rising where we’re rooted
Local people, local decisions, local impact. The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky is an organization serving Southeastern Kentucky with 8 affiliates in 12 counties. 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 2006 through November 30, 2021
$52,657,148
in donations received
8,472
total grants awarded
$1,007,463
in grants provided by our community affiliates
11,476
individual donors
$11,112,543.21
given in grants, scholarships & investments
516
total scholarships awarded

covid-19 relief
over $1 million
in urgent COVID relief funding for Appalachian people, small businesses and nonprofit organizations
345
small businesses and farms supported
$180,000
supporting six eastern Kentucky counties
The Southeast Kentucky Healthy Downtowns Initiative provided $180,000 in funding to 6 Eastern Kentucky towns, supporting new ways for people to interact safely with public spaces and commerce.
153
businesses grants awarded
The Southeast Kentucky Downtown Business Stimulus Fund provided urgently needed grants to 153 business owners in 23 counties. The Fund also released 0% emergency interest loans to small businesses.
over 910
jobs saved
$114,718
in response and relief grants given by our affiliates to their communities
54
Black-owned family farms supported
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky also helped pool funds for the Kentucky Black Farmers Fund to support 54 Black-owned farm families statewide during COVID.
138
grants awarded to small family farms
The Central Appalachian Family Farm Fund provided urgently needed grants to 138 local farms in 20 counties.

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.
June 1, 2022
Celebrating Kentuckian and LGBTQ+ Activist, Lige Clarke
June 26, 2023
Johnson County Community Foundation Awards Grant to Main Street Players
March 13, 2023
Johnson County Community Foundation Awards Flood Recovery Grants
March 1, 2023