The African American Community Fund (AACF), in collaboration with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), is offering its annual grant program to support Black-led and Black-serving nonprofit and public organizations throughout the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. This initiative reflects a commitment to promoting equity and empowering African American communities in the region through direct funding and support of community-driven projects.
The AACF grant program for 2025 opened for applications on Tuesday, April 29, and will close on Tuesday, June 10. The program focuses on projects that create meaningful opportunities, address urgent needs, and unlock the potential within the African American population of Appalachian Ohio. It invites applications across five key areas: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services.
Applicants may request funding amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000. However, the AACF will consider larger funding requests if the proposed project demonstrates a particularly significant potential for impact. This flexibility indicates the fund's openness to innovative or expansive initiatives that align with its goals.
All applicants must use FAO’s new online system, the Foundation Cloud Community Portal, to submit their proposals. New users must register and create an account unless they have already registered since fall 2024. Once logged in, applicants should navigate to the “Grant Application” tab and select “Available Grants” to access and complete the relevant application form.
For assistance or questions, applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio directly by phone at 740-753-1111 or via email at info@ffao.org. Additional resources, including an FAQ page, are available to guide applicants through the process.
FAO is headquartered at 35 Public Square, Nelsonville, OH 45764, and remains dedicated to supporting philanthropic initiatives that benefit the Appalachian Ohio region. The AACF grant represents an integral part of its mission to ensure that all communities have the resources and support needed to thrive.
