Harrison County Community Foundation awards $27,630 in grants to 13 local projects

The Harrison County Community Foundation, with support from donors and in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, has awarded $27,630 in its 2025 grant cycle to fund 13 projects and programs that benefit county residents and communities.

“These grants reflect the heart of Harrison County – where generosity and grassroots action come together to strengthen our communities and improve lives,” said Jim Rocchi, HCCF committee member. “From supporting our youth to caring for our seniors, this funding is reaching residents of every age. We’re grateful to the donors and the doers who make it all possible.”

Nonprofits, schools and public organizations serving Harrison County were invited to apply for funding made possible by gifts to HCCF’s endowment fund. Grants support opportunities across arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services.

The 2025 grant recipients include:

— Bowerston Volunteer Fire Department to purchase two boats and a trailer for its water rescue team

— Crossroads Farm to help cover the cost of a band for the youth ministry’s 2026 murder mystery outreach event

— Deersville Community Players to upgrade stage lighting to LED

— Eastern Ohio Extension Camps Inc. to install a dual changing station at the lakeside swimming area at 4-H Camp Piedmont

— German Township to purchase playground equipment for a new community park

— Harrison Central Theatre Parents Club to help fund an educational trip to New York City

— Harrison County Dog Pound Volunteers to provide veterinary care for dogs at the pound

— Harrison County General Health District to install an ADA-compliant sharps disposal box outside the health department, fabricated with help from Harrison Career Center students

— Harrison Metropolitan Housing Authority to buy a greenhouse and supplies for the A-Z Learning Lab at Bingham Terrace Apartments

— Harrisville Methodist Church to install solar-powered lighting in a new parking lot for use by community groups and events

— Pathways for Inclusion: A DeLuca Family Initiative to launch a Friday night social club for youth and young adults with special needs

— Puskarich Public Library in partnership with Peaceflower Pottery to fund supplies for free community pottery classes

— Village of Hopedale to refurbish and make ADA-compliant a restroom at the former school building, part of a larger project to transition the site into a museum and community gathering space

Founded in 2012, HCCF is one of FAO’s 15 affiliate foundation partners. Each year, earnings from charitable giving to HCCF’s endowment fund are reinvested in the county through grants that address pressing needs and create opportunities.

For more information about HCCF or to support its work, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org/HCCF, email Harrison@ffao.org or call 740-753-1111.