Photo provided Monroe County Community Foundation committee members Gwynn Stewart from left, Leanne Harper, Alyssa Stephens, Diane Burkhart, Tracey Blackstone, and Nikki Lude celebrate providing 14 Monroe County projects and programs with nearly $45,000.

WOODSFIELD — Nearly $45,000 was awarded to 14 Monroe County projects and programs through The Monroe County Community Foundation, with the support of its donors and in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.

The $44,515 grant will fund 14 projects and programs benefiting the county’s residents and communities.

Monroe County Commissioner and Monroe County Community Foundation member Mick Schumacher said that the foundation is in its 11th year and grants smaller projects within the community. He said the projects are to improve the quality of life of its residents.

Established in 2014, the Monroe County Community Foundation was created to develop and grow permanent resources that provide continuous investment in Monroe County as well as its nonprofits, schools and communities.

Blessings in a Backpack Monroe County, Broken Timber Outdoor Education Center, Buckeye Hills Foundation, Eastern Ohio Extension Camps Inc., Guernsey, Monroe and Noble Tri-County Community Action Commission Inc., LifeWise Academy Monroe, Monroe Arts Council, Monroe Central High School Future Farmers of America, Monroe County District Library, My Young & Old Fur Babies Rescue, and Woodsfield Kiwanis Club will all receive funding for various projects needed.

“This funding will make a real difference in the lives of all Monroe County residents, from young children just beginning their learning journeys to our senior community,” MCCF committee member Nikki Baker-Lude said. “We’re so thankful for the donors whose generosity makes these grants possible and for the dedicated individuals and organizations who turn their support into action.”

The Blessings in a Backpack Monroe County received $5,000 to purchase food for elementary school students at high risk of food insecurity on weekends. Broken Timber Outdoor Education Center received $10,000 to develop a parking lot, install a waterline, and paint and seal the floor at its open-air pavilion.

Buckeye Hills Foundation received $1,000 to purchase collapsible, lightweight shopping carts for seniors, individuals with disabilities and other community members who use local transit services and face mobility, transportation or accessibility challenges. Eastern Ohio Extension Camps Inc. received $2,500 to replace two sets of stairs at 4-H Camp Piedmont.

Guernsey, Monroe and Noble Tri-County Community Action Commission Inc. received $3,705 to expand its nutrition program at the Monroe County Senior Center to include a light breakfast and evening snack for seniors facing food insecurity.

LifeWise Academy Monroe received $3,500 to purchase curriculum for the launch of the character education program in the Switzerland of Ohio Local School District. Monroe Arts Council received $1,310 to fund community classes on candle making and watercolor painting.

Monroe Central High School FFA received $3,000 to support its annual Halloween in the Village event and to launch a new indoor Christmas celebration for the Monroe County community.

Monroe County District Library received $2,500 to purchase WhaZoodles, a screen-free, interactive audio device for children ages 3-10 to explore podcasts, music, short stories, games and more.

My Young & Old Fur Babies Rescue Inc. received $1,000 to support its spay/neuter program. Sardis CARES received $5,000 to repair and restore the floors of women’s and men’s restrooms at the Sardis Community Center. Summit Township received $2,500 to support upgrades to the basketball court at Lewisville Park.

United Way of Guernsey, Monroe and Noble Counties received $2,500 to increase local enrollment in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio and to provide books to Monroe County children in the program. Woodsfield Kiwanis Club received $1,000 to sponsor local Key Clubs, student-led organizations that provide opportunities to serve, build character and develop leadership skills.

The foundation will be hosting a reception at 5 p.m Oct. 16 at the Monroe County OSU extension located at the Monroe County Fairgrounds for the grantees to celebrate.