A total of $100,000 in grants and scholarships has been awarded to benefit the people and communities of Adams County through the Edge of Appalachia – Adams County Fund, a partnership between The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO).
“The goal of this annual funding stream is to support the people, projects, and programs committed to ensuring Adams County is a place where youth thrive, businesses flourish, and visitors have memorable experiences,” said Martin McAllister, community engagement specialist for TNC.
Public and nonprofit organizations serving Adams County were invited to apply for grants aimed at supporting local communities and natural resources. This year, $90,000 was distributed among ten projects:
Adams County Agricultural Society – Creating a natural resources trail at Shade Tree Park at the Adams County Fairgrounds, featuring a concrete walkway with animal and plant prints and educational displays.
Adams County Commissioners – Supporting the restoration of the historic Kirker Covered Bridge, which sustained major damage from an April 2024 tornado.
Adams County Public Library – Expanding Wi-Fi hotspot access for residents lacking adequate home internet.
Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau – Improving public canoe/kayak access on Ohio Brush Creek near Serpent Mound by adding a driveway, parking area, and steps to the waterway.
Adams County Shelter for the Homeless – Renovating its kitchen to better serve clients with year-round meals.
Buckeye Trail Association, Appalachia Foothills Chapter – Enhancing hiking trails with improved accessibility structures, informational signs, and kiosks highlighting geological and historical landmarks.
Leadership Adams Inc. – Supporting the enrollment of Adams County children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, providing free books each month to children up to age five.
Manchester High School – Funding educational trips to the Edge of Appalachia Nature Preserve and the Cincinnati Museum Center as part of the Adams County Rockstars program.
St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy – Expanding access to free prescription medications and clinical pharmacy services for Adams County residents.
West Union Elementary School – Implementing a hydroponic gardening system for students to learn about sustainable gardening while growing vegetables and herbs for school use.
Scholarship Recipients
In addition to grants, three Adams County students received a total of $10,000 in scholarships through the Edge of Appalachia – Adams County Fund Scholarship:
Hunter Grooms of Seaman – A North Adams High School graduate pursuing a degree in exercise science at Northern Kentucky University.
Kash Hayslip of Peebles – A Peebles High School senior planning to study natural resources law enforcement.
MaRhea Unger of Peebles – A Peebles High School senior planning to study agricultural business.
The scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in ecology, forestry, wildlife ecology, natural resource fields, trade or vocational training in agriculture and land stewardship, and studies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“We are grateful to The Nature Conservancy for their partnership and generosity through the Adams County fund,” said FAO President and CEO Cara Dingus Brook. “These grants and scholarships will open doors to countless new opportunities and help ensure the people and communities of Adams County can flourish.”
Established in 2023, the Edge of Appalachia – Adams County Fund continues to support initiatives that enhance local communities and protect natural resources. Over the past two years, the fund has awarded nearly $193,000 in grants and scholarships.
For more information or to apply for 2025 grants and scholarships, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org/AdamsCountyFund
