We connect communities with
the people and funding they need.
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky strengthens leadership by eliminating barriers to growth. Our supported communities are called affiliates. We decide on these affiliates through the process outlined below.
Benefits of Affiliation
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky serves community endowed affiliated funds in Appalachia Kentucky. Foundation affiliation offers a number of benefits that balance local control with professional management services.
Nonprofit Status
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, which enables its affiliated funds to receive tax-deductible contributions. The Foundation issues charitable receipts conforming to IRS standards.
Local Control
Locally selected Fund Advisory Board members make the decisions about how affiliated fund charitable dollars are spent. The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky has a legal responsibility for all funds entrusted with it to ensure that funds are used consistent with provisions of IRC Sec. 501(c)(3) and in compliance with donor intent. A local foundation would have the same legal responsibilities.
Financial and Administrative Services
Affiliated funds have access to the Foundation’s financial and administrative services. The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky has the sole responsibility for all day-to-day financial activities, including recording contributions; making disbursements; cash management; preparing and filing IRS Form 990; obtaining an audit of its financial statements by an independent CPA firm; and issuing the fund’s financial reports. Affiliated funds with endowed assets are invested in a pooled investment portfolio.
National Standards
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky has received recognition for having organizational and financial practices that are in compliance with National Standards established by the Council on Foundations. This demonstrates The Foundation’s integrity and accountability to donors.
Peer Learning Network
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky uses peer learning to help build community capacity and leadership. The Foundation facilitates peer-learning opportunities on many relevant topics to help our network of affiliated fund leaders become more skillful and confident in raising charitable funds and reinvesting in their communities.
Contributions to Multiple Funds
The Foundation is helping to evolve giving habits to support causes and programs that will have a greater impact upon the long-term sustainability of Appalachia Kentucky communities. The educational efforts of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky are helping many donors to consider the multiple causes that they can choose to support with their current and planned gifts.
Marketing, Communications and Website
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky marketing team helps affiliated fund volunteers produce customized media releases, promotional materials, donor letters, and communications tools for financial advisors. The Foundation maintains an extensive website as an educational and promotional tool for affiliated funds, which also provides donors the opportunity to make online contributions.
Training and Technical Assistance
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky staff has expertise in community development, strategic planning, planned giving, and the development of public-private partnerships. The Foundation staff and board members are available to help funds get organized and advise on effective fundraising techniques. The Foundation hosts workshops on topics ranging from leadership development to donor visitation for affiliate board members and partnering nonprofits.
How to Start an Affiliate Community
1. Assessment
Usually the initial assessment is kicked off because a group of community members has a great idea and they come to us. So, we have a meeting to figure out if or how we can help. Our staff asks and answers questions. If we, as a team, think that this idea could be successful and isn’t already happening, we move on.
2. Feasibility
Two study groups are in charge of community mapping and fostering support. Community mapping examines the local climate of community and economic development. Fostering support determines where the initial funding is coming from.
3. Formation
Once feasibility is determined, the affiliate is formed. A name and area of service is selected, members are recruited, the fund is named and roles are beginning to be figured out.
4. Creation
Creation and formation sound awfully close, don’t they? To us, a fund is formed when it is named and created when there is some leadership and guidelines determined. So, the creation step means that a Board of Advisors is established. The steering group also signs the Foundation’s affiliate agreement.
5. Visioning
This is when the affiliate’s long range planning begins. During this phase, the Board as well as Foundation staff starts planning items like benchmarks, work plans, goals and strategies. It looks like meetings, presentations and notifications.
6. Fundraising and Development
You’re almost there! Now that this new affiliate’s vision has taken form, the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky works with you to connect your vision to the funding plan that will make it happen. We work through a donor development plan and customized education that considers your unique community and Board.
Does this sound like something you’re ready to launch?
We are proud to already serve several communities.
Discover the existing work in your area.
Stories of Impact
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky invests in people rooted in communities working toward lasting, positive change.
November 10, 2025
How We Supported Our Communities After the February 2025 Flood
July 18, 2025
Bonita Compton Scholarship Established to Honor Beloved Educator and Coach
June 27, 2025
