Gulfport Energy has continuously made headlines for its great work in the Utica Shale since it began operations in 2012, but its latest announcement of a $500,000 gift to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio has local residents especially pleased.  Gulfport Energy has a history of philanthropy in Ohio.  In fact last year it pledged $400,000 to the counties where they operate. Now – only one year later – its giving is approaching $1 million.

Created in collaboration with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, the Gulfport Energy Fund is part of the Guernsey County Foundation’s Family of Funds.  According to the website, the Gulfport Energy Fund supports tax-exempt organizations throughout Belmont, Guernsey, Harrison, Jefferson, Monroe, and Noble counties in Appalachian Ohio. Awards have been given which range from $500 to $2,500, though up to $10,000 per recipient.  For example in 2015, Belmont College, Bellaire Local School District, Union Local Middle School, and Cambridge City Schools all received thousands from the company.

Gulfport’s ongoing investments and continued focus on giving back to the community shows its strong commitment to Ohio. As Gulport’s CEO, Michael Moore said,

“We established the Gulfport Energy Fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio to support our strong commitment to the communities where we operate. We have witnessed the passion and hard-working spirit of the people making a difference in each community. We are pleased to increase our investment in Appalachian Ohio with this gift to further encourage and support the region.”

He continued,

“This is only the beginning, there is so much more to do. We are here to stay, and thank you for making Ohio our home.”

Of course, Gulfport Energy is not alone in its philanthropic efforts.  Since Utica Shale development began in 2011, Chesapeake, CONSOL, REX Energy, EdgeMarc and PDC Energy have all made it a priority to provide philanthropic opportunity to the communities in which they operate.

The oil and gas industry is providing numerous benefits to eastern Ohio in the form of jobs, economic growth and lower energy prices. The philanthropic efforts put forth like the one by Gulfport Energy show that these companies appreciate the welcoming they have received, and are more than willing to give back to the communities where they have and will continue to operate for many years to come.