rising where we’re rooted
Local people, local decisions, local impact. The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky is an organization serving Southeastern Kentucky with 12 affiliates in 20 counties including: Bell, Breathitt, Clay, Clinton, Estill, Floyd, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Menifee, Perry, Pike, Powell, Whitley, and Wolfe. We help Kentuckians across the state give to the causes they care about, and we make grants to make life better for all people.
impact by the Numbers
since inception in 2009 through June 2025
$50,373,600
in grants given
15,893
total grants and scholarships awarded
$4,045,250
in grants provided by our affiliates
686
scholarships awarded
2025 Flood relief
As of July 14, 2025
$1,348,943
awarded for flood relief
$603,500
awarded to 1,207 individuals/families
$722,193
awarded to 97 small businesses
$23,250
awarded to 39 farms
2025 Tornado relief
Laurel, Pulaski, and Russell Counties
As of March 2026
$834,100
awarded for tornado relief
$510,600
awarded to 119 individuals/families
$240,700
awarded to 53 small businesses
$82,800
awarded to 22 farms
Invest 606
Through October 2025
$1,840,070
in strategic grants given
$2,088,500
in impact investments
2,000+
jobs created and supported
$5,500,000
in disaster recovery grants given to businesses and non-profits
750
businesses and non-profits supported
2022 Flood relief
$18,495,000+
awarded for flood relief
$2,793,000
given directly to 8,000 individuals & families impacted across 12 FEMA declared counties
$626,250
for grants distributed to 18 Family Resource Centers at public schools to support children and families
$759,500
in funding distributed to 346 small family farmers affected by flooding
$11,371,000+
to the Housing Can’t Wait Initiative to build and repair homes in Letcher, Knott, Perry, and Breathitt counties
$1,020,050+
in grants to 118 small businesses, nonprofits, and social enterprises
$1,925,000+
in grants to affiliates, Long Term Recovery Groups, and other non-profit organizations
2021 Flood relief
$1,312,987
awarded for flood relief
$250,000
in family farm grants
104
business grants awarded
$650,000
awarded in individual grants
202
family farms supported
$412,987
awarded in business grants
1,300
individual grants awarded
Stories of Impact
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky invests in people rooted in communities working toward lasting, positive change.
July 29, 2026
Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky Awards $250,000 to Support Nonprofit Organizations in Bell, Clay, Laurel, and Leslie Counties
HAZARD, KY — The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky awarded 30 grants totaling $250,000 through the Thompson Charitable Regranting Program, a regional grant initiative created in partnership with the Thompson Charitable Foundation. Of the $250,000 grants, 24% went to Leslie County nonprofits, 16% to Clay County nonprofits, 20% to Bell County nonprofits, 18% to Laurel County… KEEP READING
July 20, 2026
Forward Martin County Community Foundation Created to Invest in Martin County’s Future
MARTIN COUNTY, KY, July 2026 — Martin County has a new way to invest in its future. Forward Martin County has officially been established as a local affiliate community foundation through the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky. Forward Martin County will be a permanent charitable resource dedicated to supporting the people, the communities, and the future… KEEP READING
March 27, 2026
Appalachian Kentucky Civic Experiment Grant Program Awards $90,000
Hazard, KY — The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky awarded $90,000 to 13 organizations and projects in the Appalachian Kentucky region that are working to strengthen civic life and address local challenges. The Appalachian Kentucky Civic Experiment Grant Program aims to support neighbors, organizations, and community leaders, while helping bring people together, encouraging participation, and improving… KEEP READING
