Supporting individuals, groups, and
organizations who are working to make
a difference in Appalachian Kentucky.
What is it?
The Appalachian Kentucky Civic Experiment Grant Program is a funding opportunity created to support neighbors, organizations, and community leaders who have ideas to strengthen civic life and address local challenges across Appalachian Kentucky. This work was made possible through the support of the Trust for Civic Life, a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.
“This program is about empowering people closest to the challenges in their communities to test bold, creative ideas that strengthen civic engagement and promote opportunity across Appalachian Kentucky. We are especially excited to support projects that reflect our shared values of community, equity, integrity, resilience, and hope.”
– Kristin Walker Collins, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky
grant Recipients
$3,000 to the Appalachian Literary Arts Festival for an annual event in Morehead celebrating Appalachian literature, storytelling, and culture through accessible activities promoting inclusivity and community engagement.
$10,000 to Berea Arts Council for CAREnet, an arts-based civic response initiative that builds long-term capacity for community-led disaster and crisis response through free training, networking, and tools for artists and leaders.
$1,500 to Carrie Community Foundation to support services like food boxes, events, community meals, and education to promote community involvement and strengthen bonds in Carrie and surrounding Knott County.
$8,600 to Clear Creek Creative to empower women changemakers in the region through leadership development and action planning.
$10,400 to Cowan Community Action Group for Instruments of Change, featuring events promoting civic engagement through shared artistic experiences, including live music, discussions, and community suppers in Letcher County.
$5,000 to Estill County 21st Century for CLETUS (Civic Literacy and Education Television for US), a project using video interviews to educate the community about local operations and empower youth.
$2,000 to Gateway Regional Arts Center, supporting community-designed murals in Frenchburg, Owingsville, Clay City, and West Liberty through a democratic process.
$6,500 to Jackson County Development Association for McKee Sculpture Park, a cultural and tourism initiative creating an inclusive public art destination.
$5,000 to Lauren Traitz, exploring Appalachian land-based traditions from Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and secular communities to boost civic engagement.
$7,500 to Stidham Old Time Music Association, to the “Pick and Bow Program” offering affordable Appalachian string music lessons to connect youth with community traditions.
$5,000 to Showing Up For Racial Justice (SURJ), hosting “Hillbilly Jubilee” potlucks in five eastern Kentucky counties to unite people in the fight for tenants’ rights in the region.
$7,500 to The Edge, enhancing community connections through a multi-denominational church exchange that promotes relationship building, storytelling, and collaboration.
$18,000 to Tri County Mystery Meets for Voices of 250, a theater and storytelling initiative commemorating the U.S. 250th anniversary by centering the lived experiences of Appalachian residents.
About the Applicants
Over 80 grants were received requesting $1,300,00 in funding. Applicants were individuals, groups, and organizations engaged in civic entrepreneurship and engagement work. All projects are to be completed within 12 months or less and focus on community engagement, problem-solving, and the common good.
Grant proposals were reviewed based on:
- New or creative ideas that respond to real community needs
- Positive community impact, with clear benefits for local people
- Alignment with shared values like community, equity, integrity, service, and hope
- A realistic plan that shows how the project will get done
- Long-term benefit, including how the work could continue or inspire others
