NELSONVILLE — The African American Community Fund has awarded 17 grants, totaling nearly $58,000, to advance projects and programs serving African American individuals throughout Appalachian Ohio’s 32 counties.
“Appalachian Ohio’s pioneering and rich history includes many notable contributions by the African American community,” said Ralph Smithers, AACF committee member. “These grants, funded by AACF supporters and our dedicated partners, will not only preserve that history but build upon it, creating better lives and opportunities today and stronger communities for generations to come.”
Earlier this year, AACF, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and FAO’s I’m a Child of Appalachia Fund and with support from the AEP Foundation, invited Black-led and Black-serving nonprofit and public organizations to apply for grants benefiting African American communities in the region.
Included among the grants awarded during the 2022 funding cycle were:
≤ Books with Badges for start-up funding to create a leadership academy and afterschool mentoring program, serving young people in Jefferson, Belmont, Guernsey, Monroe and Muskingum counties.
≤ RISE Community Youth Group for its Each One Teach One Mentoring and Community Development Outreach, which will provide one-on-one mentoring and other academic, behavioral and life goals support to young people in Jefferson and Belmont counties.
Donations to the AACF help fund these annual grants that meet communities’ greatest needs and most promising opportunities. Thanks to a partnership with FAO’s I’m a Child of Appalachia Fund, dollar-for-dollar matches are currently available for donations to the AACF.
For information about the African American Community Fund and how to support its work, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org/AACF or contact FAO at info@ffao.org or (740) 753-1111.
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