Impact Report: 2020 Ripple Effect Map
Shayne Lopez • September 12, 2020
Building a Stronger Athens County: A Look at ACF’s Impact
The Athens County Foundation (ACF) isn’t just a grantmaking organization—it’s a catalyst for community-driven change. According to the Ripple Effect Mapping (REM) Assessment Report conducted by Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, ACF’s influence extends far beyond funding, helping to foster collaboration, leadership, and long-term solutions for local challenges.
Where ACF Makes a Difference
- Making connections, mentoring, linking resources: ACF serves as a connector, linking nonprofits, businesses, and community members to tackle shared challenges. Whether it's increasing broadband access or supporting affordable senior housing, ACF ensures resources and efforts are aligned for maximum impact.
- Developing leaders: Through programs like Leadership Athens County, ACF equips individuals with the skills and connections they need to step into leadership roles. Many graduates have gone on to launch community projects, serve on nonprofit boards, or lead local businesses.
- Strengthening the nonprofit and philanthropic sector: In one year alone, ACF invested over $400,000 in 97 local organizations, helping them grow and sustain their missions. It also nurtures philanthropy by engaging young professionals through Athens Professionals for Philanthropy, making charitable giving more accessible and impactful.
- Supporting Economic Development: ACF actively supports local entrepreneurs and businesses through mission-related investments. One standout example is its role in the Baileys Trails Project, a major outdoor recreation initiative that is set to boost tourism and local business opportunities.
- Increasing the community's capacity to tackle tough issues: From supporting addiction recovery efforts to promoting racial equity conversations, ACF isn’t afraid to take on tough topics. By funding awareness campaigns and facilitating open dialogues, the foundation is helping the community find real solutions to real problems.
The
Ripple Effect Mapping (REM) Report
was conducted by evaluators from Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, who worked with ACF grantees, staff, donors, and community members to assess the foundation’s impact.
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The Athens County Foundation is excited to welcome Emily Prince as our new Communications and Engagement Manager. With a background rooted in arts leadership, nonprofit service, and collaborative storytelling, Emily brings a dynamic and deeply community-centered approach to her new role. Emily’s professional journey has included roles such as Operations Director at Stuart’s Opera House, Training and Activation Director for Air Collaborative, and Program Specialist at Arts West. She has also served as Education and Development Director at Stuart’s Opera House, contributing to the growth and sustainability of arts and cultural programming in the region. "I am over the moon and honored to be creating this new role at the Athens County Foundation,” Prince said. “After having been involved with the Foundation one way or another since I participated in the inaugural class of Leadership Athens County, it feels like coming home." Her earlier career began in New York where she worked as a producer, stage manager, actor, director, casting director, and dramaturge. These diverse roles helped shape her belief in the importance of story, creativity, and collaboration as tools for change. Since returning to Athens County in 2005, Emily has continued to lead with heart and vision—graduating from the inaugural Leadership Athens County class, co-chairing its alumni network, and serving on numerous boards, including the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education and the Nelsonville Rotary Club. Emily lives on a farm in Athens County with her husband and sons, where she enjoys crafting, writing, and supporting creative projects that enrich local life. “Emily brings more than communications experience; she brings a way of working that reflects our values of courage, inclusion, trust, collaboration, and hope,” said Kerry Pigman, Executive Director. “Her approach will help deepen relationships, build stronger community ties, and engage more people in more places across Athens County.” From the stages of New York to the heart of Appalachia, Emily has used her voice to lift up others and create spaces where ideas and people thrive. She brings a deep belief in the power of connection, and we’re excited for her to help us engage more people in more places across Athens County. Through storytelling, creative outreach, and authentic collaboration, Emily will help share the incredible voices of our region and strengthen the bonds that move us forward together. In her role at ACF, Emily will lead communications and outreach strategies that align with the Foundation’s mission to build on the strengths of our community, advancing participation and collaboration to address longstanding challenges and pursue extraordinary opportunities. We’re honored to have Emily join the ACF team and look forward to the impact she will make through her storytelling, engagement, and leadership.
September 30 open house draws stakeholders and community members alike.
Big Announcement: Athens County Foundation Receives National Recognition
