The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) was created in 1998 as a regional community foundation serving the 29 counties of Appalachian Ohio. As a 501(c)(3) public charity, the Foundation works with donors and those who care deeply about the region to support regional improvement through the power of charitable giving.

FAO serves 29 counties throughout the region: Adams, Athens, Belmont, Brown, Carroll, Clermont, Columbiana, Coshocton, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Tuscarawas, Vinton and Washington. The Foundation is headquartered in Nelsonville, Ohio.

FAO's "brick and mortar" strategy for regional improvement includes four basic strategies:

• Developing endowed funds, providing entry points for donors to participate in helping the region to help itself through the power of charitable giving;
• Increasing grants, investing in community efforts to promote positive change;
• Building regional commitment to regional issues, networking communities and encouraging collaboration; and,
• Strengthening the region's leaders and programs, building capacity through shared learning and best practices.