Highland County Community Fund Grant

The Highland County Community Fund is a philanthropic initiative administered in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, a regional public charity focused on improving quality of life across Appalachian communities. The fund operates as a local endowment, where donor contributions are invested and the earnings are distributed annually through grants. These grants are intended to strengthen Highland County, Ohio by supporting organizations that serve local residents and address community needs. The fund reflects a place-based approach to philanthropy, emphasizing long-term impact through sustained financial investment and community engagement. The primary purpose of the Highland County Community Fund grants is to support projects and programs that advance opportunities across five designated focus areas referred to as the Pillars of Prosperity. These include arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. The program prioritizes initiatives that create meaningful opportunities, address pressing challenges, and unlock the potential of individuals and communities throughout Highland County. Funding is directed toward efforts that demonstrate tangible benefits for residents and contribute to overall community vitality. Grant funding is awarded annually and is intended to support a wide range of programmatic and project-based expenses. While specific allowable costs are not explicitly detailed, past awards indicate support for items such as program supplies, service delivery costs, equipment purchases, and workforce-related supports. Examples from prior recipients include funding for youth programming, accessibility equipment, employment assistance resources, childcare supplies, educational internships, and public health initiatives. These examples suggest flexibility in funding use as long as the proposed activities align with the fund’s core priorities and demonstrate clear community benefit. Eligibility for the program includes nonprofits, schools, and public organizations that serve Highland County residents. The fund emphasizes local impact, meaning applicants must either be based in Highland County or demonstrate that their project directly benefits individuals within the county. There is no indication of eligibility for individuals or for-profit entities, and funding appears to be limited to organizational applicants with the capacity to implement community-focused initiatives. Projects must align with at least one of the Pillars of Prosperity and clearly articulate the intended outcomes and beneficiaries. The application process is conducted annually, with the most recent cycle closing on June 9, 2026. While specific submission mechanics are not detailed, applicants are expected to prepare a proposal outlining their project, its alignment with funding priorities, and its anticipated impact. There is no mention of pre-application requirements such as letters of intent, suggesting a single-stage application process. Evaluation criteria are not explicitly stated, but funding decisions are likely based on alignment with program goals, community impact, feasibility, and organizational capacity. Grant awards are distributed following the application cycle, with funding totals varying by year. In 2025, the fund awarded six grants totaling 12000 dollars, demonstrating a modest but targeted investment strategy. The program operates on a recurring annual basis, with each cycle providing new opportunities for eligible organizations to apply. Notification timelines and performance periods are not specified, but funded projects typically align with upcoming program cycles or community needs. Organizations are encouraged to stay informed about future opportunities through the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio’s communications channels, including its e-newsletter.