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

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Appalachian Tornado

RELIEF FUND

We are devastated to see the effects of the May 16th tornado on communities in our region, specifically in Laurel and Pulaski counties. Immediately after the disaster, the Upper Cumberland Community Foundation — one of our affiliates — established the Appalachian Tornado Relief Fund. This money will be used to support tornado survivors in Appalachian Kentucky.

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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.

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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.

Community Campaign Accelerator Cohort Announcement (2)

June 19, 2025

Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky Selected for GivingTuesday’s Inaugural Community Campaign Accelerator Cohort

Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky Among 36 Community Foundations and Their Affiliates From Across Five Southern States That Will Participate in Three-Year Capacity Building Program. Hazard, KY — The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky has been selected to participate in GivingTuesday’s inaugural Community Campaign Accelerator cohort. The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky is among 36 community foundations and… KEEP READING
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June 18, 2025

Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky To Host Neighborhood Dedication Event

Organization Invites Community to Visit Chestnut Ridge LEBURN, KY, June 17 — The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, in partnership with the Knott County Community Foundation, will be hosting a Neighborhood Dedication event at the Chestnut Ridge development site in Knott County, KY.  The event will begin with a ribbon cutting at the entrance of the… KEEP READING
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