Over 40 Years of Service in Athens County!
Who we are
A 501c3, the Athens County Foundation is a community foundation conceived and supported by Athens County residents. In 1980 eight civic-spirited Athenian women gave $50 each to launch the Athens Foundation.
In 2017, the members voted to formally change the dba name to the Athens County Foundation as the result of an extensive rebranding effort. This name change better reflects our 35 years of work in all of Athens County and our future direction. Today, the Foundation’s endowment currently stands at $10 million, and the community philanthropy has granted over $2 million to 140 Athens County groups having a great impact on the quality of life in Athens County.
What we do
The Athens County Foundation enhances the quality of life for the people of our region through building endowments, awarding grants, and providing leadership on key community issues now and for generations to come.
What we invest in
Priority is given to projects that:
Build upon Economic Vitality – Build on our regional strengths. Create a community people want to live and work in. Support an educated community
Support Thriving Communities – Become more livable, more self-sustainable, and create spaces for diverse voices to come together
Focus on Individual Health and Wellbeing – sustainable solutions for individuals and families to become secure- such as food security, mental and physical health initiatives, and safety and advocacy efforts
More about our funds
The Athens County Foundation comprises over 30 different funds including the Craig Copeland Fund, the Claire Ping Fund, Mary Carolyn Clutter Fund, the Howard Walton Fund, the Athens Bar Association Fund, The Women’s Fund, and the Athens Disaster Relief Fund, among many others. The Foundation continually seeks to expand the support available for the Athens County communities through the Foundation.
Who administers the foundation?
A volunteer board of 13 members, serving four-year terms, meets at least six times per year to oversee the Foundation. Executive Director Kerry Pigman manages the operation of the Foundation.