Learn More about
us and our work
Explore the City of
Hazard While You Wait
About Our Work
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower Appalachian Kentucky communities to thrive through collaboration, asset building, and leadership development.
Who We Are
We are a tax-exempt, nationally-accredited community foundation serving Appalachian Kentucky, pooling donations to address local need and support local nonprofits. We are a 501(c)(3) public charity, offering ways to multiply the impact of your donations. We prioritize community building, grantmaking, and advocacy for local issues, ensuring all voices are heard.
We also empower local communities through our affiliate network. Affiliates are like mini foundations, representing a specific area within Appalachian Kentucky, with local boards addressing community needs. We equip affiliates with resources and expertise, fostering collaboration for a stronger region.
To learn more about our work, click the button below to find our Strategic Roadmap, which will guide our work from 2026-2030.
By supporting communities, growing assets, and strengthening leadership, we’re rising where we’re rooted. To support this work, you can make a donation to our Charge It Forward fund. Click the button below to make a donation!
Solar Panel Project
In 2021, the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky installed solar panels on its office building in downtown Hazard. The panels are not only saving the Foundation money, but they also generate revenue from the energy produced while helping to build a resilient future in the mountains. In 2026, the Foundation doubled the project!
To learn more about this project, click the button below.
EV charger powered by solar in partnership
with Mountain Association.
Mountain Association works alongside people and communities to build to a new economy and a brighter future in Eastern Kentucky. Established in 1976, they are a nonprofit that invests in people and places in the 54 Appalachian counties of Kentucky.
Explore Hazard
Hazard, KY is a beautiful place to explore while you wait for your vehicle to charge! We’ve assembled a list of some local small businesses and restaurants that are within walking distance of the EV charger.
Food:
Harvey Nutrition
Harvey Nutrition is a family owned business selling nutritional smoothies & bowls located inside the Appalachian Apparel Co. building.
Location: 561 Main St, Hazard, KY 41701
Hazard Coffee Company
Hazard Coffee Company is a community-focused coffee shop serving a wide range of hot and iced drinks, including teas and matcha. They are an Invest 606 business accelerator alumnus.
Location: 486 Main St, Hazard, KY 41701
The Pantry Shelf
The Pantry Shelf is a convenience store in Hazard. It is best known for its delicious fresh donuts.
Location: 426 Memorial Dr, Hazard, KY 41701
Rudy’s Bakery
Rudy’s Bakery is a little hometown shop in Hazard offering sweet treats and affordable catering. They also have a daily dinner special.
Location: 2108 C Main St, Hazard, KY 41701
Shenanigans
Shenanigans is a locally owned restaurant specializing in soup, salad and sandwiches. They locally source as many of their products as possible.
Location: 413 Main St, Hazard, KY 41701
The Goal Line
The Goal Line is a family eatery, striving to be one of Hazard’s coolest sports bars.
Location: 426 Main St, Hazard, KY 41701
Shopping:
Appalachian Apparel Company
Appalachian Apparel Company partners with local artists to create unique designs you can’t find anywhere else, hand-printed on comfortable wares. They are an Invest 606 business accelerator alumnus.
Location: 561 Main St, Hazard, KY 41701
Belcher & Boudreaux
Belcher & Boudreaux was created in the spirit of southern hospitality and community. Their goal is to be your destination for the perfect gift or accessory.
Location: 439 High St Ste 1, Hazard, KY 41701
Hot Mess Express 606
Hot Mess Express 606 is a women’s clothing store in Hazard made to bring authenticity and confidence to your everyday look.
Location: 101 E Main St, Hazard, KY 41701
Read Spotted Newt
Read Spotted Newt is a bookstore offering a range of books, gifts, and artwork by local artists. Founded by Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky staff member, Mandi Fugate Sheffel, the idea for the store was born out of a love for books and the community a bookstore provides.
Location: 221 Memorial Dr, Hazard, KY 41701
Ready Set Play
Ready Set Play is a local option to purchase unique toys. They offer a selection of gifts that cannot always be found in big box stores. They are an Invest 606 business accelerator alumnus.
Location: 486 Main St Ste 1, Hazard, KY 41701
Entertainment:
Appalachian Arts Alliance
The Appalachian Arts Alliance is a 501(c)(3) rural arts organization based in downtown Hazard. The Appalachian Arts Alliance owns and operates the ArtStation, a center for all things arts and culture.
Location: 626 Main St, Hazard, KY 41701
Events:
To find local events, festivals, and activities, please click the button below to visit the City of Hazard’s Facebook page.
