The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky

We Do Things Differently

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We are more than a traditional community foundation.

We do things differently

Celebrating Our

ROOTS

Since its inception, the Foundation has put more than $30 million directly back into the heart of Eastern Kentucky, awarded over 10,000 grants, and received more than 12,000 donations.

Learn more about our 15-year impact
Learn about our

APPROACH

The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky brings together people, ideas and resources to build communities and encourage philanthropy.

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2022 Annual Report
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How We Work

We believe in consistently and intentionally shifting control back into the hands of local leaders.

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We Support Communities

We combine the stability of a traditional community foundation with the innovation of impact investing and supporting social enterprises.

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We Develop Leadership

We motivate and develop community leaders and eliminate barriers to growth.

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We Grow Assets

We connect resources to local people and programs creating equitable, lasting, and positive change.

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What Makes Us

DIFFERENT?

The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky meets communities where they are instead of telling them where they should be. Because, at the end of the day, we believe that investing in the people rooted in communities is the way to make them better.

Explore our community affiliates
Join our

TEAM

We are currently hiring! See open positions and the benefits of working with the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky.

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NEWSLETTER

Stay up to date on the work that we are doing in the Appalachian region! Sign up for our email newsletter below.

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Featured Fund
Invest your values with the Appalachian Impact Fund.

The Appalachian Impact Fund pursues relationships with startups, initiatives, and organizations that celebrate Appalachian culture and grow local economies. This fund provides both capital and connections to social entrepreneurs and projects in Appalachian Kentucky.

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Rising Where WE’re Rooted

Discover how we are helping to reclaim the power of community for Eastern Kentucky.

May 17, 2025

Upper Cumberland Community Foundation Establishes Appalachian Tornado Relief Fund in Aftermath of Tragic Storms

The Upper Cumberland Community Foundation (UCCF), an affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, has established and is accepting donations for the Appalachian Tornado Relief Fund. The fund is designed to provide flexible support to those affected by the May 16, 2025, tornadoes that struck Eastern Kentucky. Donations to the Appalachian Tornado Relief Fund will… KEEP READING
Pikeville CF March 2025 Food insecurity grantees

March 17, 2025

Pikeville Community Foundation Awards More Than $70,000 in Funding

March 11, 2025 – Pikeville, KY   The Pikeville Community Foundation is honored to award 10 Pike County non-profit organizations with funding to help alleviate food insecurity issues in our community. Funding awarded totals $73,500. Pikeville Community Foundation Board Chair Brad Slone said, “We know these gifts will go far in providing individuals, families and children… KEEP READING

February 24, 2025

Red River Gorge Community Foundation Accepting Donations for Flood Relief

The Red River Gorge Community Foundation (RRGCF), an affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, is now accepting donations for emergency flood relief efforts in Estill, Lee, Menifee, Powell, and Wolfe counties. In the aftermath of the devastating Feb. 2025 flood, the Red River Gorge community is in desperate need of relief. All donations made… KEEP READING