Grant funding available for Black-led, Black-serving organizations in Appalachian Ohio
The African American Community Fund (AACF) in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) is accepting grant applications from Black-led and Black-serving nonprofit and public organizations throughout Appalachian Ohio.
The 2023 application period for grant funding closes Sept. 12.
AACF and FAO’s I’m a Child of Appalachia® Fund, with support from the AEP Foundation, will award grants across five areas essential to creating and sustaining transformative change: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. Emphasis is on supporting individuals of all ages who are spearheading projects and programs that create opportunities, meet pressing needs and unleash the potential of African Americans throughout the region. Applications that support youth-led projects are encouraged as well.
AACF, with support from the U.S. Bank Foundation, is also accepting capacity-building funding requests designed to help Black-led and Black-serving organizations best meet the needs of those they serve by expanding services, enhancing program quality and/or improving operational efficiencies. Funding requests for capacity building may include but are not limited to:
• Professional development and training opportunities;
• Activities designed to increase staff engagement and retention; and
• Technology and equipment upgrades.
Additional information and the 2023 grant application are available at www.AppalachianOhio.org/AACF.
Earnings from charitable giving to AACF are reinvested in annual grants that meet communities’ greatest needs and most promising opportunities. In fall 2022, AACF and FAO awarded 17 grants, totaling nearly $58,000, to advance projects and programs serving African Americans across Appalachian Ohio’s 32 counties.
To learn more about the African American Community Fund and how to support its work, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org/AACF, email AACF@ffao.org or call (740) 753-1111.
About the African American Community Fund: The African American Community Fund was established at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio in January 2020. The Fund was founded by and for the Black community as one way to create opportunities for African Americans in Appalachian Ohio. The Fund is overseen by a steering committee composed of Ernest A. Bynum, Rosetta Carter, Dr. Tee Ford-Ahmed, Lawrence Funderburke, Ken Mason, Dr. Michele Reynolds and Ralph Smithers Jr. For more information about the African American Community Fund, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org/AACF.
About the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio: The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. A 501(c)(3) public charity, the Foundation creates opportunities for Appalachian Ohio’s people and communities by inspiring and supporting philanthropy. For more information, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org and follow FAO on Facebook and Instagram.