In 2025, the South Central Power Company Foundation donated more than $739,000 — including $123,000 in scholarships — to make a difference in our communities. With those donations, the foundation gave away 123 grants to community groups or individuals and 123 scholarships to high school seniors.
Funds for these grants and scholarships come from the generous donations of 87% of South Central Power members who choose to round up their electric 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 2025
Arts & culture
Barnesville State Theater Company, Belmont County, $10,000
The South Central Power Company Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant for phase 1 construction at the Barnesville State Theater Company. The project involves the meticulous restoration of the 1924 theater, and the revitalized space will host a variety of performing arts, plays, concerts, and special events, and will be adaptable for movie screens.
Youth programs 
Hocking County Children’s Chorus, Hocking County, $4,000
Seventy young performers shared the stage, singing, acting, and dancing at the Hocking County Children’s Chorus presentation of Disney’s Lion King Jr. thanks in part to a $4,000 grant from the South Central Power Company Foundation. The grant allowed the chorus to create, purchase, and rent quality costumes, making the production come to life. Some of the funds were also used to purchase cast T-shirts.
Hunger
Hopewell/Madison Choice Food Pantry, Perry County, $3,000
The Hopewell/Madison Choice Food Pantry distributed holiday meal boxes with support from a grant provided by the South Central Power Company Foundation. Because of the $3,000 grant, the food pantry was able to give away 89 Easter meal boxes, 100 Thanksgiving meal boxes, and 79 Christmas meal boxes to families in the local community.
First responders
Bowerston Volunteer Fire Department, Harrison County, $10,000
Firefighters don’t just put out burning fires. They also save people from a variety of dangerous circumstances, including water rescues. The Bowerston Volunteer Fire Department was able to replace their two old and failing rescue boats with new ones with the help of a $10,000 South Central Power Company Foundation grant.
Human Services
4-H Camp Ohio, Licking County, $1,500
The 4-H Camp Ohio Youth Education Center hosts about 8,000 youths and adults at its camp annually. Campers build memorable experiences through a variety of nature, team building, and recreational programs. A $1,500 grant helped modernize shower facilities, providing a more pleasant experience for campers.
Education
Amanda-Clearcreek Local School District, Fairfield County, $10,000
The grant was used to purchase an Anatomage Table for students to use who are enrolled in courses related to science, health science, agriculture education and career-technical education. The purchase will impact over 650 students. Additionally,
teachers will gain access to an advanced instructional tool, and the table can support community healthcare and STEM outreach initiatives.
2025 award distribution
