Supporting individuals, groups, and
organizations who are working to make
a difference in Appalachian Kentucky.
What is it?
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky is excited to announce the launch of the Appalachian Kentucky Civic Experiment Grant Program, a new 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
Eligible Applicants
Applicants should be individuals, groups, and organizations engaged in civic entrepreneurship and engagement work. Projects should be able to be completed within 12 months or less and should focus on community engagement, problem-solving, and the common good.
Grant proposals will be 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
Applicants will be asked to explain who they are, what they want to do, where the work will happen, why it matters, and how they will measure success.
Award Amounts
The program will award a total of $90,000 in grants to support projects that bring people together, encourage participation, and improve life in our communities. Individual grants will range from $5,000 to $20,000, with 5 to 20 awards expected.
Grant funds must be used for the approved project, and recipients will be asked to share updates and a final report on what they learned and accomplished.
Application Deadline
The grant application opens Wednesday, January 7, and closes Tuesday, February 17 at 11:59 p.m. Applications will be reviewed and awarded as they are received, so early applications are encouraged.
Interested?
Need help with creating an account in our grant application portal?
Check out this page for instructions.