Unleashing the collective potential within Appalachian Ohio by encouraging and supporting philanthropy.
Foundation for Appalachian Ohio channels philanthropy into a defined 32-county region, with grantmaking built around the five Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. A visible part of that work is support for collaborative and responsive funding, including a $820,756 grant to Vision to Learn for general support and a $319,244 grant to Focusing Philanthropy to support the Vision to Learn Ohio program. The foundation also funds place-based priorities through general support and mission support, such as a $400,000 grant to Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities and a $250,000 grant to Havar Inc. Its portfolio includes scholarships, fellowships, competitive grants, and donor-established funds, giving it a mix of direct charitable support and regionwide capacity-building. Recent awards also show attention to community needs beyond the core pillars, including disaster relief, food access, and education-related programs. Across the grants listed here, the foundation’s pattern is to back organizations serving Appalachian Ohio communities and to use both unrestricted and program-specific grants to move work forward.
Education is a major thread in the foundation’s giving. It awarded $96,737 to Ohio Governor's Imagination Library in 2023 for general support, and $66,271 to Rolling Hills Local School District in Cambridge for general support. The scholarship side is formalized through a program that supports more than 320 scholarship funds and offers a general scholarship application for nearly 30 scholarships. Community food access also appears in the grant list: Athens County Food Pantry in Athens received $62,087 in 2025 for the mission of the pantry and $51,915 in 2024 for general support. Health-related and family-serving work shows up through grants such as $114,500 to Haven of Hope in Cambridge for mission support and $85,000 to the same organization in 2023 for general support. The foundation also funded disaster response with $170,012 to Community Foundation of Western North Carolina for Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
Typical grants are relatively modest: the 25th percentile is $7,340, the median is $10,616, and the 75th percentile is $22,747. The recent grants list also shows a long tail of larger awards, including several six-figure grants. The foundation gives repeatedly to some recipients across years: Haven of Hope appears in 2023, 2024, and 2025; Athens County Food Pantry appears in 2024 and 2025. That pattern suggests a mix of continuing support and one-time awards. Foundation for Appalachian Ohio operates donor-advised or donor-established funds alongside its own competitive programs, and several programs accept unsolicited applications, including the African American Community Fund Grants, Pillars of Prosperity Funds, the General Competitive Grants Program, the Competitive Grants Program, the Scholarship Program, and Donald R. Myers Legacy Fund Grants.
$2M
$128.1M
$26.1M
$11.5M
Most grants fall between $7K and $23K, with a median of $11K.
25th Percentile
$7K
Median
$11K
75th Percentile
$23K
CARA DINGUS BROOK
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Giving is overwhelmingly concentrated in Ohio: 94% of grants go to recipients in the foundation’s headquarters state. The recipient-country data shows all grants in the United States. Within Ohio, the recent grants list includes Cambridge, Athens, Chillicothe, Logan, Woodsfield, Columbus, and Dublin. Outside Ohio, one recent grant went to Asheville, North Carolina, for hurricane relief, and another to Santa Monica, California, to support the Vision to Learn Ohio program. The top state by grant count is North Carolina, reflecting a small number of out-of-state awards rather than the foundation’s main geographic base.
The foundation funds nonprofit and public organizations across Appalachian Ohio through its five Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. Its recent grants also include scholarships, fellowships, and donor-established funds tied to those priorities.
Typical grants are in the low tens of thousands: the 25th percentile is $7,340, the median is $10,616, and the 75th percentile is $22,747. The recent list also includes larger awards, so the distribution ranges from small awards to substantial multi-hundred-thousand-dollar grants.
Yes. Haven of Hope appears three times in the recent grants list, with awards in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Athens County Food Pantry also appears more than once, with grants in 2024 and 2025. That points to ongoing relationships with some recipients.
Yes. Several programs accept unsolicited applications, including the African American Community Fund Grants, Pillars of Prosperity Funds, the General Competitive Grants Program, the Competitive Grants Program, the Scholarship Program, and Donald R. Myers Legacy Fund Grants. The Flourishing Appalachian Ohio Fund programs are donor-managed rather than unsolicited.
Most grants go to recipients in Ohio, with 94% of grants given to organizations in the foundation’s headquarters state. The recent grants list includes recipients in Cambridge, Athens, Chillicothe, Logan, Woodsfield, Columbus, and Dublin, along with a smaller number of out-of-state awards.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Current and upcoming funding from Foundation for Appalachian Ohio that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Open to nonprofits, schools, and public organizations serving the specified counties and communities in Appalachian Ohio.
Deadline: Applications must be submitted online by Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Who can apply: Competitive grants for nonprofit and community leaders across Appalachian Ohio; specific opportunities may be limited by county and focus area. Applicants must register in FAO's Foundation Cloud Community Portal before applying.
Deadline: Applications are accepted throughout the year for some opportunities; specific fund deadlines vary.
Who can apply: FAO awards competitive grants throughout the year and across the region. The page directs applicants to grant opportunities and grant resources for how to apply. The site indicates grants support local communities, nonprofits, community leaders, schools, and public organizations.
Deadline: FAO awards competitive grants throughout the year; no single deadline is specified on the grant resources page.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROSS COUNTY BOARD OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITI | CHILLICOTHE, OH | $400,000 | 2025 | MISSION SUPPORT |
| FOCUSING PHILANTHROPY | SANTA MONICA, CA | $319,244 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE VISION TO LEARN OHIO PROGRAM |
| HAVAR INC | ATHENS, OH | $250,000 | 2025 | MISSION SUPPORT |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLIN | ASHEVILLE, NC | $170,012 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF EFFORTS |
| HAVEN OF HOPE | CAMBRIDGE, OH | $114,500 | 2025 | MISSION SUPPORT |
| ATHENS COUNTY FOOD PANTRY | ATHENS, OH | $62,087 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF THE PANTRY |
| OPEN ARMS PREGNANCY CENTER | CAMBRIDGE, OH | $46,500 | 2025 | MISSION SUPPORT |
| HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF SOUTHEAST OHIO | MILLFIELD, OH | $28,537 | 2025 | MISSION SUPPORT |
| ADAMS COUNTY TRAVEL AND VISITORS BUREAU | WEST UNION, OH | $25,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE NEW WELCOME CENTER |
| FUTURE PLANS | NEWBURY, OH | $22,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT YOUTH PROJECT ASSESSMENT |
| ADAMS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY | PEEBLES, OH | $21,672 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT BROADBAND EQUITY |
| STUART'S OPERA HOUSE | NELSONVILLE, OH | $21,267 | 2025 | MISSION SUPPORT |
| MEADOWBROOK MUSIC BOOSTERS | BYESVILLE, OH | $20,000 | 2025 | TO PROVIDE PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF SPONSORED | COLUMBUS, OH | $19,591 | 2025 | SMALL TERRESTRIAL VERTEBRATE MONITORING |
| ATHENS PHOTOGRAPHIC PROJECT | ATHENS, OH | $18,191 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF APP |
| WESTERN RESERVE LAND CONSERVANCY | MORELAND HILLS, OH | $18,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| MALONE UNIVERSITY - FINANCIAL AID OFFICE | CANTON, OH | $17,882 | 2025 | STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS |
| THE VINTON COUNTY LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | MCARTHUR, OH | $16,050 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| HOCKING ATHENS PERRY COMMUNITY ACTION | GLOUSTER, OH | $15,408 | 2025 | MISSION SUPPORT |
| ADAMS COUNTYOHIO VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT | WEST UNION, OH | $15,000 | 2025 | FAMILY STEM NIGHT AT WEST UNION ELEMENTARY |
| GREEN TOWNSHIP | STOUT, OH | $13,390 | 2025 | HISTORIC CEMETERY RELOCATION & PARK IMPROVEMENTS |
| WORLD VISION | FEDERAL WAY, WA | $13,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| OHIO UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION | ATHENS, OH | $12,951 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAMMING |
| MONROE COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY | WOODSFIELD, OH | $12,600 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY PROGRAMS |
| NELSONVILLE-YORK CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | NELSONVILLE, OH | $12,255 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT ENHANCE ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES |
| SOUTHERN OHIO SOLES | JACKSON, OH | $11,250 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| ROLLING HILLS LOCAL SCHOOLS | CAMBRIDGE, OH | $11,200 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAMMING |
| HELPING HANDS OF SOUTHEAST OHIO | CHAUNCEY, OH | $11,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| ALEXANDER INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND PROJECT | ALBANY, OH | $11,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT SOLAR SHADE STRUCTURE FOR ALEXANDER |
| ROSS COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION COMMISSION INC | CHILLICOTHE, OH | $10,908 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT SEWER PROJECT |
| HERBERT WESCOAT MEMORIAL LIBRARY | MCARTHUR, OH | $10,881 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT LIBRARY SERVICES |
| ATHENS CO PUBLIC LIBRARY | NELSONVILLE, OH | $10,881 | 2025 | TO PROVIDE TUITION SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS |
| APPALACHIA OHIO ALLIANCE | LOGAN, OH | $10,622 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF AOA |
| RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF CENTRAL OH | COLUMBUS, OH | $10,622 | 2025 | MISSION SUPPORT FOR APPALACHIAN OHIO FAMILIES |
| EASTERN LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT-BOE | REEDSVILLE, OH | $10,262 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT ENHANCED ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES |
| MEIGS LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | POMEROY, OH | $10,190 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| YMCA-JACKSON COUNTY (JACKSON AREA FAMILY ACTIVITIES CENTER) | JACKSON, OH | $10,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| MORGAN LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | MCCONNELSVILLE, OH | $10,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT ENHANCE ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES |
| BROKEN TIMBER OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER | HANNIBAL, OH | $10,000 | 2025 | MISSION SUPPORT |
| FEED MY PEOPLE OF GUERNSEY COUNTY | CAMBRIDGE, OH | $9,100 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT FOOD PANTRY |
| ABLE ACADEMY | NAPLES, FL | $9,000 | 2025 | TO PROVIDE TUITION SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS |
| SAMARITAN'S PURSE | BOONE, NC | $9,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| MORGAN COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND SOLUTIONS | MCCONNELSVILLE, OH | $8,073 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| HOLMES SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT | MILLERSBURG, OH | $8,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT TRACKING STUDY |
| LAKESIDE CHAUTAUQUA FOUNDATION | LAKESIDE, OH | $8,000 | 2025 | PROGAM SUPPORT |
| LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF CENTRAL OHIO | COLUMBUS, OH | $7,500 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT FOOD PANTRY |
| BUCKEYE TRAIL BAND BOOSTERS | LORE CITY, OH | $7,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE BAND PROGRAM |
| LOGAN-HOCKING LOCAL SCHOOLS | LOGAN, OH | $7,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| SUNDAY CREEK ASSOCIATES | SHAWNEE, OH | $6,900 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CAMBRIDGE CITY SCHOOLS | CAMBRIDGE, OH | $6,475 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES |
ROSS COUNTY BOARD OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITI
$400,000MISSION SUPPORT
HAVAR INC
$250,000MISSION SUPPORT
TO SUPPORT HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF EFFORTS
HAVEN OF HOPE
$114,500MISSION SUPPORT
ATHENS COUNTY FOOD PANTRY
$62,087TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF THE PANTRY
OPEN ARMS PREGNANCY CENTER
$46,500MISSION SUPPORT
ADAMS COUNTY TRAVEL AND VISITORS BUREAU
$25,000TO SUPPORT THE NEW WELCOME CENTER
FUTURE PLANS
$22,000TO SUPPORT YOUTH PROJECT ASSESSMENT
MEADOWBROOK MUSIC BOOSTERS
$20,000TO PROVIDE PROGRAM SUPPORT
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF SPONSORED
$19,591SMALL TERRESTRIAL VERTEBRATE MONITORING
ATHENS PHOTOGRAPHIC PROJECT
$18,191TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF APP
THE VINTON COUNTY LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
$16,050PROGRAM SUPPORT
ADAMS COUNTYOHIO VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
$15,000FAMILY STEM NIGHT AT WEST UNION ELEMENTARY
GREEN TOWNSHIP
$13,390HISTORIC CEMETERY RELOCATION & PARK IMPROVEMENTS
MONROE COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
$12,600TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
NELSONVILLE-YORK CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
$12,255TO SUPPORT ENHANCE ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
SOUTHERN OHIO SOLES
$11,250PROGRAM SUPPORT
ROLLING HILLS LOCAL SCHOOLS
$11,200TO SUPPORT PROGRAMMING
HELPING HANDS OF SOUTHEAST OHIO
$11,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
ALEXANDER INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND PROJECT
$11,000TO SUPPORT SOLAR SHADE STRUCTURE FOR ALEXANDER
ROSS COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION COMMISSION INC
$10,908TO SUPPORT SEWER PROJECT
HERBERT WESCOAT MEMORIAL LIBRARY
$10,881TO SUPPORT LIBRARY SERVICES
ATHENS CO PUBLIC LIBRARY
$10,881TO PROVIDE TUITION SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
APPALACHIA OHIO ALLIANCE
$10,622TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF AOA
MISSION SUPPORT FOR APPALACHIAN OHIO FAMILIES
EASTERN LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT-BOE
$10,262TO SUPPORT ENHANCED ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
MEIGS LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
$10,190PROGRAM SUPPORT
YMCA-JACKSON COUNTY (JACKSON AREA FAMILY ACTIVITIES CENTER)
$10,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
MORGAN LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
$10,000TO SUPPORT ENHANCE ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
BROKEN TIMBER OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER
$10,000MISSION SUPPORT
FEED MY PEOPLE OF GUERNSEY COUNTY
$9,100TO SUPPORT FOOD PANTRY
ABLE ACADEMY
$9,000TO PROVIDE TUITION SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
SAMARITAN'S PURSE
$9,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
MORGAN COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND SOLUTIONS
$8,073PROGRAM SUPPORT
HOLMES SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
$8,000TO SUPPORT TRACKING STUDY
LAKESIDE CHAUTAUQUA FOUNDATION
$8,000PROGAM SUPPORT
BUCKEYE TRAIL BAND BOOSTERS
$7,000TO SUPPORT THE BAND PROGRAM
LOGAN-HOCKING LOCAL SCHOOLS
$7,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
SUNDAY CREEK ASSOCIATES
$6,900PROGRAM SUPPORT
CAMBRIDGE CITY SCHOOLS
$6,475TO SUPPORT ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
