about us
the why behind our work
The Athens County Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the people and communities of Athens County, Ohio. We provide grants, encourage local giving, and work alongside others to lead and address important community needs.
mission
Athens County Foundation builds on the strengths of our community by advancing participation and collaboration to address longstanding challenges and pursue extraordinary opportunities.
vision
Everyone in Athens County is engaged and working together to ensure a healthy, inclusive, thriving community for all.
values
The values of the Athens County Foundation guide our priorities and our actions. In short, we value inclusion, collaboration, courage, hope, and trust (more at right).
The Athens County Foundation values:
Inclusion
The experiences and perspectives of people in Athens County are the foundation of effective, meaningful action. We elevate the voices of those who have struggled to be heard, and we strive for diversity in our initiatives and within our organization.
Collaboration
Results that matter come from community members, nonprofits, and public and private organizations working and learning together, listening, and engaging in constructive conversations. We seek outcomes, not ownership.
Courage
Change requires us to be bold in seeking solutions. We face difficulties, ask challenging questions, and take feedback, always leading with kindness.
Hope
Our community members make a powerful difference. Their ideas and expertise, their care and concern, their efforts and projects, their investments – these are strengths that inspire us to see opportunity in the face of challenging problems. We are unwavering in our belief that, together, we can make Athens County stronger.
Trust
Philanthropy and community engagement are built with integrity, authenticity, and accountability – by the ACF and by those we serve. The strength of our relationships will propel us toward our shared goals.
our theory of change
At the heart of Athens County Foundation’s mission lies a commitment to fostering positive and lasting change within our community. Our Theory of Change serves as a guiding compass; it outlines the strategy and path we will follow to turn ideas into realities. Our Theory of Change shows the steps we take to drive social progress, address community needs, and boost the voices of those in Athens County.
Join us in exploring the narrative of change, where every action taken contributes to the larger tapestry of community development. Your engagement is crucial as we navigate this journey, weaving a narrative where every contribution shapes a resilient and thriving Athens County.
the land we inhabit in Athens County
our impact
Over the years, ACF has become a powerful force for positive change in Athens County – supporting nonprofits, empowering leaders, and addressing critical community needs. Through our initiatives, we create ripples of impact that extend across generations.
