NELSONVILLE, Ohio (AVC News) — Public libraries across Appalachian Ohio have a new opportunity to receive funding for projects designed to bring community members together and strengthen civic engagement.
The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, in partnership with the Trust for Civic Life, has launched a grant opportunity offering up to $20,000 to public libraries and library systems across Appalachian Ohio’s 32 counties.
A total of $250,000 is available through the program.
The grants will support what organizers describe as “civic experiments” — projects that bring residents together to build connections, address community challenges and deepen civic engagement.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we are reminded of the roles we all play in building communities where everyone can flourish,” FAO President and CEO Cara Dingus Brook said. “Our libraries serve a vital role as civic institutions and are uniquely positioned to create opportunities for people to gather, listen to one another, solve problems and participate in the life of their communities.”
Applications must be submitted online by Thursday, Oct. 22.
More information about the grant opportunity and the application is available at www.AppalachianOhio.org/libraries.
A webinar for interested libraries will also be held at noon Wednesday, Sept. 30, through Zoom. Registration is available at https://tinyurl.com/libraries-webinar.
The funding opportunity is being made possible through the Trust for Civic Life, a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, and builds on an ongoing collaboration between the Trust for Civic Life and the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.
In 2025, the Trust for Civic Life selected FAO as one of 26 organizations nationwide to receive a grant through its Civic Hub initiative, which supports civic participation and collaboration in local communities.
The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. The organization works with geographic affiliate foundations, the regionwide African American Community Fund, donors and other partners to support philanthropy and community development throughout the region.
FAO’s geographic affiliate partners serve the Nelsonville area and Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry and Vinton counties.
Last Updated on September 10, 2026 by AVC News
