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

student scholarships
Do you know about our

Student Scholarships?

We believe in the importance of supporting and preparing our youth!

The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky hosts multiple scholarships to support students as they pursue further education. We want to see students in our region have the same opportunities as others in the state and nation, and communities value and encourage learning and curiosity as a priority throughout a person’s life.

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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

How We Work

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

Man playing stringed instrument to group of students

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.

group of students sitting in front of a laptop
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.

ACA 2025 Donor Email Impact Story (2)

November 10, 2025

How We Supported Our Communities After the February 2025 Flood

Caitlin Collier, the owner of K-Fitness, faced significant challenges due to the February 2025 flood. K-Fitness, a 24-hour women’s physical fitness center in Pikeville, KY, was hit hard by the storms. Just six weeks prior, Caitlin had completed a major renovation of her facility. The flood caused extensive damage to her newly renovated building, undoing… KEEP READING
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July 18, 2025

Bonita Compton Scholarship Established to Honor Beloved Educator and Coach

Floyd County, KY — A new scholarship honoring the legacy of Bonita Compton—a devoted educator, coach, community leader, and lifelong advocate for Floyd County—has been established to support local Floyd County high school students pursuing a post-secondary degree or certification. The endowed scholarship fund is held at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky. Born October 20,… KEEP READING
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