Dale Hileman Legacy Fund

The Dale Hileman Legacy Fund is a regionally-focused philanthropic grant opportunity administered by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), with support from the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance (EODA). This fund was established to honor the legacy of Dale Hileman, a long-time advocate for community and economic development across eastern Ohio. Mr. Hileman dedicated over four decades to Columbia Gas of Ohio and continued to champion local progress after retirement, particularly in Cambridge and surrounding counties. Rooted in Mr. Hileman’s deep connection to Appalachian Ohio, the fund supports initiatives that foster economic growth and community enhancement within the 16 counties served by the EODA: Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Tuscarawas, and Washington. The fund’s emphasis is on investing in organizations and projects that reflect Mr. Hileman’s values of behind-the-scenes leadership, inclusive development, and long-term impact for local communities. In 2026, the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund is accepting grant applications from Tuesday, February 3 through Tuesday, March 17. All applications must be submitted via FAO’s online Foundation Cloud Community Portal. Prospective applicants are required to register through the portal prior to submission unless they have an existing account from a prior application cycle. The portal includes multi-factor authentication and allows applicants to search for or associate their organization with past FAO records. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations classified under section 501(c) of the IRS Code and public entities such as school districts, higher education institutions, and municipalities. Organizations without such status may apply under a fiscal sponsor arrangement. While priority is given to organizations headquartered within Appalachian Ohio, those located outside the region but serving eligible counties may also be considered. FAO encourages applications that demonstrate clear alignment with the fund’s goal of promoting economic development. To apply, organizations must log into the FAO application portal, navigate to the “Grant Applicant” tab, and select “Available Grants.” From there, they can access and complete the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund application. Required materials include basic organizational information, project description, budget overview, and evidence of tax-exempt status or fiscal sponsorship. Applications may be saved and returned to before submission, but no edits are permitted after submission. Applicants seeking support can contact FAO at 740-753-1111 or email [email protected]. The Foundation provides resources, such as FAQs and guidance on the application process, through its website. Notification timelines are not explicitly listed, but communication and award updates are issued through the applicant’s portal account. In recent years, funded projects have included museum renovations, support for minority entrepreneurs, and youth employment programs, all illustrating the fund’s commitment to local empowerment and sustainable development. Through this fund, Dale Hileman’s legacy continues to support initiatives that promote vibrant, self-sustaining communities in the heart of eastern Ohio.

Use general terms when registering organization in the portal. Required fields must be completed. Save work frequently.