Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) is a public charity based in Nelsonville, Ohio, and a regional community foundation serving all 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. It supports philanthropy and investments intended to create opportunities for people and communities across the region.
Key facts about Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
In short: Foundation for Appalachian Ohio gave $2.0M across 68 grants in 2024 (avg $30K), mostly in Ohio. 59% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 31-1620483
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,026,043
- Grants made (2024)
- 68
- Average grant
- $29,795
- Median grant
- $10,442
- New grantees (estimate)
- 59% first-time grantees (39 of 66, 2024)
- Total assets
- $128,064,929
- Primary geography
- Ohio (74% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- Register for an account in FAO’s online application system, then use the “Grant Application” tab and “Available Grants” to access a specific application. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$128.1M
+21.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.0M
-45.1% YoY
Grant Count
68
-36.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$30K
-13.6% YoY
Is Foundation for Appalachian Ohio open to new grantees?
59%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 39 of 66 grantees (59%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $39K; repeat grants $18K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $11K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
FAO’s mission is to unleash the collective potential within Appalachian Ohio by encouraging and supporting philanthropy. Its stated funding areas include arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. Its 2024 filing says its grant funds support initiatives based in nonprofits, schools, and community organizations.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate the range of work among its grantees. HAVAR Inc. describes its mission as connecting people with and without disabilities in supportive, inclusive communities. Haven of Hope says it provides free, trauma-informed services and emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other violent crimes. Athens County Food Pantry says it provides emergency food to people in need in Athens County. Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio describes its work as providing decent, affordable housing in partnership with families and communities. Stuart’s Opera House says it provides a venue for performances and other artistic expression that contribute to preserving history and arts education in Athens County.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, FAO reported 68 grants totaling $2,026,043. Grants ranged from $5,210 to $400,000, with a median of $10,442. Seventy-four percent of grant dollars went to recipients in Ohio; other listed recipient states were California (16%), North Carolina (9%), Washington (1%), and Florida (0%).
The largest reported awards included $400,000 to Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities for mission support; $319,244 to Focusing Philanthropy to support the Vision to Learn Ohio program; $250,000 to HAVAR Inc. for mission support; and $170,012 to the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina for Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Other notable awards were $114,500 to Haven of Hope for mission support and $62,087 to Athens County Food Pantry to support its mission.
FAO says it makes competitive grants throughout the year and also awards grants through strategic recommendations made with committees and donor services. For competitive grants, its 2024 filing says applicants provide documentation of charitable status and/or the charitable nature of the project; a grants committee reviews applications and recommends awards. Grantees must submit a year-end report documenting proper use of funds. The website says applicants must register in FAO’s online application system and select an available grant. Grant recipients must also complete an impact report within 30 days after project completion or the end of the grant period, and before receiving additional funding.
FAO’s website describes county and community fund opportunities with request ranges including $500–$10,000 for the Guernsey County Foundation Grant and $500–$5,000 for Harrison County Community Foundation Grants. The African American Community Fund Grant is also listed with a $500–$5,000 range.
How to Apply
Register for an account in FAO’s online application system, then use the “Grant Application” tab and “Available Grants” to access a specific application. For competitive grants, applicants provide documentation of charitable status and/or the charitable nature of the project.
Open Grants
24 open opportunities from Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
African American Community Fund Grant
Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
Amount
US $500 - US $5,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Association of Ohio Commodores Foundation Fund Grants
Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
COAD Appalachian Development Fund Grants
Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
Amount
Up to US $10,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Ready to take the next step with Foundation for Appalachian Ohio?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
FAO says it serves all 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. In 2024, 74% of reported grant dollars went to Ohio recipients. Its filing also lists grants to recipients in California, North Carolina, Washington, and Florida.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 68 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $625K (2019) to $3.7M (2023). In 2024 it made 68 grants totaling $2.0M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Ross County Board of Developmental Disabiliti ($400K). Together the top 10 received $1.4M.
Organizations only. It also paid 2 individual scholarships ($23,532), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
405 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 373 grants of 405 (92%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ross County Board of Developmental Disabiliti Chillicothe, OH | Mission Support | $400,000 |
| Focusing Philanthropy Santa Monica, CA | To Support the Vision to Learn Ohio Program | $319,244 |
| Havar Inc Athens, OH | Mission Support | $250,000 |
| Community Foundation of Western North Carolin Asheville, NC | To Support Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts | $170,012 |
| Haven of Hope Cambridge, OH | Mission Support | $114,500 |
| Athens County Food Pantry Athens, OH | To Support the Mission of the Pantry | $62,087 |
| Open Arms Pregnancy Center Cambridge, OH | Mission Support | $46,500 |
| Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio Millfield, OH | Mission Support | $28,537 |
| Adams County Travel and Visitors Bureau West Union, OH | To Support the New Welcome Center | $25,000 |
| Future Plans Newbury, OH | To Support Youth Project Assessment | $22,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $128,064,929 | $26,141,317 | $11,501,492 | $2,026,043 |
| 2023 | $105,544,952 | $29,031,055 | $13,767,751 | $3,688,882 |
| 2022 | $81,090,516 | $22,438,784 | $5,525,145 | $1,066,667 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $128,064,929 | $105,544,952 | $81,090,516 |
| Revenue | $26,141,317 | $29,031,055 | $22,438,784 |
| Expenses | $11,501,492 | $13,767,751 | $5,525,145 |
| Net Investment Income | $4,177,100 | $1,013,686 | $1,497,522 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS November 16, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 13, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS September 10, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Ronald Strickmaker as chair; TJ Conger as treasurer; Nancy Lahmers as secretary; Kristi Tanner as vice chair; and Jeffrey Chaddock, Christopher Mooney, Nancy Lusk Zimpher, Sarah Wills, Ken Taylor, and Tera Coleman as trustees.
Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is led by Cara Brook, President & CEO on the 2024 filing; 2 of 19 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Cara Brook
President & CEO
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$250K (2024)
Ronald Strickmaker
Chair
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ken Taylor
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jo Ellen Diehl Yeary
Trustee
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christopher Mooney
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeffrey Chaddock
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marc Reitter
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Megan Kvamme
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nancy Lusk Zimpher
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert Mick McLaughlin
Emeritus & Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ron Cremeans
Emeritus & Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sarah Wills
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tera Coleman
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Teri Geiger
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tom W. Johnson
Emeritus & Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Holly Shelton
Vice President
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$163K (2024)
Kristi Tanner
Vice Chair
Trustee → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nancy Lahmers
Secretary
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tj Conger
Treasurer
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (26)
- Former: Brook Cara (2019–2023) — President & CEO
- Former: Campbell Marianne (2019–2023) — Emeritus & Trustee
- Former: Chaddock Jeffery (2019–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Conger Tj (2019–2023) — Treasurer
- Former: Cremeans Ron (2019–2023) — Emeritus & Trustee
- Former: Lahmers Nancy (2019–2023) — Secretary
- Former: Lusk Zimpher Nancy (2019–2023) — Trustee
- Former: McLaughlin Robert Mick (2019–2023) — Emeritus & Trustee
- Former: Mooney Christopher (2019–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Strickmaker Ronald (2019–2023) — Chair
- Former: Wills Sarah (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Coleman Tera (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Reitter Marc (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Tanner Kristi (2021–2023) — Vice Chair
- Former: Taylor Ken (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Shelton Holly (2022–2023) — Vice President
- Former: Geiger Teri (2023) — Trustee
- Former: Kvamme Megan (2023) — Trustee
- Former: Adam Martin (2019–2022) — Cfao
- Former: Brooks Mike (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Fleming Terry (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Moore Donnie (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Stockmeister Alan (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Wilhelm David (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Sundararajan Raja (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Longaberger Tami (2019) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $250K, to Cara Brook (President/CEO). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 35 Public Square PO Box 456, Nelsonville, OH 45764
Phone: (740) 753-1111
Website: https://appalachianohio.org
Frequently asked questions about Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
How much does Foundation for Appalachian Ohio give each year?
Foundation for Appalachian Ohio gave $2.0M across 68 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $3.7M across 107 grants.
What is Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's typical grant size?
Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's median grant in 2024 was $10,442, and its average grant was $29,795, across 68 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Foundation for Appalachian Ohio that year got $39K on average.
Where does Foundation for Appalachian Ohio give grants?
Foundation for Appalachian Ohio gives mostly in Ohio: 74% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were California (16%) and North Carolina (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were Cambridge, OH (8 grants), Athens, OH (4 grants), West Union, OH (3 grants) and Nelsonville, OH (3 grants).
Does Foundation for Appalachian Ohio give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 68 grants with a stated purpose on Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Program Support" (18 grants) and "Mission Support" (9 grants).
Who are Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's largest grantees?
Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's largest 2024 grantees include Ross County Board of Developmental Disabiliti ($400,000), Focusing Philanthropy ($319,244) and Havar Inc ($250,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 2 individual scholarships ($23,532), which are not listed by name. Together they received 48% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Foundation for Appalachian Ohio?
Foundation for Appalachian Ohio reported $128.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $26.1M.
What does Foundation for Appalachian Ohio fund?
FAO’s mission is to unleash the collective potential within Appalachian Ohio by encouraging and supporting philanthropy. Its stated funding areas include arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Foundation for Appalachian Ohio?
Register for an account in FAO’s online application system, then use the “Grant Application” tab and “Available Grants” to access a specific application. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's EIN?
Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 31-1620483. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Here's the math on researching Foundation for Appalachian Ohio by hand.
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