Gulfport Energy Fund Announces Second Round Grant Recipients
Fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio Supports Citizens in Belmont, Guernsey, Harrison, and Monroe Counties
Nelsonville, OH – The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) and the Gulfport Energy Fund are pleased to announce the second round of 2015 grant recipients. The Gulfport Energy Fund at FAO supports projects that increase quality of life, create access to opportunities, or identify and implement a solution for a community need in the counties where Gulfport Energy operates. Nonprofit and public organizations in Belmont, Guernsey, Harrison, and Monroe counties were eligible for these grants. Nearly $30,000 was awarded to 14 projects serving citizens in these counties during this grant round.
“Gulfport Energy is committed to giving back to the local communities where we operate,” said Gulfport Energy CEO and President Mike Moore. “Each of these grant recipients have projects that we feel will have long term positive impacts in the lives of the citizens living in these local communities.”
Recent grant recipients include:
Students at Brook Intermediate School, part of the Rolling Hills Local School District in Guernsey County, will experience a new aspect of art class as they incorporate Legos into their learning. A $900 grant will support this STEM-based instructional program.
Byesville Elementary School, also part of the Rolling Hills Local School District in Guernsey County, received nearly $2,500 to support a literacy program that incorporates Legos to inspire creativity and encourage innovation. Students will keep journals to record their stories and ideas over the course of the project.
Cambridge Middle School, part of the Cambridge City School District in Guernsey County, received over $1,000 in grant dollars to increase students’ technology skills. Special needs students in the school will learn to use devices as assistive communication tools.
Math students at Cambridge Middle School, part of the Cambridge City School District in Guernsey County, will benefit from individualized learning opportunities to supplement group classroom instruction through iPad technology. This opportunity was made possible by a $5,000 grant.
Residents in Guernsey and Harrison County will benefit from a $500 grant to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry. This award will support a program for area farmers and hunters to donate venison to local food pantries.
The Guernsey County 4-H Club received a $2,000 grant award to launch the CARTEENS program. This educational, peer-led program focuses on first-time teen traffic offenders and their parents.
The Harrison County Emergency Management Agency (HEMA) was awarded a $4,000 award to update its emergency radio communication system. The HEMA works with three fire departments and serves nearly 6,000 people in Harrison and Carroll counties.
The Harrison Soil and Water Conservation District received a $2,500 grant award to construct an augmented reality sandbox to use during demonstrations teaching the concept of a watershed and its role in an ecosystem. This program will help adults and children in Harrison and Carroll counties better understand watersheds and their importance.
Meadowbrook High School, part of the Rolling Hills Local School District in Guernsey County, received a $1,000 grant award for its Ambassadors program. The Ambassadors program is designed to teach junior and senior students leadership and soft skills necessary for college and career success. This award funds a technology tool for students to use as they facilitate volunteer projects and other programs.
Students facing speech and language challenges will have a new tool thanks to a $2,500 grant awarded to the Ohio Valley Educational Service Center. This will increase the tools available to teachers and students for speech and language therapy in Guernsey, Monroe, and Noble counties.
The Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 495 JATC will offer basic life support and first aid training to members and local residents thanks to a nearly $2,000 grant award. This program will provide training for approximately 100 residents in Guernsey County.
Music students at Secrest and Byesville Elementary Schools, part of the Rolling Hills Local School District in Guernsey County, will use technology and instruments to combine music lessons with literacy skills. The program, supported by a nearly $2,000 grant award, will use music to increase fluency through rhythmic and melodic activities.
COSI on Wheels will visit Secrest Elementary School because of a $1,000 grant to the Secrest Elementary Home & School Organization in Guernsey County. The “Incredible Human Machine” program will teach students about the digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems, as well as how nutrients and exercise keep their body healthy.
Zane State College was awarded nearly $2,500 for the Safety Wire Skill Training program. This program will equip students from Belmont, Guernsey, Harrison, Monroe, and Muskingum counties with the safety skills needed in the oil and gas industry.
“We are so excited about the difference being made through the Gulfport Energy Fund,” said Cara Dingus Brook, president and CEO of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. “The projects and programs Gulfport is funding will positively impact the lives of thousands of people across eastern Ohio.”
Gulfport Energy recently announced a $500,000 gift to the Foundation to continue serving residents where Gulfport Energy operates through the Gulfport Energy Fund. This gift includes the expansion of the Gulfport Energy Fund to serve residents of Jefferson and Noble counties in addition to Belmont, Guernsey, Harrison, and Monroe County citizens.
“It is also important to celebrate that these gifts represent continued support and deepening investment in these communities,” continued Brook. “Despite this being a challenging time for their industry, Gulfport is doing even more than before. It speaks volumes of Gulfport’s commitment to the region, and is greatly appreciated.”
For more information about the Gulfport Energy Fund and to sign up for the Foundation’s e-newsletter announcing grant opportunities, please visit www.AppalachianOhio.org or call 740.753.1111.
About Gulfport Energy:
Gulfport Energy Corporation is an Oklahoma City-based independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company with its principal producing properties located in the Utica Shale of Eastern Ohio and along the Louisiana Gulf Coast. In addition, Gulfport holds a sizeable acreage position in the Alberta Oil Sands in Canada through its 25% interest in Grizzly Oil Sands ULC.
About the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) is a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. A 501(c)(3) public charity, the Foundation creates opportunities for Appalachian Ohio’s citizens and communities by inspiring and supporting philanthropy. For more information about FAO, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org.
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