In 2024, the South Central Power Company Foundation donated more than $652,000 — including $100,000 in scholarships — to make a difference in our communities. With those donations, the foundation assisted 91 community groups or individuals with grants.
The funds for the grants and scholarships come from the generous donations of 87% of South Central Power members who choose to “round up” their bills to the next dollar. Grant requests are considered quarterly for first responders, human services organizations, youth programs, arts and culture, and more.
Here’s a look at several grants from 2024
Arts & culture
Summer Arts Experience, Hocking, $2,000, art camp
The Summer Arts Experience is a cultural arts camp that services children, ages 5 to 14, from Athens, Fairfield, and Hocking counties. Participants have the opportunity to explore different cultures of the world through the areas of music, theatre, visual arts, dance, food, and history.
Youth programs
Adena Youth League, Ross, $5,000, youth league sports upgrades
Youth baseball is a growing trend in the past two years, and upgrades were needed at fields in Clarksburg due to rule changes and normal maintenance. With this funding, the organization can improve facilities, provide better equipment, and offer more opportunities for our young athletes to thrive.
Hunger
Lutheran Social Services, Fairfield, $3,000, food pantry
Thanks to the grant from the foundation, the organization will purchase food that will be distributed to families in need in Fairfield County. The organization has seen a dramatic increase in pantry visits, coupled with continued high costs. The grant will help ensure the continuation of this important community program.
Human services
Highland County Historical Society, Highland, $3,902.37, building and grounds safety project
Thanks to the grant, the Highland County Historical Society was able to purchase items for first aid kits, traffic bollards, and more to ensure the safety of staff and visitors, and for those working or enjoying the grounds of its museum campus.
First responders
Bowerston Volunteer Fire Department, Harrison, $9,375.68, fire hose
The funding from the foundation helped the fire department purchase a portion of a replacement for a fire hose that was old and unreliable. The fire department provides fire services for Monroe Township but provides mutual aid for five other departments in Harrison County and two departments in Carroll County.
Education
Walnut Elementary School 2nd grade, Pickaway, $7,390, nonfiction decodable readers
This reading program features nonfiction decodable texts and would allow teachers to differentiate instruction as well as enhance guided reading curriculum. From the student’s perspective, nonfiction decodable readers allow an opportunity for more guided and independent reading instruction to practice phonics skills taught in the classroom.
From its inception through the end of 2024, the foundation has provided more than $6 million in grants and scholarships to nonprofits, individuals, and students in our communities.
