Celebrate Community

Build Capacity through Endowments

Endowments build trust. An endowment is one of the strongest ways to show that you are thinking long term. It tells your supporters you are committed to your mission, careful with your resources, and building something that will last. It supports legacy giving and helps create a steady footing for the future.

If you are considering building an endowment or simply want to explore what it could look like for your organization, we are here to listen and serve as a thoughtful partner. (LINK: Let’s start the conversation).

Why build at ACF? When you build an endowment at the Athens County Foundation, your impact goes further. Every contribution, whether money, time, talent, ideas, or connections, helps strengthen Athens County.

Foundation earnings support programs like Leadership Athens County, Strengths+Strengths for nonprofits, and Project Co-Create, initiatives that help reimagine and reshape the systems we share in Athens County. Together, we are growing leaders, building capacity, and strengthening collaboration across the community.

From the Community:

Thank you to Rural Action for submitting their story of reflection.

Reflection of Exploring Athens: A Journey of Connection

The day began at the shelter with introductions and an overview of the planned activities, followed by breakfast at Village Bakery. Upon request, the owners graciously donated 12 $10 gift cards to support residents as they regain confidence and comfort as they reintegrate into the community. They recognized the value of helping participants discover welcoming local resources, including the Village Bakery. The additional five gift cards were given directly to the clients for future visits.

The group then visited Kindred Market and the Athens Public Library to learn more about nearby community resources before boarding the 12:05 p.m. Athens Public Transit bus to Nelsonville. By this point, the participants had clearly connected, sharing stories, laughing, and enjoying one another’s company. On the bus ride, one client opened up about always being a “city person” who never felt comfortable in rural areas. But she went on to say, “this is exactly what I needed,” noting that the supportive group and uplifting experiences were helping her create new, positive memories in a rural community.

Upon arriving in Nelsonville, the group enjoyed lunch from Fullbrooks Café and listened to Tyler McDaniel, President of the Little Cities of Black Diamonds, discuss the region’s history of labor unionization and its influence on local communities today. Before returning to Athens, they walked around the square to identify local organizations that foster wellness and cooperative values, including the Nelsonville Public Library, New Leaf Marketplace, Jobs and Family Services, The Hive, Stuart’s, and the Athens County Foundation.

By the end of the tour, the participants chose to exchange phone numbers so they could stay connected and plan more outings together. They also requested a group photo of the four of them at the Nelsonville bus stop.