Our Fiscal Sponsorships
Fiscal sponsors are nonprofits that enable the movement of resources from funders and donors to projects, activities, ideas, and organizations that share the fiscal sponsor’s mission. In a fiscal sponsorship relationship, the Foundation extends its charitable umbrella over select projects and grantees whose missions closely match the Foundation’s own.
Appalachian Arts Alliance, Inc: Appalachian Arts Alliance infuses education, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment to ensure the creative economy is a driving force in redefining what is possible in Appalachia.
Appalachian Funders Network: The Appalachian Funders Network’s mission is to accelerate an equitable Appalachian transition by convening and connecting funders for learning, analysis, and collaboration. They envision a healthy, equitable, and vibrant region that, through strong partnerships, civic engagement, and leadership, preserves our unique assets and provides prosperity for all.
Appalachians for Appalachia: Founded by a team of Appalachian Kentuckians and fiscally funded through the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, Appalachians for Appalachia aims to work at the grassroots level across issues related to economic development, health, environment, education, culture, and racial justice. By amplifying regional voices, building networks across communities, and developing research and policy recommendations, they hope to catalyze the next generation of Appalachian leaders to drive progress in the Mountains.
Eastern Streams Community Early Childhood Council: The Eastern Streams Community Early Childhood Council is working so that all children will enter Kindergarten ready to grow, learn, and succeed.
FIRE (Fueling Innovation, Revitalization, and Entrepreneurship): Fueling Innovation, Revitalization, and Entrepreneurship (FIRE) is designed to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs wherever they are in their journey through a hands-on, face-to-face approach. They use innovative software and state-of-the-art data to advise businesses and connect them to existing resources in the region.
Friends of Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park: The Friends group promotes a shared vision among interested persons that will sustain and foster the interests of the Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park.
Hazard Downtown Incentive Program: The Hazard Downtown Incentive Fund, hosted by the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky on behalf of the City of Hazard, provides grants to businesses that choose to locate in Downtown Hazard. As a key business recruitment tool, the fund has awarded over $100,000 to 24 different businesses. These grants have supported business expansions, new business startups, and building renovations aimed at attracting commercial tenants. Notably, every business that has received funding through this initiative remains open and operational.
InVision Hazard: InVision Hazard is the open public forum where local people gather to imagine new possibilities, make valuable connections, and act together as a vital catalyst for developing an engaging downtown that serves everyone as a vibrant center for community life.
Kentucky Rural Urban Exchange: The Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange (RUX) is an initiative of Art of the Rural in partnership with Appalshop, a statewide Steering Committee, and dozens of state and local partners working together to bridge divides and build connections among Kentuckians. They build relational leadership networks, empower changemakers, and align institutions to work across racial, economic, geographic, and other divides — towards our shared future.
The Mountain Grrl Experience: The Mountain Grrl Experience is a music and art event with intent to feature and promote the creativity of women in Appalachia in a safe and supportive environment where all are welcome. The event includes live music, a juried art gallery, interactive workshops, educational programs, panel discussions, artisan vendors and information booths. The event is supported by sponsorships and grant funding so that it can be free to all attendees. Funds and awareness are raised for charitable entities in Appalachia that support women and children’s services, specifically those that aid victims of domestic abuse.
Leaf and Blossom Trail Foundation: The Leaf and Blossom Trail Foundation is a coordinated regional tourism initiative designed to unite 28 Appalachian counties through a shared vision of economic revitalization, cultural preservation, and sustainable development. The Leaf and Blossom Trail will develop a scenic driving network connecting local attractions, artisan businesses, outdoor recreation sites, and cultural landmarks across the Appalachian region.
Northfork Local Food: Northfork Local Food’s mission is to ensure all families can access fresh, local food. Northfork was established to increase access to locally grown and produced food with the communities along and around the North Fork of the Kentucky River.
Perry County Diabetes Coalition: Perry County Diabetes Coalition is a group of community members dedicated to preventing and effectively managing diabetes.
Queen City Artisan Festival: The Queen City Artisan Festival has craft booths that feature art and crafts that are handmade by Kentucky/Appalachian artisans. The festival also has food trucks, free entertainment, and free activities for children.
Renegade Robotics: Renegade Robotics is a team of students from 7th-12th grades participating in STEM events to design, build, and program robots. Participants learn & apply engineering, coding, physics, and other STEM principles as well. as teamwork, time management, and assorted soft skills.
Rural Up, Inc: Rural Up, Inc. believes the key to economic and community development in Eastern Kentucky begins with a solid educational foundation for the youth in our Appalachian Region. We bring 21st-century educational opportunities to youth to empower and connect our future workforce with career opportunities and jobs of the future. We do this by “Bridging the Digital Divide” (digital equity for rural youth), Work-Based Learning (college and career readiness), and Career Pathways.
Southeast Kentucky African American Museum and Cultural Center, Inc.: Southeast Kentucky African American Museum and Cultural Center is a new African-American museum and cultural center located in Hazard, Kentucky; the goal includes highlighting and sharing the stories of African-Americans in Eastern Kentucky for years to come.
United Way of Southeastern Kentucky: United Way brings people together to build strong, equitable communities where everyone can thrive. As one of the world’s largest privately funded charities, we serve 95% of U.S. communities and 37 countries and territories — making life better for 48 million people annually. Through United Way, communities tackle tough challenges and work with private, public, and nonprofit partners to boost education, economic mobility, and health resources.
