At Athens County Foundation, we are committed to seeing the strengths of Athens County become even stronger. We are dedicating our programming, investments, and resources to fueling change. We recently launched Project Co-Create, a strategic effort to scale participatory change making throughout the county. We believe that everyone has something to contribute, so our goal is to open the pathways to greater collaboration and spark engagement within the county. We’re committed. We’ll give it everything we have. But we cannot do this work alone.
We know that people and organizations are also deeply committed to Athens County. To helps us all continue to act on our commitment, we are sharpening the focus what the Commitment to Athens County can look like. Doing one of these things or all of these things will make a difference.
Let us know how you will continue your Commitment to Athens County. We want to hear from you! Pleasesign up to stay connected and follow us on social media. Together, and with shared commitment, we can Advance Athens County.
Navigating Human Resource Management (HRM) practices within nonprofit organizations
demands a delicate balance between advancing mission-driven objectives and effectively managing human capital. It’s imperative for organizational leaders to acquaint themselves with contemporary best practices and understand their alignment with the organization’s overarching mission, vision, and values.
Important key practices include strategic recruitment and retention efforts, robust
performance management frameworks with a focus on constructive feedback, fostering
transparent and trustworthy communication channels, prioritizing continuous training and development initiatives, and adhering to regulatory compliance and legal obligations.
Moreover, conducting annual audits of HR-related practices emerges as a pivotal measure to ensure ongoing compliance, effectiveness, and alignment with organizational aspirations. This workshop can aid you in achieving this equilibrium, offering insights and strategies to address crucial aspects associated with employee management.
Workshop Highlights:
Top human resource-related practices to audit annually to help you ensure compliance, effectiveness, and alignment with organizational goals.
Key strategies that balance the organization’s mission-driven objectives with effective management of human capital.
Trusted sources on where to find the best, most current answers to your HR related questions.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is designed for nonprofit professionals including:
Executive Directors and CEOs
Program Managers
Volunteer Coordinators
Anyone within the nonprofit sector who is interested in expanding their knowledge about Nonprofit HR Management
Each organization may send up to two individuals.
About Nancy Crist
Nancy is a seasoned Human Resource generalist with over 35 years of “people” experience. Her expertise lies in various areas including:
Identifying organizational strategies and development plans.
Facilitating change management processes.
Providing leadership training.
Conducting team facilitation sessions.
Designing customized training programs tailored to organizational needs.
Throughout her career, Nancy has worked to assist organizations in recognizing opportunities for value addition. She excels in aligning goals and objectives with actionable strategies, as well as devising metrics to measure and enhance performance effectively.
Nancy’s professional journey includes senior leadership roles at organizations such as Ohio University, Rocky Brands, Inc., Ed Map, Inc., and Stirling Ultracold, Inc. Additionally, she has founded her own HR consulting firm and has contributed her expertise as a college-level instructor.
In addition to her professional achievements, Nancy has actively engaged in community service through board positions and volunteer work with organizations such as Central Ohio March of Dimes, Athens County Habitat for Humanity, CASA/GAL for Athens County, and Rural Action, Inc.
Originally from Iowa, Nancy has made Athens her home since 1994, where she resides with her husband.
This workshop is part of the Strengths+Strengths Workshop Series.
Strengths+Strengthsis a special initiative designed to provide nonprofit organizations throughout Athens County with access to professional resources, expert insights, and leading best practices. The goal is to help those who do good do even better. Every organization has strengths and has opportunities to build on those strengths. This program listens to what organizations say they need to get to where they want to go and makes those resources available at no fee. Ultimately, by supporting nonprofit organizations and social sector leaders, we are building the strengths of our county and advancing important mission work in the region.
Make the most of your mission and embrace AI as your ally in maximizing your organization’s potential. Beyond the hype, AI offers tangible solutions that can transform operational efficiency, enhance donor engagement, and enable you to do more of the work you love. This workshop will help you understand how to get started with using AI and the potential it has in helping you expand your impact.
Workshop Highlights:
How to get started: Easy to follow steps on how to get started using AI
Direct Benefits from AI: This workshop focuses on real-world practical applications that you can immediately benefit from using
Interactive Training: The interactive workshop is focused on solving your real-world challenges
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is designed for nonprofit professionals at all levels of tech savviness, including:
Executive Directors and CEOs seeking innovative ways to lead their organizations into the future.
Program Managers looking to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in delivering services.
Marketing and Communications Specialists eager to automate tasks and focus on storytelling and community engagement.
Anyone within the nonprofit sector who believes in the power of technology to make a positive difference.
Driven by the belief that generative AI can be a force for good, Kevin Hardin is on a mission to empower non-profits to amplify their societal impact using AI tools and workflows. Kevin has a background in engineering from Ohio University and a Master’s in Education, and uses the combination to make AI accessible and immediately beneficial to non-profit organizations. By targeting a significant reduction of mundane tasks through generative AI, Kevin Hardin enables non-profit teams to dedicate more energy to high-impact activities, significantly increasing both job satisfaction and revenue.
This workshop is part of the Strengths+Strengths Workshop Series.
Strengths+Strengthsis a special initiative designed to provide nonprofit organizations throughout Athens County with access to professional resources, expert insights, and leading best practices. The goal is to help those who do good do even better. Every organization has strengths and has opportunities to build on those strengths. This program listens to what organizations say they need to get to where they want to go and makes those resources available at no fee. Ultimately, by supporting nonprofit organizations and social sector leaders, we are building the strengths of our county and advancing important mission work in the region.
Athens County Foundation now accepting nominations for annual awards: Woman of the Year and Senior of the Year
The Athens County Foundation is now accepting nominations for the Woman of the Year and Senior of the Year awards. These annual awards recognize contributions and leadership from those who made significant community contributions in Athens County in 2023.
Woman of the Year Award
The Woman of the Year Award honors outstanding women in Athens County who exhibit a courageous voice that has been — or needs to be— recognized and who make a difference to the lives of women or girls in Athens County. Moreover, this year, we seek nominees who embody the Foundation’s evolved core values of inclusion, collaboration, courage, hope, and trust.
The Senior of the Year Award recognizes individuals aged 60 and above who have demonstrated significant leadership within the community, particularly in areas impacting the quality of life for seniors or philanthropic endeavors in Athens County. Moreover, this year, we seek nominees who embody the Foundation’s evolved core values of inclusion, collaboration, courage, hope, and trust.
This award is supported by the Athens Jaycees Senior Fund.
Nomination process
You may send your nomination to the Foundation by completing the online form linked in the button below.
Or mailing (electronic or snail mail) your response to the following questions:
Your name
Your contact information (email, phone, address)
Who are you nominating?
What is your nominee’s contact information? (Phone, email, address)
In at least 1 paragraph, how did your nominee make an impact in Athens County (in 2023?)?
You may nominate one or several people for each award.
E.g.,
Jane Doe and Janette Deer for their work with Project A that benefits women in Community A.
The women of B Community for helping seniors through Project B.
All nominations should be sent by March 1, 2024.
The committees affiliated with each fund will recommend the awardee to the Athens County Foundation Board for selection.
About the Women’s Fund
The mission of the Women’s Fund of the Athens County Foundation is to promote philanthropy among women, and to establish a permanent fund that supports programs and projects in Athens County that empower women and girls to achieve their full potential.
About the Athens Jaycees Senior Fund
Established in 2014, the Athens Jaycees Senior Fund supports programs and services that benefit older adults in Athens County.
We see the strengths of Athens County. At the Athens County Foundation, our promise is to invest in the county’s strengths. To fortify, amplify and magnify them.
For 40 years we’ve been building an infrastructure that works with the county, not just in the county. In the last 10 years, we furthered that commitment by asking ourselves to determine how we could contribute even more to Athens County. Thinking big, we asked the question: what are the core ingredients to advancing positive change, to crafting sustainable solutions, and to reshaping systems to work for more people?
The bottom line: The most effective solutions are the product of participatory change making.
It’s the radical idea that when it’s possible for individuals, organizations, businesses, and institutions to blend their strengths and resources, they will produce lasting, powerful solutions.
With this ambition in mind and building on the practices we’ve already put into motion, ACF is expanding our focus on harmonizing and mobilizing resources across the county to advance important work through collaborations. Now it’s time to radically scale this approach to work for more people in more places, on more big opportunities, in Athens County.
This is Project Co-Create.
The Project
ACF is promoting participatory change making as a productive system that will leverage the county’s strengths. We are committed to investing in it and working with partners to advance it. But first, we need to define what “it” actually is.
Project Co-Create:
Defines and activates a participatory change making model so that Athens County can collaboratively develop solutions to address challenges and pursue opportunities with greater efficiency, speed, reach, and impact.
This model can become a system that harnesses the strengths of the county, open to everyone, to pursue shared goals.
A few notes:
The individuals involved should include those who are directly impacted by the work.
Collaborators must seek out perspectives and information from others.
While this is a continuum, it is not a linear process. Some projects may cycle as conditions change, some may achieve the goal without becoming a Collaboration.
A project can be initiated by anyone in the county who wants to bring people and parties together to work towards a shared goal or objective.
The Co-Creation Model
Throughout 2024, we’ll continue all current commitments and deliver on promises while we gather insights and information about how to increase participation and engagement. We will learn while doing, build while evolving. Our goal is to be in a position to fully adopt and scale the model in the county beginning in 2025.
Our Commitments to Athens County
Be a builder | Actively engage in community conversations and projects
Be an ambassador | Represent the spirit of collaboration and inclusion everywhere you go
Be a champion | Give the work a greater chance for success by securing and investing resources
Be a visionary | Focus on what is possible, relevant, and achievable, even if it would take a big lift.
Be an innovator | Think big and be part of the solution
Be a connector | Identify and invite in the strengths and perspectives that surround you
Let’s Connect
Stay tuned. We have a lot to share in the coming months. And, if you want to be part of the conversation about this special initiative, sign up by clicking the button below!
Things change quickly, but our values don’t. Our focus on increasing engagement the county to form change-making collaborations is a direct reflection of our values. We are committed to our mission, driven by our vision, and guided by our values.
Inclusion
The experiences and perspectives of the diversity 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. So, we will play the role that best supports progress – joining or leading – because we seek outcomes, not ownership.
Courage
Change requires us to be steadfast and bold in seeking solutions. We stay committed, ask challenging questions, take feedback, and lead 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.
We’re proud of these values and even prouder to live them in everything we do.
Support our work by giving to the Advance Athens CountyFund.
You may access the digital version of the report by clicking the download link below. A printed version will be made available to the public at the end of the quarter.
The Athens County Foundation is happy to share the updated Athens County Report!
In 2016, ACF commissioned a report to assess the state of Athens County. This report has been influential in guiding the foundation’s work and has served as a valuable resource for various community organizations. The current report aims to update information from 2016 and highlight new developments in the county.
We regret an error in the report stating that the percentage of people living below the federal poverty level is 16.9% on page 7. The correct value is 26.9%. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused and appreciate your understanding.
Help make Disc Golf a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in Athens County!
In an exciting initiative to enhance outdoor recreation and promote healthy lifestyles, a new fund has been established within the Athens County Foundation to support the development of disc golf facilities in Athens County. This endeavor aims to not only attract tourists but also encourage local residents to engage in an affordable and enjoyable sport that offers numerous physical and mental health benefits.
Disc golf, a rapidly growing sport, provides a safe and full-body exercise that contributes to weight loss, improved heart health, and enhanced mood and energy levels. Beyond the physical advantages, playing disc golf promotes a connection with nature, leading to reduced stress, better sleep, and increased creativity. Furthermore, participants experience heightened self-confidence, strengthened social connections, and overall improved mental health.
Supporting Community Well-being
The establishment of disc golf facilities is not only a boon for sports enthusiasts but also a strategic move to support the well-being of the community. As individuals engage in this affordable, accessible, and inclusive sport, they contribute to the creation of a healthier and more connected community.
Project Details
The foundation’s fund will channel donations into projects aimed at expanding the number of disc golf assets within the community. Two significant projects have been identified for funding:
Beginner/Short Course at Athens Public Library:
Goal: $4,000
The first project focuses on creating a beginner-friendly disc golf course at the Athens Public Library. This course aims to introduce individuals to the sport with a manageable level of difficulty, promoting inclusivity for all ages and skill levels.
The library will also provide discs for borrowing, allowing people to try disc golf for free and encouraging widespread participation.
Athens Community Center Course:
Goal: $10,000
The second project targets the development of a disc golf course in collaboration with the Athens Community Center. This initiative aims to create a more extensive and challenging course to cater to the needs of both beginners and seasoned players.
The goal is to raise $4,000 by February 1, with the ambitious plan of having the Athens Public Library course set up for spring 2024 play.
By contributing to this fund, individuals have the opportunity to be part of a transformative initiative that not only boosts tourism but also promotes healthy lifestyles and community well-being. The establishment of disc golf facilities in Athens County holds the promise of creating a more vibrant and connected community, with tangible physical and mental health benefits for all. Let’s come together to support this exciting venture and make disc golf a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in Athens County, Ohio.
At the Athens County Foundation, we recognize the incredible strength that resides in our people – the heartbeat of our community.
Every day, individuals across Athens County dedicate themselves to creating positive change, nurturing neighborhoods, and fostering stronger connections. Whether through visible acts of kindness or quiet gestures, each contribution plays a vital role in building a more vibrant and resilient community.
This #GivingTuesday, let’s come together and channel our collective generosity for the betterment of Athens County. Here are five impactful ways you can make a difference:
Give Your Time or Talent: Volunteer your time or share your unique skills to uplift those around you.
Give Your Voice: Stand up for what matters by signing a petition or advocating for a cause close to your heart.
Give Money: Support local nonprofits by making a donation or kickstart a fundraiser to amplify the impact.
Give Goods: Organize a supply drive or donate clothing to those in need.
Give Kindness: Spread joy and positivity – buy someone lunch, offer a helping hand, or compliment a stranger.
Every act, big or small, contributes to the tapestry of our community. Together, let’s make this Giving Tuesday a day of boundless generosity and shared compassion.
If you’re a local nonprofit and you are not listed in the webpage above, please reach out to us at info@athensfoundation.org so we can add you to our database.
The Washington, DC trip is an Athens City School District (ACSD) tradition that dates back to the 1960s! It has always been a wonderful opportunity for ACSD students to learn about the nation’s capital while making memories with their classmates that last a lifetime. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond the district’s control, the trip was not possible for the last few years. It is with great excitement that the administrators and teachers at Athens Middle School have worked to make the trip available for this year’s 8th grade class. The tradition is back!
The excitement is palpable, but there’s a crucial element to address. The trip’s expense, at $670.00 per student for the May 2024 trip, poses a financial challenge for many deserving students. Recognizing this, the Athens County Foundation has teamed up with the Athens City School District to ensure that financial constraints don’t hinder any student’s participation.
Here’s where the community steps in. We invite you to be a part of this revival by making a donation. Your support will not only help cover the costs but also contribute to creating an educational, memorable, and enjoyable experience for participating 8th-grade students. Join us in fostering a love for learning and building lasting memories as we rally together to make this trip a reality for our students. Together, let’s make a difference and bring the tradition back to life!
How to Donate
To give via check, make your check payable to the Athens County Foundation and include “ACSD Support Fund” in the memo line. Send to the Athens County Foundation, PO Box 366 Athens OH 45701.
To give online, please click the donate button below.
Note: Any donations received in excess this year will go toward next year’s Washington DC trip.
We are now accepting application for our Fall 2023 Grant Cycle. This funding opportunity supports a wide range of programs that build upon our region’s Economic Vitality, support Vibrant Communities, and/or promote Individual Health and Wellbeing.
For Fall 2023, we consider grants applications across a wide range of interests, including but not limited to the following:
improve the quality of life for seniors
provide support for women and/or children
support education success for children
leverage Athens County’s strengths and assets (e.g., outdoor recreation, collaborative projects with other organizations serving Athens County)
creative projects that enhance the quality of life and promotes inclusion/integration for adults with disabilities
promotes and advances racial equity
advances organizational resilience
Application period ends on October 13, 2023.
Timeline:
Aug 14-Oct 13: Application Period
Nov-Dec: Review Period
Dec 2023/Jan 2024: Announcement of awardees
Donor-Advised Funds
The following Donor-Advised Funds also participate in our annual Fall Grant Cycle. If you think your proposal fits their funding priority as described below, please apply to our Fall 2023 Grant Cycle.
Children Conservation League
The Intermediate Circle of the Child Conservation League is working to improve the quality of life for children in our community. Since 1970, CCL has donated over $270,000 to children’s charities and continues to host the annual Starlight Ball.
Racial Equity Fund
The Racial Equity Fund of the Athens County Foundation is a vehicle for supporting anti–racism and racial equity in Athens County. The Racial Equity Fund supports anti–racist educational projects and community programs, as well as builds capacity and opportunities for People of the Global Majority in Athens County. Proposals up to $10,000 will be accepted as part of the Fall Cycle.
Senior’s Fund
Aims to support organizations and programs in Athens County that work to improve the lives of seniors.
Women’s Fund
To promote philanthropy among women and to establish a permanent fund. This will provide funding to programs and projects in Athens County which empower women to achieve their full potential.
