tinyurl.com/Margaret-Fredericks

04/15/2026

Calling all Appalachian Ohio superintendents and leadership teams!

We’re excited to partner with the Buckeye Association of School Administrators and the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation to help expand access to the SOAR Ohio Experience for Appalachian and rural districts. This statewide leadership network supports superintendents and their teams in creating future-ready systems that prepare every child for success in college, career and life.

The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation Scholarship will fund full participation in the SOAR Ohio Experience for the 2026-2027 school year for four rural districts new to the SOAR network, with priority given to districts in the Appalachian region.

Register for an upcoming information session to learn about SOAR and the scholarship process:

• Tuesday, April 21, noon-1 p.m.: https://tinyurl.com/33k34bkt
• Wednesday, May 13, 2-3 p.m.: https://tinyurl.com/nharwxbx

Priority applications for this scholarship opportunity will be available May 14-21.

Check out the link in the comments to learn more about the SOAR Ohio Experience.

Address

35 Public Square
Nelsonville, OH
45764

Telephone

+17407531111

Website

http://www.AppalachianOhio.org/

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