STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 2023-2025

We will develop new frontiers in philanthropy by building on the successes of the last 24 years. A particular area of emphasis is to support the continued growth of 14 geographic affiliates addressing philanthropy gaps within their communities and the region-wide African American Community Fund, an FAO affiliate providing grant investments to Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits.

Our goal is for Appalachian Ohio to gain socio-economic parity and for all who call the region home to experience a rich quality of life and high levels of happiness. Toward that end, we seek to grow $1 billion in philanthropic assets for our people and communities, a sum that will allow us to invest more than $55 million annually in grants, scholarships, and fellowships.

While funding is essential, it’s the compassion and creativity of our people – particularly our young people – that will ensure our success and strengthen the vibrancy of our communities. Over the next three years, we will build the capacity of FAO and our network of affiliated funds. At the same time, we will support and facilitate collective investments to engage young people – our next generation of community leaders – in identifying and implementing innovations that will strengthen Appalachian Ohio communities now and into the future.

As we look to the future, we do so with confidence. Time and again we have seen how the love our region’s people have for each other has been a force multiplier, enabling a path of abundance.