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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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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2021 Annual Report

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.

plants sprouting in a plastic covered tunnel

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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bigideas

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The Appalachian Big Ideas Festival

Join us in one of the most exciting cities in Appalachian Kentucky for a three-day festival! Hear from national and local thought leaders, see artists create in real time, and enjoy some of the best cuisine Appalachia has to offer. Registration and all public programming including music, workshops, and performances are FREE.

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Feature 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.

June 1, 2022

Celebrating Kentuckian and LGBTQ+ Activist, Lige Clarke

Elijah “Lige” Clarke (1942-1975) was a native of Hindman, Kentucky and a formative figure of the Queer Liberation Movement in the mid-20th Century. In the mid-1960’s, while he was in the US Army (with top security clearances, assigned to the Army’s Chief-of-Staff at the Pentagon), Lige would pass out gay rights pamphlets in the evenings…. KEEP READING

July 20, 2022

Community Support for Generations

What is your vision for your community? The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky consistently asks this question to donors, boards, affiliates and program directors. It’s a part of the overall concept of rising where we’re rooted. And, we’re proud to say that the answers are often turned into action through countless programs and local community foundation… KEEP READING

June 29, 2022

The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky Again Acknowledged for Excellence

The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky has once again been approved for re-accreditation with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations®. National Standards ensures that we have policies in place for financial stability and longevity, affirming our continued commitment to excellence and ethics for our donors, grantees and community.  What does this mean for you? When you… KEEP READING