Appalachian Tornado Relief Fund
The Upper Cumberland Community Foundation established the Appalachian Tornado Relief Fund to support disaster relief efforts in Appalachian Kentucky following the devastating tornadoes on May 16, 2025. The nature of this disaster – one of the deadliest and most destructive in the region’s history – will require long-term recovery and support for affected families and communities. We are committed to being a cornerstone for communities in our region as we begin the process of recovering from another tragic event. If you are able, a recurring gift of any size will help the Upper Cumberland Community Foundation be with these communities as they walk the long journey of recovery and rebuilding.
To join us in supporting the communities affected by these tornadoes, you can make a donation to the Appalachian Tornado Relief Fund by clicking the button below. We thank you in advance for your support.
Mission
The Upper Cumberland Community Foundation works to enrich the quality of life for the citizens of Bell, Clay, Knox, Laurel, and Whitley Counties.
View Our Community Investment Plan
Our 3 year goals:
- Invest in organizations that help people, especially those that assist vulnerable populations with senior services, early child development, homelessness, addiction recovery, mental health, education, and other issues.
- Incubate charitable ideas by increasing the number of named funds, increasing fiscal sponsorships, and encouraging the creation of local nonprofits.
- Create a regional disaster relief fund to fill the gap or supplement sources such as FEMA, SBA, and the Red Cross.
- Promote local philanthropy and raise funds to address unmet needs in the region
Grants Awarded
Since our inception, we have made grants to:
Laurel County Adult Literacy Council, Whitley County Farmers Market, The Appalachian Mentorship Project, The White Flag Ministry, Corbin Public Library, the Appalachian Service Project, Bell County Animal Shelter, Crater of Hope, Corbin Boys Golf Team, Corbin Girls Golf Team, Advent Health Manchester, City of Corbin, Christian Life Fellowship Pantry, Cumberland River Straight Shooters, KCEOC, Henderson Settlement, OYC Baptist Church, Clay County Shrine Club, Thompson Scholars, Stay in Clay, Onieda Volunteer Fire Department, Volunteers of America – Midstates, CASA, Laurel County Literary Council, London Fireman’s Club, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and Millstone Community Theatre.
Provided Disaster Relief funding to:
Corbin, and Williamsburg Senior Citizens Programs, OPAC, Come-Unity Cooperative Care, Main Street businesses Pineville, The Carter of Hope, Middlesboro, PPE for first responders Manchester.
Our Funds
Corbin Cares
WENDAL MITCHELL MEMORIAL FUND
WHITLEY COUNTY DOLLY PARTON IMAGINATION LIBRARY
Funding for support the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program in Whitley County
WHY WHITLEY
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Upper Cumberland Community Foundation Board
Contact
Jacob Roan
jacob.roan@corbin-ky.gov
Zack Hall (Community Engagement Officer)
zack@appalachianky.org
Upper Cumberland Community Foundation
PO Box 1381
London, KY 40743
Board of Advisors
Bell County
Colby Slusher
Celia Shoffner
Melissa Turner
Clay County
Randy Craft
Terry Gray
Vickie Nicholson
Knox County
Claudia Greenwood
Chris Hubbard
Chair: Jacob Roan
Laurel County
Kim Davis
Jane Winkler Dyche
Deanna Herrmann
Julie Rea
Whitley County
Secretary: Sandi Curd
Carl Weaver
Explore Our Community Affiliates
Breathitt • Clinton • Floyd • Jackson • Johnson • KNOTT • Leslie • Letcher • Perry • Pikeville • Red River Gorge • Upper Cumberland
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