NELSONVILLE, Ohio — The Donald R. Myers Legacy Fund to Support Partnership in Appalachian Ohio has awarded nearly $3,000 in grants to organizations advancing quality of life in the region.

“We are honored to be investing in individuals and organizations who share my father’s commitment to the people and places of Appalachian Ohio,” said Eric Myers, a Donald R. Myers Legacy Fund committee member and Myers’ son. “Our hope is that this funding not only improves lives but uplifts communities.”

The 2025 grantees are:

∫ The Groknu Foundation, through a fiscal sponsorship with Hocking Hills Inspire Shelter, to fund a side-gig and small business education class for individuals experiencing homelessness and temporarily housed at the shelter, as well as other financially disadvantaged individuals in Hocking County

∫ Southeast Healthcare Inc. to purchase calming kits for each elementary classroom in Belmont County’s Union Local Schools

∫ Southern Ohio Soles Inc., which provides underprivileged children in Jackson and Vinton counties with new shoes, to expand its service to Pike County

The Donald R. Myers Legacy Fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio supports nonprofit and public organizations serving Appalachian Ohio’s 32 counties with projects and activities that improve quality of life, with an emphasis on areas Myers worked so passionately to address: education, regional networking, support for community leaders and fulfillment of basic needs.

Myers was a stalwart champion for Appalachian Ohio, serving as executive director of the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Alliance and president of the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance. During his years of service, Myers advocated for Appalachian Ohio and generated countless financial investments to support the region’s progress in meeting basic needs, including infrastructure development that advanced quality of life and economic growth — a legacy that continues through the FAO fund that bears his name.

For more information about the Donald R. Myers Legacy Fund to Support Partnership in Appalachian Ohio, FAO and how you can support or create opportunities throughout the region, visit AppalachianOhio.org, email info@ffao.org or call 740-753-1111.