Foundation for Appalachian Ohio Accepting Myers Legacy Fund Grant Applications for 2026

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio closed the application window for its 2026 Donald R. Myers Legacy Fund grants on Tuesday, March 17, with nonprofit and public organizations across the 32-county Appalachian Ohio region, including Adams County, eligible for awards capped at $1,000.

The fund was established to carry forward the work of Donald R. Myers, who served as executive director of the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Alliance and as president of the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance (EODA). During his tenure, Myers generated what FAO describes as "countless financial investments" in Appalachian Ohio, including infrastructure projects aimed at advancing both quality of life and economic growth. The fund's grant priorities reflect those commitments directly: education, regional networking, support for community leaders and fulfillment of basic needs.

FAO, a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Nelsonville, administers the fund in collaboration with 15 affiliate foundation partners, structured as 14 geographic affiliate foundations alongside the regionwide African American Community Fund. Those geographic affiliates serve the Nelsonville area and Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry and Vinton counties. The fund's investment decisions are advised by representatives from Appalachian Ohio's local development districts, the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance, the region's private sector and members of Don Myers' family.

The Herald, covering Morgan County, reported that FAO was simultaneously accepting applications for the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund under the same 2026 cycle, though FAO's press release focused exclusively on the Myers fund. Organizations seeking to confirm whether applications for either fund remain open, or whether a second deadline applies, should contact FAO directly.

Applications were required to be submitted online, with all funding requests not to exceed $1,000. Grant duration terms were not specified in FAO's announcement. Organizations with questions can reach FAO by phone at (740) 753-1111 or through the foundation's website. Full application guidelines and the submission portal were available at AppalachianOhio.org/Myers.