The Highland County Community Fund, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), provides annual grant funding to support nonprofit organizations, schools, and public entities operating in Highland County, Ohio. The Fund is designed to empower local communities by enhancing opportunities and addressing needs that can unlock the potential of residents across the region. The grants are rooted in the FAO’s broader mission to promote philanthropy and long-term investments in Appalachian Ohio.
The 2025 grant cycle opens on Tuesday, April 29, and closes on Tuesday, June 10. Through this opportunity, the Fund targets initiatives in five specific areas: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. The emphasis is on uplifting projects that positively affect individuals of all ages and address significant community challenges with high potential for meaningful outcomes.
Applicants are encouraged to request between $500 and $5,000, although larger funding requests may be considered if the proposed impact is deemed substantial. The Fund prioritizes projects with clear benefits for Highland County and its residents, highlighting a community-driven approach to development and problem-solving.
FAO has transitioned to a new online application system known as the Foundation Cloud Community Portal. All applicants are required to register and create an account in this new system before submitting their proposals. Applicants who have used the system since fall 2024 can log in using their existing credentials. After logging in, applicants must navigate to the “Grant Application” tab, then select “Available Grants” to access the specific application form for this funding opportunity.
Contact information for inquiries includes FAO’s main office number, 740-753-1111, and their general email address, info@ffao.org. Additional guidance can be found on their Frequently Asked Questions page. The grant is managed out of FAO’s office located at 35 Public Square, Nelsonville, OH 45764.
