On Thursday, January 29, the Athens County Foundation welcomed its members to the Annual Business Meeting to share insights and updates from the past year. The annual business meeting marked a meaningful gathering at the Foundation’s new home at the Athens Armory.

ACF’s annual meeting brought together donors, nonprofit partners, and community members to reflect on a year of progress and shared impact. Incoming Board Chair Karoline Lane opened the meeting by thanking attendees for their generosity, engagement, and ideas, emphasizing that the wide range of contributions, including time, resources, and talents, is essential to strengthening communities across Athens County’s 14 townships. Treasurer Geoff Morgan reported total assets of over $14 million, an increase of approximately $1.25 million driven by donor support and strong market returns. Governance Committee Chair Scott Robe recognized outgoing Chair Julie Paxton Pagan for her leadership and presented a slate of officers and new board members, including Stephanie Wood and Tom Davis, both bringing deep local roots and valuable experience. The meeting also highlighted ACF’s grantmaking impact in fiscal year 2025, with more than $741,000 awarded to support programs spanning arts and culture, education, housing, and food security.

Executive Director Kerry closed the Annual Meeting by reflecting on both the challenges facing Athens County and the strength that comes from working together. She shared how the Foundation’s grantmaking, paired with community programs, is designed to address immediate needs while also strengthening the relationships and systems that help the community thrive over time.

Kerry emphasized that grants are most effective when organizations are connected and supported. By investing in both philanthropy and programs that build leadership, strengthen nonprofits, and create space for collaboration, the Foundation helps ensure that resources go further and have greater impact. This approach was reflected in the Foundation’s recognition as a Civic Hub by the Trust for Civic Life, affirming its role as a trusted convener and supporter of healthy civic life.

She also highlighted the Athens Armory as a tangible example of this work, now reactivated as a shared space for connection, collaboration, and community life. The meeting concluded with gratitude to grantees, donors, and partners, and a reminder that the progress made this year reflects what is possible when people come together around shared purpose. The work ahead will continue to depend on collaboration, trust, and the belief that we can accomplish more for Athens County when we do it together.

The Foundation looks forward to its annual Celebration of Community on April 8, 2026, at Stuart’s Opera House, where it will celebrate the many contributions of individuals, organizations, and partners who help to strengthen Athens County.

Photos by Sharell Arocho-Wise Snapped by Sharell Photography