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 July 2024
$39,008,108
in grants given
14,565
total grants and scholarships awarded
$3,358,987
in grants provided by our affiliates
510
scholarships awarded
2025 Flood relief
As of July 14, 2025
$1,341,943
awarded for flood relief
$596,500
awarded to 1,193 individuals/families
$722,193
awarded to 97 small businesses
$23,250
awarded to 39 farms
Appalachian Impact Fund
Through July 2024
57
strategic grants given
$1,800,000
in impact investments
1500
jobs created and supported
$1,700,000
in strategic grants given
$4,700,000
in disaster recovery grants given to businesses
650
businesses supported
2022 Flood relief
$13,421,300+
awarded for flood relief
$2,793,000
given directly to 8,000 individuals & families
$626,250
for grants distributed to 18 Family Resource Centers at public schools
$759,500
in funding to 346 small family farms
$6,425,000
to the Housing Can’t Wait initiative
$967,550
in grants to 118 small businesses, nonprofits, and social enterprises
$1,850,000+
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 18, 2025
Bonita Compton Scholarship Established to Honor Beloved Educator and Coach
Floyd County, KY — A new scholarship honoring the legacy of Bonita Compton—a devoted educator, coach, community leader, and lifelong advocate for Floyd County students—has been established to support local Floyd County high school students pursuing a post-secondary degree or certification. The endowed scholarship fund is held at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky. Born October… KEEP READING
June 27, 2025
Floyd County Community Foundation Awards $6,588 Grant To CASA Of The Appalachian Mountains
June 27, 2025 — The Floyd County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, recently awarded a $6,588 grant to CASA of the Appalachian Mountains to increase their capacity to support vulnerable children in Eastern Kentucky in the court system and in foster care. This funding will help support services CASA provides… KEEP READING
June 25, 2025
Pikeville Community Foundation Awards EKY Health Occupation Scholarships
PIKEVILLE, KY, June 25 — The Pikeville Community Foundation recently awarded three EKY Health Occupation Scholarships totaling $5,000 to three students pursuing a career in the medical field. The EKY Health Occupation Scholarship was inspired by three physicians with Eastern Kentucky ties that wanted to give back and it provides scholarship opportunities for students who… KEEP READING
