Check out our updated Blog and hear about ways you can help keep Athens thriving!

We are currently accepting applications for Leadership Athens County until May 31, 2012! Leadership Athens County is a nine-month course that gives participants the opportunity to explore Athens' economic, political, social and cultural landscape. The leadership curriculum uses tours, panel discussions, hands-on activities, and interactions with community leaders to give participants an insiders' view of the county. Participants join a growing network of more than 100 area leaders who have graduated from the program in the last six years.

Leadership Athens County meets one weekday per month from September through May. Tuition is $500 and scholarships are available! Up to 20 applicants will be accepted to participate. For more information, contact Susan Urano, at 594-6061 or by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it !

1. The Appalachian Peace and Justice Network, $2,600 to support bullying prevention classes in the Athens county elementary school.
2. The Athens County Public Library, $2,600 to help purchase books for pre-kindergarten children in “Every Child Ready to Read” workshops
3. Trimble Textbook Foundation, $2,700 to help purchase eight smart boards and novels for high school English classes.
4. Big Brothers Big Sisters, $1,800 to support its Youth in Leadership mentoring program.
5. The Plains Elementary School, $3,000 to upgrade and add new playground equipment
6. Athens Noon Rotary, $2,700 to finish the Southside playground through the purchase of a rubber surface and benches
7. Havar Inc., $3,900 to support a two-week summer camp for children with autism
8. Raccoon Creek, $1,700 to support a summer camp and operating costs through the fall
9. Athens Area Mediation Services, $2,150 to build a small shelter with outside equipment, as well as to make necessary updates to its facility
10. The Dairy Barn, $2,000 to replace the gutters and front door of a historic building
11. Brick Monkey Theater, $2,500 to produce “An Appalachian Christmas” at Stuart’s Opera House
12. Athens Photographic Project, $3,650 to support two visiting artists who will work with students in 30 classes
13. Community Food Initiatives, $3,450 to help with garden-to-table workshop
14. OU Kids on Campus, $2,700 for a seed-to-plate in the county
15. Rural Action, $3,000 provide education programs for local farmers

Congratulations to this Spring's Grantees!

The mission of The Athens Foundation is to enhance the quality of life for the people of our region through building endowments, awarding grants, and providing leadership on key community issues now and for generations to come. 

Vision:

The Athens Foundation is committed to a healthy, inclusive community where there are opportunities for all people and everyone is engaged.

Values:

The Athens Foundation believes that a healthy, inclusive community is one that preserves and expands on those things that are working well and:

•             values local input

•             solicits diverse perspectives

•             inspires cooperation and collaboration

•             stewards valued resources

•             encourages self-assessment and continuous learning

•             promotes shared values of trust, respect, honesty, and openness

What do we do?

The Athens Foundation focuses on providing funding for education, health, social services, animal welfare, public affairs, recreation, the environment and arts, culture and humanities.

The Athens Foundation supports a number of community initiatives aimed at advancing philanthropy and building a stronger county including: Leadership Athens County, Athens Professionals for Philanthropy Fund, Women's Fund,  and the Estate Planning Council.

Where does our funding come from?

The foundation endowment is built on donations and bequest from donors committed to lasting investments in our community.