Myers Legacy Fund awards $3,000 in grants

The Donald R. Myers Legacy Fund to Support Partnership in Appalachian Ohio has awarded $3,000 in grants to three organizations working to improve quality of life in the region.

“Each of these grants is an investment in the children of Appalachian Ohio, which is an investment in the future of our region,” said Eric Myers, a fund committee member and Myers’ son. “It is an honor to see my father’s legacy continue to shape Appalachian Ohio and to support organizations doing important work in our communities every day.”

The 2026 grantees are Newcomerstown NOW in Tuscarawas County, Ohio Valley Youth Network in Jefferson County and SOCC Foundation Inc. in Guernsey County.

Newcomerstown NOW will purchase winter boots for children attending the annual Whoville event. Ohio Valley Youth Network will support the Sycamore Young Chefs: Life Skills and Food Security Initiative, a year-round after-school cooking and mentoring program for Jefferson County students in grades one through 12. SOCC Foundation will launch a pilot program providing wellness kits to Buckeye Trail and Cambridge middle and high school students receiving school-based mental health support.

The Donald R. Myers Legacy Fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio supports nonprofit and public organizations serving the region’s 32 counties, with a focus on education, community leadership and basic needs.

Myers was a longtime advocate for Appalachian Ohio, serving as executive director of the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Alliance and president of the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance. He worked to secure investments supporting infrastructure, economic growth and quality of life across the region.

For more information, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org, email info@ffao.org or call 740-753-1111.