Knox County Foundation

10/15/2026

Congratulations to Carolyn Fergus and Interchurch Social Services of Knox County on receiving the Bill Nance III Award for Agency Innovation from the Mid-Ohio Food Collective! 👏

The award recognizes Interchurch's innovative and collaborative approach to addressing food insecurity in Knox County.

That spirit of collaboration was especially evident last November, when the federal government shutdown put local SNAP benefits at risk. Interchurch, Food For The Hungry of Knox County, and Knox County Foundation worked together to organize two pop-up food pantries, with support from community volunteers and partner organizations.

As Carolyn shared when accepting the award:

“I was honored to accept the award on behalf of ISS. It is our staff, volunteers, and a community with a shared vision of how to take care of our neighbors that makes what we do possible.”

Congratulations to Carolyn and the entire Interchurch team on this well-deserved recognition! 💙

10/14/2026

Great news for everyone who enjoys the Kokosing Gap Trail! 🚴‍♀️ After weeks of repaving and improvements, this well-loved community trail is ready for walkers, runners, and cyclists to enjoy.

Knox County Foundation has been glad to support the trail over the years, including two recent grants totaling $175,000 toward the repaving project.

These improvements represent a much larger collaborative investment, made possible through public funding, community support, and the efforts of many local partners.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this project possible!

The KGT is OPEN: The 6-week-long repaving project is nearly complete with only minor tasks remaining. The last concrete bridge approach was poured today. The milling of the old asphalt, laying of new asphalt, berming of edges, bridge approach repairs, and ADA pad installation are all complete. Come and enjoy the new KGT. It's a smooth ride.

10/13/2026

Fall is starting to show its colors! Where's your favorite place to enjoy fall in Knox County? 🍂

We captured a few glimpses of the season while exploring some local spots.

📸 Have a fall photo of your own? Feel free to share it in the comments!

10/12/2026

Pursuing career or technical training? A Knox County Foundation scholarship may be able to help.

Career and Technical Education Scholarships are available to Knox County residents attending or planning to attend eligible occupational training programs of two years or less.

The next application deadline is Thursday, October 15.

Learn more about eligibility and apply at KnoxCF.org/careertech-scholarships

10/09/2026

Earlier this week, KCF Senior Program Director Lisa Lloyd led a Lunch & Learn for Knox Young Professionals. The takeaway? Serving on a nonprofit board is an opportunity to make a difference in your community and grow as a leader!

The session explored the purpose of nonprofit boards, the key responsibilities of board members, and how to approach board service with confidence and a clear understanding of governance.

Thanks to the Knox County Chamber of Commerce for organizing the event and The Retreat at Mount Vernon for hosting!

📷 Photos courtesy of the Knox County Chamber of Commerce.

10/08/2026

It doesn't get much better than fall on the Kokosing River. 🍁 We're fortunate to have so many beautiful places to explore right here in Knox County. Thanks to the Knox County Park District for sharing this view!

It's a great time to enjoy the autumn leaves as your kayak floats down the scenic Kokosing River.

10/07/2026

Looking for a meaningful way to serve the Knox County community? HopeNow Furniture Bank is seeking a new member to join its Board of Directors. If you or someone you know may be a good fit, learn more in their post below. 👇

Join the HopeNow Furniture Bank Board of Directors

HopeNow Furniture Bank (HNFB) currently has an opening on our Board of Directors and is seeking a dedicated community member interested in helping advance our mission.

We are especially interested in candidates with experience in business, finance, law, corporate leadership, or nonprofit management, although we welcome applications from anyone whose skills and experience could contribute to the organization.

HNFB is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Knox County by providing essential household furnishings to individuals and families who are struggling to furnish their homes due to financial hardship or other challenging life circumstances.

Serving on our Board of Directors is an opportunity to provide leadership, share your expertise, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of families throughout our community.

Interested in joining us? Please complete our Board Member Application and submit it to [email protected] for consideration.

We look forward to welcoming a new voice to the HopeNow team! ❤️🏠

10/07/2026

Nonprofit board service comes with important responsibilities—from good governance and financial oversight to fundraising and required filings.

Charitable University provides current and prospective nonprofit board members and leaders with practical information to help them serve their organizations effectively.

Presented in partnership with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, this free morning training will cover:

• Board governance and policies
• Financial reporting and internal controls
• Fundraising
• Government filings and recordkeeping
• Charitable gaming and bingo

Whether you’re new to nonprofit leadership or have been serving for years, Charitable University is an opportunity to strengthen your knowledge and better understand the responsibilities that come with serving a charitable organization.

Thursday, November 12, 9 a.m.–Noon
Light breakfast and coffee from 8:30–9 a.m.
Ramser 4-H Center, Knox County Fairgrounds

Registration is free and required by November 6.

Register at knoxcf.org/knox-network-of-nonprofits/

10/06/2026

Knox County Commissioners have announced a second round of grant funding through the OneOhio Recovery Foundation.

Funding supports projects that help children and families impacted by addiction through system navigation, grief and trauma supports, and other innovative strategies. Grant requests may be up to $25,000 per project/program.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public charities, and government agencies.

EOI deadline: November 13
Full application deadline: November 20

Learn more, view eligibility requirements and apply at KnoxCF.org/apply-for-a-grant

Funding is provided directly by the Knox County Commissioners through statewide opioid settlement dollars. The application is hosted on the Knox County Foundation grant portal.