The Monroe County Community Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), annually awards grants to nonprofit organizations, schools, and public institutions that serve Monroe County, Ohio. This initiative is part of a broader mission to support efforts that enhance quality of life and community development in the Appalachian region of the state. The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, headquartered in Nelsonville, Ohio, serves as a philanthropic hub dedicated to fostering opportunity and addressing regional disparities in southeastern Ohio through strategic grantmaking and collaborative initiatives.
The purpose of the Monroe County Community Foundation grant is to fund projects and programs that have a tangible, positive impact on Monroe County residents. Applicants are encouraged to design initiatives that respond to local needs, foster innovation, and enhance opportunities for individuals of all ages. The foundation targets five priority areas for funding: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services.
Grant awards generally range from $500 to $5,000. However, proposals requesting more than $5,000 may be considered if the proposed impact is significant. All applications must align with the Foundation’s mission of creating lasting value in Monroe County and demonstrate clear goals, community engagement, and measurable outcomes.
The 2025 grant application window is open from Tuesday, April 29, to Tuesday, June 10. Interested applicants must use FAO’s new Foundation Cloud Community Portal to submit their proposals. Applicants must first register an account in this system unless they have previously done so after fall 2024. Once registered, applicants should navigate to the “Grant Application” section and select “Available Grants” to access the application form.
For additional assistance, prospective applicants can contact the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio at 740-753-1111 or via email at info@ffao.org. An FAQ page is also available to guide users through common questions related to the application process. The Foundation’s physical address is 35 Public Square, Nelsonville, OH 45764.
