Jenco Awards

The Jenco Foundation Fund, housed within the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, honors individuals who embody the spirit of community service exemplified by Father Lawrence Martin Jenco. Father Jenco, a Roman Catholic priest who endured 19 months of captivity in Lebanon while serving as director of Catholic Relief Services, was known for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian service across the globe. His legacy is carried on through this awards program which recognizes unsung heroes in Appalachian Ohio who contribute significantly to the well-being of their communities through volunteerism and leadership. The Jenco Awards were established in 2002 and transitioned into an endowment with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio in 2011. These awards recognize Appalachian Ohio residents who, beyond their professional responsibilities, dedicate themselves to improving the quality of life for others. Eligible recipients span all ages and include individuals engaged in diverse areas such as education, health, environmental stewardship, economic development, and the arts. The awards celebrate service that uplifts dignity and fosters creative solutions to community challenges. Nominations for the 2025 Jenco Awards are currently open and must be postmarked or emailed by June 3, 2025. The application process involves submitting a completed nomination form, a detailed nomination letter explaining the nominee's contributions, and any supporting materials such as testimonials, press coverage, or media that illustrate the impact of the nominee’s service. Self-nominations are not accepted, and individuals may submit multiple nominations. The awards are cash-based with no usage restrictions and do not require reporting. Decisions are made by the Jenco Foundation Fund Committee and finalized by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's Board of Trustees. Awardees and their nominators will be notified by July 31, 2025, and all nominators will receive correspondence by August 15, 2025. The awards specifically recognize individuals, although organizations are welcome to nominate candidates. The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, a 501(c)(3) public charity, serves the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio and operates over 700 philanthropic funds, including the Jenco Foundation Fund. It partners with geographic affiliate foundations and the African American Community Fund to encourage regional philanthropy and community development. The Foundation is headquartered in Nelsonville, Ohio, and can be contacted via phone or email for additional inquiries. Nominations should be submitted to Brianna McGuire at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, either by mail at 35 Public Square, Nelsonville, OH 45764, or by email at bmcguire@ffao.org, using “2025 Jenco Award Nomination” in the subject line. Additional information about the awards, including past recipients and Father Jenco’s legacy, can be found at www.AppalachianOhio.org/Jenco.