FAO offering grants for economic growth in Appalachia Ohio | News, Sports, Jobs

NELSONVILLE, Ohio – Grant applications now are available for projects promoting economic growth in 16 eastern Ohio counties. Applications are available through the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) and may be found online at www.AppalachianOhio.org/Hileman. The Dale Hileman Legacy Fund plans to award at least $2,000 in grants through its second competitive grant round. Individual grant requests should not exceed $1,000 and must be submitted by Monday, March 21.

The Dale Hileman Legacy Fund promotes economic development and growth, a cause that was close to Hileman’s heart. The fund supports organizations working to promote economic growth within the 16 counties served by the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance, comprising Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Tuscarawas, and Washington counties.

Hileman passed away in February 2015 after a lifetime of service to eastern Ohio. A native of Columbiana County, he worked for Columbia Gas of Ohio for 40 years, serving Carrollton, Jackson, and Cambridge in Appalachian Ohio. After his retirement, he remained committed to improving quality of life and steadfastly promoting his community of Cambridge in Guernsey County, where he shared his final years with his wife, Evelyn.

In 2021, grants supported the Tuscarawas Economic Development Corporation (EDC), BRITE Energy Innovators, and the Village of Chauncey in Athens County. The Tuscarawas EDC received funding to support the purchase of educational resources for entrepreneurs. BRITE Energy Innovators utilized the grant to provide outreach and technical assistance to local companies in Columbiana, Carroll, Belmont, Jefferson, and Harrison counties. The Village of Chauncey received funding to support the building and installation of a message board connected to Baileys Trail System.

The 2022 grant applications are due by Monday, March 21, and may be submitted at www.AppalachianOhio.org/Hileman. For any questions, contact FAO at 740-753-1111.