Investing in Athens County: Grantmaking
At the Athens County Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of community-driven initiatives. We believe in the power of collaboration, resilience, and the unique strengths that define our region. Through our grantmaking initiatives, we strive to cultivate positive change and support initiatives that align with the diverse needs and aspirations of our community.
Trust-Based Approach to Grantmaking
Trust is the foundation of meaningful relationships, and we extend that principle to our approach in philanthropy. By placing trust at the core of our grantmaking process, we aim to build strong partnerships with organizations and individuals committed to making a positive difference in our community. We believe that trusting the expertise and experience of our grantees, the people who are closest to the challenges and opportunities in the community, leads to more effective, sustainable, and transformative outcomes.
Join Us in Building a Healthy, Inclusive, Thriving Athens County for All
Whether you are an organization with a transformative project, a community leader with innovative ideas, or an individual looking to make a difference, we invite you to collaborate with us on a grantmaking journey. Together, let’s build a stronger, more resilient Athens County that reflects the diversity and potential of our community. We seek collaborators, because everyone has something to contribute. We invest in our partners through grantmaking so that we can together invest in the county. We do it by elevating leaders, expanding capacity, and enriching initiatives.
ELEVATE LEADERS
The experiences and perspectives of the diversity of people in Athens County are the foundation of effective, meaningful action. Leaders – whether they formally receive that title or not, whether they are existing or emerging – are taking actions every day to take care of each other and improve quality of life throughout the county. Homegrown leaders are creating participatory, inclusive change, and ACF is here as a partner. We are committed to elevating the voices of those who have traditionally struggled to be heard. With the right support, local leaders are prepared to innovate and act to make Athens County a healthy, inclusive, thriving community for all. We believe that everyone has something to contribute, and that everyone can be a leader.
EXPAND CAPACITY
ACF supports the organizations that support the communities throughout Athens County. We believe that stronger, more connected nonprofit organizations can best deliver on their missions. Results that matter come from community members, nonprofits, and public and private organizations working and learning together, listening, and engaging in constructive conversations. Our capacity-building programs and services create nonprofit organizations and nonprofit leaders who can develop their own skills, grow their organizational capacity, and strengthen support networks. We will play the role that best supports nonprofit capacity-building, as directed by the organizations themselves – because we seek outcomes, not ownership.
ENRICH INITIATIVES
We are inspired every day by community members who are making a difference in Athens County. By virtue of our role in the community, ACF is often a crossroads for individuals, organizations, businesses, and institutions that want to engage in change-making efforts. ACF serves as a hub that connects people, perspectives, places, and policies. We believe these connections will exponentially magnify individual strengths that will in turn open pathways and create possibilities. We value the experience and experiments happening around the county, and when something is working, we invest wholeheartedly and expand the reach, leveraging local knowledge for a larger impact. Our goal is to provide flexible, responsive connections and resources that will allow swift action toward sustainable, meaningful outcomes. We have seen how big investments in collaborations can pay off.
Ready to embark on your grantmaking journey with us? Explore our grant opportunities and start your application today!