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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |