February reminds us that while spring is not far off, there are still opportunities for cozy evenings and community gatherings. As we begin a new year, the Athens County Foundation is honored to continue working with and supporting our nonprofit partners. They are essential to the strength, creativity, and care that define our community, and we are grateful for the work you do every day across Athens County to support our community.

Your contributions reflect what is possible when neighbors invest in one another. Your generosity helps provide critical lifelines, opens doors to opportunity, strengthens connections, and creates lasting impact throughout our community. From meeting immediate needs to building long-term solutions, your work helps ensure Athens County remains a place where people can thrive.

In the year ahead, ACF looks forward to walking alongside you. We see ourselves as partners in this work and are here to support you as you bring your philanthropic visions to life. Thank you for choosing to serve our community with purpose and care. We are proud to be in community with you. 

In 2022, we announced the establishment of the Athens County Racial Equity Fund (REF). This fund provides financial support to selected anti-racist educational projects and community programs, while building capacity and opportunities for People of the Global Majority in Athens County. Since its inception, the fund has supported 10 unique organizations, funding 13 projects totaling $54,170 in awards. 

At Athens County Foundation, we believe lasting change happens when people pull up a chair, listen, and work together. That belief is at the heart of our Racial Equity Fund and the partners who are shaping a more just and inclusive Athens County.

The Racial Equity Fund was created to support community-led efforts that address racial inequities and expand opportunity. Through collaboration with local organizations, leaders, and residents, the Fund helps ensure that those most impacted by inequity have a voice in creating solutions.

Across the county, partners supported by the Racial Equity Fund are doing this work side by side with community members. They are building trust, strengthening relationships, and creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and able to participate fully. These efforts reflect what becomes possible when leadership is shared and collaboration is centered.

The Women of Color Support Group at SAOP creates space for connection, belonging, and mutual support among women of color in Athens County. Supported by the Athens County Foundation, the group meets regularly to build relationships, share resources, and foster a sense of community among participants who understand the intersecting experiences of race and gender. Through monthly gatherings, shared meals, wellness activities, and intentional support of local businesses owned by people of color, the group has helped reduce isolation, strengthen cross-generational relationships, and create lasting friendships. Participants have described the group as a place where they feel seen, valued, and connected, highlighting the powerful impact of pulling up a chair together and building community side by side.

Your gift to the Racial Equity Fund helps make projects like the Women of Color Support Group possible. Contributions to this fund advance anti-racism and racial equity efforts across Athens County. Thank you for standing with people from the global majority in our community.

We invite you to continue pulling up a chair with us.