Gratitude Grants Awarded to ACF Grantees and Local Schools

Shayne Lopez • September 2, 2022
A couple of months ago, Gratitude Grants were sent to over 60 Athens County-serving organizations and agencies (including Athens County Schools) who have received competitive grants from the Athens County Foundation from March 2020 to the end of 2021. The Gratitude Grant, which amounts to $400 per recipient, was an unrestricted gift to all our partner organizations in recognition of their hard work in serving the community during the last couple of years. The ACF recommended that the funding be used for staff, client, or volunteer appreciation efforts, or be placed in the organization’s budget.

 

The Gratitude Grant was inspired by the 2021 Cornwell Award recognizing the Athens County community. The award recognized the collective and individual efforts of the community members to support one another over the last two years. Even though the pandemic is not officially over, the ACF and funding partners (Rocky Community Improvement Fund, Sisters Health Foundation, and Osteopathic Heritage Foundation) believe it is necessary to pause and express appreciation to the many people who continue to serve and care for our community.

 

The Athens County Foundation’s Cornwell Award is named in honor of local Attorney Foster B. Cornwell, a 4th generation Athenian, and his wife, Helen W. Cornwell. The Cornwells were instrumental in the growth of the Foundation and philanthropy in Athens County. Each year, the Foundation recognizes individuals with the same vision and dedication to the Athens County Community. Historically, annual Cornwell awardees recommend a grant in their honor to an Athens County nonprofit. Instead of making a grant to one organization, we expressed our thanks by awarding Gratitude Grants to everyone who met the criteria.

 

Please join us in showing gratitude by reaching out to the people and/or organizations who have impacted your life since the pandemic began.

 

Allow us to start by telling you, our dear reader, Thank You — for always standing with the Athens County Foundation. Your support means the world to us!

RCIF Applications Open

By Shayne Lopez • March 19, 2026
We are pleased to announce that the Rocky Community Improvement Fund (RCIF) Spring 2026 grant cycle is now open. Applications will be accepted until April 19, 2026. RCIF supports communities where Rocky Brands employees live and work, directing funding to projects in Nelsonville, Buchtel, Haydenville, Trimble, Murray City, Glouster, Carbon Hill, and surrounding areas. Since 2013, the fund has partnered with the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation to match charitable contributions from Rocky Brands employees.  Eligible applicants include organizations serving Nelsonville, nearby villages, and the broader counties of Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, and Washington. Funding priorities are as follows: Children’s welfare and education Hunger School programs Senior citizens Developmental disabilities Community development and infrastructure Housing initiatives Animal welfare Community beautification Environmental programs Please note that funding is limited, with a total of $50,000 available. We encourage interested organizations to apply early and reach out with any questions.

March Message to our donors

By Emily Prince • March 11, 2026
Advancing Participation in Athens County

Pull up a Chair: March Newsletter

By Emily Prince • March 11, 2026
Celebrate Community