Athens County Foundation Extends Response Fund and Launches Fall Grant Program

By Shayne Lopez | Published September 14, 2020

Athens, OH, September 14 – These challenging times call for community connection and creative solutions. The Athens County Foundation (ACF) and partner organizations are responding by adapting grantmaking processes to best support nonprofits throughout Athens County.

In partnership with the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation of Nelsonville, Rocky Community Improvement Fund, and Sisters Health Foundation, ACF is extending the Response Fund that began this spring. With increased demands on nonprofits due to the pandemic, these funding partners recognized that pooling funds and aligning the application process through ACF could further support nonprofits seeking funding.

“The strong demand for Response Fund grants to meet needs prompted by the pandemic made it clear the program needed to continue,” said Kerry Pigman, Executive Director of the Athens County Foundation. “But continuing the Response Fund required additional funding from both ACF and our partners. I am grateful for these organizations, along with Athens County donors, have generously stepped up to address the continuing challenges agencies face due to COVID-19.” This partnership has enabled $175,000 in grants to 31 organizations since its inception in late March. Applications to the Respond Fund should address needs prompted by the coronavirus pandemic and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Susan Beaudry, Vice President of the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation of Nelsonville (OHFN) shared, “The Foundation’s commitment to supporting organizations serving vulnerable populations throughout Athens County will be further leveraged through this funding partnership. Working together, we can improve community health and quality of life in the region by supporting agencies making a difference in the lives of Athens County residents.”

The Rocky Community Improvement Fund (RCIF), an initiative of Rocky Brands in Nelsonville and supported through employee giving, will designate its fall 2020 funding to the ACF Response Fund. “Seeing the impact of the Response Fund here in Nelsonville and surrounding communities convinced RCIF to continue supporting these efforts. We know they are making a difference throughout the county,” said Stephen Crook, RCIF Chairperson.

“Our continued support of the Athens County Foundation’s Response Fund aligns with the Sisters Health Foundation’s vision of ‘healthy people in healthy communities,’” said Renee Steffen, Executive Director of the foundation that serves the Mid-Ohio Valley. “We are grateful for the flexibility and creativity of Athens County nonprofits to meet community needs during the pandemic.”

In addition to continuing the Response Fund, ACF is announcing the launch of its fall 2020 grant cycle, in partnership with OHFN.

For the fall 2020 Grant Cycle, applications will be considered that:

Create economic vitality by building on our regional strengths and creating a vibrant community where people want to live and work.
Build thriving communities that are livable, sustainable, and diverse.
Focus on health and well-being for individuals and families such as food security, mental and physical health initiatives, safety, and advocacy efforts.

Proposal workshop sessions will be offered in September and October in an online format. These sessions will explain the proposal submission process and answer applicant’s questions. Dates and times for these sessions will be announced soon.

Go to http://bit.ly/ACF_Grants to download application forms, read about eligibility requirements, and access other grant resources.

The application deadline is Friday, October 23, 2020.

Please contact Eleni Zulia, Director of Programs and Engagement, with any questions about the fall grant cycle at eleni@athensfoundtion.org or 740-594-6061.

	About Athens County Foundation The Athens County Foundation invests in local strategies to empower Athens County residents and build on the strengths of our region now and for generations to come.
	About Osteopathic Heritage Foundation of Nelsonville The mission of the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation of Nelsonville (the Foundation) is to improve the health and quality of life in the community through education, research, and service consistent with our osteopathic heritage. The Foundation advances this mission through strategic partnerships, multi-year funding commitments, funding collaborations, and significant investments in southeastern Ohio. More information about the Foundation is available at osteopathicheritage.org.
	About Sisters Health Foundation Guided by its vision of healthy people in healthy communities, the Sisters Health Foundation supports efforts that promote and address healthy eating, active living, thriving neighborhoods, and mental health and addiction in the Mid-Ohio Valley. For more information, visit sistershealthfdn.org.
	About Rocky Community Improvement Fund Committed to improving Nelsonville and the surrounding communities by promoting philanthropy among Rocky associates, the Rocky Community Improvement Fund awards grants to build a clean, safe, and healthy community for our neighbors. Go to rockybrands.com/about/rocky-community-improvement-fund/ for more information.

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Meet our New Director of Program and Engagement, Eleni!

By Shayne Lopez | Published August 8, 2020

We are pleased to announce that Eleni Zulia is joining us as the new Director of Program and Engagement!

A longtime Athens resident, Eleni is joining the Foundation with over 15 years of professional experience in development, research, strategic communication, relationship management, and project management. She is an Ohio University alumna with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Certificate in Women’s Studies, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration.

As the Director of Programs and Engagement, Eleni will provide leadership for the Foundation’s grants program, Leadership Athens County, and donor engagement. Eleni’s talents, experience, and values make her a great addition to our small and nimble team.

Join us in welcoming Eleni to the Athens County Foundation! You may reach her at eleni@athensfoundation.org.

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Emergency Response Update – July 31, 2020

By Shayne Lopez | Published August 8, 2020

UPDATE #4

We have awarded over $159,000 in Emergency Response Grants to 29 organizations who are implementing emergency response programs in Athens County.

To date, the majority of our funds support health and human service programs. These programs cover a wide range of initiatives: from the procurement of PPE and sanitation supplies to a Water Bill Assistance program to investing in funds supporting international students attending Ohio University.

Our work is far from over. As the pandemic continues to impact our community, the Athens County Foundation remains ready to deploy our resources to support organizations that are responding to the pandemic as well as those that are recovering from it. Your continued support is very valuable to our community. Click the link below to support our Emergency Response Fund!

We are still accepting applications from nonprofits serving Athens County who are responding to the pandemic and whose operations have been impeded by the health crisis. Click the link below to apply!

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Effects of COVID-19 Felt Across Appalachian Ohio’s Nonprofits

By Shayne Lopez | Published July 30, 2020

Nonprofits Identify Needs in Broadband Access and Serving Youth

Appalachian Ohio – The reverberating effects of COVID-19 have been felt in every community across the country. In Appalachian Ohio, where nonprofit and other community organizations already worked pre-pandemic with the added challenge of far fewer available philanthropic dollars to invest in their missions, these nonprofits have seen existing challenges exacerbated and new barriers arising.

A number of foundations serving the region began partnering to identify where the greatest gaps for nonprofits were currently and which gaps might appear as the effects of the pandemic continue longer-term. These partners – Athens County Foundation, Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, Osteopathic Heritage Foundations, Sisters Health Foundation, and the Cincinnati Office of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland – began investing in emergency response independently, but also launched a survey of nonprofits together to better understand the most pressing needs for these organizations now as well as to look ahead to the coming months.

Through the first round of this survey, a number of key issues became clear across counties:

Broadband Access – In a region with widespread challenges in accessing broadband, the effects can be felt in education, health, and business. What these nonprofits highlighted was that they were often challenged in transitioning their services into virtual services because their clients could not access sufficient broadband to continue accessing services, be that telehealth or education. Of nonprofits responding to this survey, 53% reported that lack of client access to broadband was a barrier to their work in this environment.
Youth – Of the nonprofits surveyed, those serving youth reported the biggest drop in being able to continue their services with 68% reporting they had suspended service to youth based on the current climate for their organization, leaving many young people in Appalachian Ohio without the supports they need.
Fragile funding streams – Nearly 90% of the organizations participating in the survey reported that the amount of operating reserves they have on hand to continue their missions would last less than one year. For many nonprofits that pour funds into their mission and rely on sources of revenue like fundraisers and grants that have been canceled or slowed during this season, their reserves are already being stretched during a time when the need for their services is rising. What’s more, Appalachian Ohio’s nonprofits and communities are faced with a philanthropy gap that leaves the region with nine times fewer philanthropic dollars than the rest of Ohio, which means far fewer dollars for grants, scholarships, and other community investments.

The survey will be conducted again later this summer to see where shifts in need or opportunity has changed for these organizations. The results can serve as guides for others looking to invest in the needs of nonprofit organizations serving the increased needs of Appalachian Ohio’s communities.

About the Athens County Foundation

The Athens County Foundation invests in local strategies to empower Athens County residents and build on the strengths of our region now and for generations to come. For more information, visit www.athensfoundation.org. For data specific to Athens County, click here.

About The Federal Reserve of Cleveland

The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland serves the Fourth Federal Reserve District, comprising Ohio, western Pennsylvania, eastern Kentucky, and the northern panhandle of West Virginia. The Cleveland Fed’s research helps to support and inform the region the Bank serves, the national economy, and the banking industry by increasing understanding of important issues such as inflation, unemployment, inequality, bank regulation and supervision, and more.

About the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) is a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. A 501(c)(3) public charity, the Foundation creates opportunities for Appalachian Ohio’s citizens and communities by inspiring and supporting philanthropy. For more information about FAO, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org.

About The Osteopathic Heritage Foundation of Nelsonville

The mission of the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation of Nelsonville (the Foundation) is to improve the health and quality of life in the community through education, research and service consistent with our osteopathic heritage. The Foundation advances this mission through strategic partnerships, multi-year funding commitments, funding collaborations and significant investments in southeastern Ohio. In addition, the Foundation pursues opportunities to advance innovative solutions demonstrating long-term impact for vulnerable populations, measurable outcomes and sustainability. More information about the Foundation is available at osteopathicheritage.org.

About Sisters Health Foundation

Guided by its vision of healthy people in healthy communities, the Sisters Health Foundation supports efforts that promote and address healthy eating, active living; thriving neighborhoods; and mental health and addiction in the Mid-Ohio Valley. For more information, visit www.sistershealthfdn.org.

Go to > Impacts of the COVID19 Pandemic on Athens Area Nonprofits

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Impacts of the 2020 COVID 19 Pandemic on Athens Area Nonprofits

By Shayne Lopez | Published July 29, 2020

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The Athens County Foundation along with our partners at the Appalachian Ohio Funders Network (Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, Osteopathic Heritage Foundation of Nelsonville, Sisters Health Foundation, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland), recently surveyed all nonprofits in Appalachian Ohio to measure the effects of the pandemic. The survey revealed key issues affecting areas across county lines such as broadband access, suspension of programs serving the youth, and fragile funding streams for organizations. For the full news about this survey, click here!

Athens County echoes the same challenges experienced by the rest of the surveyed areas:

Programs were suspended/canceled
Access to technology and broadband remains an issue for both organization and clients being served
Revenue loss and struggles in revenue generation
Decreased number of volunteers and struggles in volunteer recruitment

We have put together this short slideshow to summarize the impacts of the pandemic on Athens Area nonprofits.

To support your favorite nonprofit, you can visit their individual website or contact them to see how you can give them support. You can search for their information at this database.

You can also show support to Athens area nonprofits by giving to the Athens County Foundation. Our foundation invests in local strategies implemented by nonprofit organizations to benefit the residents of our County. Click the button below to donate!

Go to> Impacts of the Pandemic on Appalachian Ohio NPOs

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Response Fund

By Shayne Lopez | Published July 19, 2020

June 2021 UPDATE

Due to the decreased number of requests, our Review Committee will be switching the frequency of reviews from bi-weekly to monthly. The committee will be open to holding emergency meetings for urgent requests.

April 6, 2021 UPDATE

The COVID-19 pandemic brought renewed urgency to address long-standing challenges in Athens County, including racial equity. In response, the Athens County Foundation (ACF) Board of Directors recently approved expanding Response Fund grants in support of projects that advance and promote racial equity in Athens County.

Initially launched to meet acute needs caused by the pandemic, ACF found that a flexible funding source such as the Response Fund can be deployed to meet other needs as well. “The Response Fund model encouraged us to think differently about how we support organizations,” shared Kerry Pigman, Executive Director. “While the annual grant cycle model is effective to fund a broad range of organizations and projects, adding a responsive approach allows us to support emergent and specific needs as well.”

Proposals to advance and support racial equity should either address specific project needs or focus on building long-term capacity for organizations or ongoing initiatives. Applicants are encouraged to contact ACF staff about their project prior to applying. Read More…

September 14, 2020 UPDATE

These challenging times call for community connection and creative solutions. The Athens County Foundation (ACF) and partner organizations are responding by adapting grantmaking processes to best support nonprofits throughout Athens County. In partnership with the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation of Nelsonville, Rocky Community Improvement Fund, and Sisters Health Foundation, ACF is extending the Response Fund that began this spring. With increased demands on nonprofits due to the pandemic, these funding partners recognized that pooling funds and aligning the application process through ACF could further support nonprofits seeking funding. Read More…

April 1, 2020

On March 9, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency. As this emergency unfolds, it is hard to predict exactly where and when philanthropic interventions will be most effective. Yet we have been responding to community need for 40 years and will continue to be on the frontlines helping local nonprofits through this crisis.

We are talking with community leaders, foundations, and nonprofits and will continue to engage and convene stakeholders to assist in efforts to help those affected by this emergency. We stand ready to deploy our financial resources where they are most needed. As always we are a generous community that looks after our vulnerable neighbors and the nonprofits that support them.

If you are a nonprofit organization responding to the effects of the current crisis in Athens County and you’re seeking financial assistance, you may now apply to receive grants from our emergency response fund. We are prioritizing organizations delivering health and safety programs in Athens County. You may also qualify if your organization’s ability to operate has been hampered by the pandemic.

Our Response Fund is made possible by the generous support of our partners: Osteopathic Heritage Foundation of Nelsonville, Sisters Health Foundation, Rocky Community Improvement Fund, ACF’s Donor Advised Funds, and the many donors who have helped grow this fund. Your continued support enables us to respond to the needs of our community during the pandemic in a timely manner. From all of us, thank you for all your support!

You can help support local nonprofits by clicking the donate button below.	If you are a nonprofit interested in this fund, click the apply button below to access our grant application form.

To donate for Racial Equity, select “Racial Equity” under Designation on the Online Donation Form. To donate for COVID19 response, select “Emergency Response.”

MONTHLY UPDATES

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Snowville Creamery Receives First Athen’s Area Women’s Business Fund Loan

By Shayne Lopez | Published April 7, 2020

The Athens Area Women’s Business Loan Fund (AWBLF) awards its first loan to Victoria Taylor, co-owner of Snowville Creamery. The loan will be used to purchase new packaging equipment for the local creamery’s yogurt products.

“I am incredibly honored to be the first recipient of the Athens Women’s Loan Fund financing. I have long been impressed by the Athens Foundation and the work they do in the Athens community. We are fortunate to have people in our region who care about the welfare of those who are involved in the economic well-being of our Appalachian communities.

The current situation brings the need for mutual assistance and caring into clear focus. We are blessed to have organizations like the Athens Foundation already in place. On behalf of Snowville Creamery, I offer my humble and sincere gratitude for the service you all provide.”

-Victoria Taylor, Snowville Creamery Co-Owner

Launched in 2018 through the collaboration between the Athens County Foundation, Appalachian Growth Capital, LLC, and Sugarbush Valley Impact Investments, the Athens Area Women’s Business Loan Fund (AWBLF) aims to provide financial support to new or expanding women-owned businesses in Athens County and other neighboring counties.

Women-owned businesses are more likely to have difficulty accessing credit to support their growth. The Women’s Loan Fund is designed to help fill in this gap and support opportunities for women to be financially successful. The fund can help small businesses that have a hard time qualifying for conventional financing due to bank concerns about credit history, collateral, business experience, or financial ratios. Funding from AWBLF can help with the purchase of equipment, machinery or inventory, start-up operating costs, working capital, and leasehold improvements.

At the Athens County Foundation, we invest in local strategies to empower Athens County residents and build on the strengths of our region, now and for generations to come.

For more information about this program, please email womensloans@appcap.org or call 740-753-5359.

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Emergency Response Update – April 20, 2020

By Shayne Lopez | Published July 19, 2020

Update #1

Hello, friends!

These are indeed challenging times. We hope that you are all well and that you are taking good care of yourself. Here at the Athens County Foundation, we’ve set up an Emergency Response Fund to support nonprofits on the frontlines of helping our community during this pandemic, particularly in the areas of health and safety.

Over the past three weeks, we have distributed over $76,000 to these organizations who are providing valuable services to our community:

Ohio State Legal Services Association
Lutheran Social Services
United Seniors of Athens
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio
Good Works Inc.
Integrated Services for Behavioral Health
My Sister’s Place
Athens County Department of Job and Family Services
Athens City Co. Health Department
Susan G. Komen Columbus
Hocking Athens Perry Community Action

If you are fortunate enough to have something to give, we hope you’ll consider a donation to this fund to support those who need extra help right now. We hope to keep growing this fund and increasing our ability to respond to the needs of our community throughout the emergency response, recovery, and resilience phases of this pandemic. Be well…

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Emergency Response Update – May 18, 2020

By Shayne Lopez | Published July 19, 2020

Update #2

It’s week six of our Emergency Response Fund and we have awarded over $113,000 to 18 organizations working to address the needs of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The biggest portion of our funds went to support food security programs in our community such as food pantries. Health and human services organizations also received support from the Emergency Fund for the procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and other essential supplies to support their operations. The remainder of our funds went to support legal services, arts and culture, and economic development.

This effort would not be possible without the support of our partners: Osteopathic Health Foundation, Sisters Health Foundation, Rocky Community Improvement Fund, Women’s Fund, PPE for Athens Fund, and all individual donors who generously gave to the Emergency Response Fund.

Our Emergency Response Funding is not over yet. We are still accepting applications for any interested nonprofit organizations who are delivering health and safety programs to our community during this pandemic. Nonprofit organizations whose operations are hampered by the pandemic may also apply for assistance.

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Kerry Pigman is ACF’s Next Executive Director

By Shayne Lopez | Published April 14, 2020

We are thrilled to announce that Kerry Pigman has been hired to be the next Executive Director of the Athens County Foundation!

After an extensive and rigorous search, the ACF Board of Directors selected Kerry to be the new Executive Director of the Foundation. Kerry began her training and leadership transition on April 1, working closely with outgoing Executive Director Susan Urano and the Board of Directors.

Kerry brings direct experience working with the Athens County Foundation, and more than 20 years of leadership experience focused on strategy and entrepreneurship. Kerry most recently worked as a strategy consultant to the Athens County Foundation and as an Executive in Residence with the Ohio University Voinovich School’s Social Enterprise Ecosystem Project. Kerry is an active community member who is passionate about creating, cultivating, and sustaining opportunities for Appalachian Ohioans. She was a board member for six years at the Athens County Foundation, serving as Board President from 2016-2018. She also served as a board member to the Athens Professionals for Philanthropy, Live Healthy Appalachia, and is currently an Ohio University Department of Management Advisory Board Member. Kerry has called Athens home for nearly 30 years and is thrilled to join the Athens County Foundation as Executive Director, building on its 40 years of support for Athens County, and Susan Urano’s thoughtful and impactful 20-year stewardship as Executive Director.

The Athens County Foundation Board of Directors has worked with Kerry for several years, and they are confident that Kerry’s talents, gifts, leadership skills, and experience will continue the Foundation’s success for the generations to come. Cheryl Sylvester, ACF Board President wrote:

“I have worked with Kerry in various capacities. She is an innovative thinker whose mindset and passion rest with making our communities better places to live and work. Kerry’s insightful leadership will shape the future of the Athens County Foundation and, in turn, allow us to continue our impactful work. “

Join us in welcoming Kerry to the Athens County Foundation! The Foundation is fortunate to have the ongoing support of Susan Urano during this transition, and we look forward to celebrating Susan’s many successes as she transitions into retirement.

You may reach Kerry at kerry@athensfoundation.org

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