How we make grants
Applications for funding are on an invite-only basis.
Our grantmaking supports accelerating promising sectors and building community capacity including local leadership.
How We Work
The Appalachian Impact Fund blends catalytic grantmaking with creative investment capital to advance opportunity in Eastern Kentucky. We offer general operating support grants, creative capital solutions and technical assistance to community-led organizations, social enterprises, and projects that accelerate economic opportunity and support building community capacity.
Our Objectives
Through real estate development, entrepreneurial ecosystem support, and philanthropic grantmaking, we seek to support economic development that provides good jobs, new economic and entrepreneurship opportunities, increased cultural and eco-tourism opportunities, and helps create vibrant, livable communities that benefit mountain people.
Our Big Picture Goals
1. Increased investment in new economic development models and expansion of effective strategies
2. Increase the number of new and retained jobs and businesses in the region
3. Growth in key sectors in Appalachian Kentucky like local food and agriculture, arts, culture and tourism
2021 AIF Grants
Appalachian Arts Alliance:
$ 3,000
HOMES, Inc.:
$ 5,000
EKY Mutual Aid
$500
Levitt Amp-Whitesburg:
$ 5,000
Cowan Creek Community Center:
$ 30,000
In addition, AIF helped fundraise and distribute over $1,500,000 in flood relief grants to individuals, small businesses, and family farmers in 2021 after historic floods devastated many Eastern Kentucky communities.
