List of Funds

AmeriCorps members serve as peer leaders and mentors in Hazard Community and Technical College, Southeast Community and Technical College, and Big Sandy Community and Technical College to transform the lives of students in low-income communities by connecting them to higher education and careers.

The Appalachian Funders Network’s mission is to accelerate an equitable Appalachian transition by convening and connecting funders for learning, analysis, and collaboration. They envision a healthy, equitable, and vibrant region that, through strong partnerships, civic engagement, and leadership, preserves our unique assets and provides prosperity for all.

The Appalachia Rises Relief Fund (a collaborative effort between Blue Grass Community Foundation and the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky) helps those who have been severely impacted by the severe flooding in Appalachian Kentucky, including individuals, families, farms, small businesses and local nonprofit organizations.

Crisis assistance for East Kentucky flood victims.

Appalachian Arts Alliance infuses education, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment to ensure the creative economy is a driving fore in redefining what is possible in Appalachia.

The Appalachian Big Ideas Festival is a three-day experience of insightful storytelling, arts and culture and community building in Hazard, Kentucky.

Established to provide immediate relief to individuals, families, businesses, nonprofits, and social enterprises impacted by such disasters as flooding, fires, severe storms, landslides, mudslides, and other disasters.

The Appalachian Early Childhood Network works to build an environment that supports quality, affordable early care and education for families in Appalachia.

The Appalachian Food Summit is a community of writers, scholars, advocates, restaurateurs, farmers, producers, chefs and mountain foodways enthusiasts gathered around the table with a shared mission to honor the past, celebrate the present and support a sustainable future for Appalachia, its food and its people.

AIF’s mission is to advance opportunities in the region that support economic opportunity and build community capacity. They envision a day when Eastern Kentucky is a place of unique thriving local economies that enhance the existing natural and cultural assets of the region and offer economic opportunity for all people while keeping ownership, assets and… KEEP READING

Founded by a team of Appalachian Kentuckians and fiscally funded through the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, Appalachians for Appalachia aims to work at the grassroots level across issues related to economic development, health, environment, education, culture, and racial justice. By amplifying regional voices, building networks across communities, and developing research and policy recommendations, they hope… KEEP READING

ARH Foundation’s mission is to further healthcare, education and community involvement in Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia through philanthropy and fundraising for Appalachian Regional Healthcare.

The Benny Ray and Nikki Bailey Foundation assists groups in East Kentucky, building better communities and improving the lives of the next generation. Benny Ray is a strong advocate for young people to stay in the mountains for college, and then return to their home communities to work and serve.

Bert T. (Bertee) Adkins set up the Bertee and Rhetta Faye Adkins Scholarship at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky and the Floyd County Community Foundation for graduating seniors at Betsy Layne High School in Floyd County, Kentucky.

Bert T. (Bertee) Adkins set up the Bertee and Rhetta Faye Adkins Scholarship at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky and the Floyd County Community Foundation for graduating seniors at Oliver Springs High School in Oliver Springs, Tennessee.

Blackcats Alumni Scholarship Fund was founded in 2023 by members of the Class of 1978. An idea was formed at the class reunion and so began the tradition of ‘Blackcats Give Back’. Three scholarships will be available each year to graduating seniors of Prestonsburg High School pursuing degrees or certifications in the areas of 4… KEEP READING

The Blackhawk Flood Relief Fund provides relief for Blackhawk Mining employees after the 2022 floods. Their goal is to provide immediate financial support to Blackhawk team members and their families as they try to recover from the devastating floods. Blackhawk is matching up to $1 million of donations.

Bluegrass Care Navigators helps shoulder the burden of dealing with extreme health challenges and end of life situations. They ease pain and relieve stress. They stand beside their patients with sincerity, respect and a sure hand to guide them through difficult times.

London Children’s Museum provides inclusive play by providing STEM learning, sensory play, intentional pretend play, creative play, arts and music learning and hands on developmental skills.

An affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky serving Breathitt County, Kentucky, the Breathitt County Community Foundation’s mission is to serve the vulnerable population of Breathitt County and support local organizations to improve the community through philanthropy.

The Cartis & Merkie Carpenter Scholarship was created to assist students in Laurel and Clay counties in achieving their educational goals. This scholarship is for graduates from North Laurel High School, South Laurel High School, Clay County High School, or Oneida Baptist Institute.

The Central Appalachian Family Farm Fund provided urgently needed grants to 138 local farms in 20 counties. This fund provides one-time grants of up to $750 to family scale farmers in southeastern Kentucky to assist them in meeting the new demands brought about by COVID-19. Family owned farms with fewer than ten employees in the… KEEP READING

The Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky provides a first class, space-based learning environment where schoolchildren, families, senior citizens, corporate teams and other community members “fly” simulated space missions. The CLCKY features a Mission Control Center modeled after the one at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, a Transporter/Space Shuttle, and a Spacecraft/Space Station simulator where experiments are… KEEP READING

An affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky serving Clinton County, Kentucky, the Clinton County Community Foundation’s mission is to provide an avenue for developing philanthropic funds for projects that enhance our community and make it a better place to live. They aim to enhance the quality of life in Clinton County… now and in… KEEP READING

Corbin Cares supports healthcare workers at Baptist Health Corbin by buying meals from locally-owned restaurants in Corbin and delivering them.

The Drone Port of Kentucky accesses the region’s creative assets to craft a world-class unmanned vehicle research, development, training, and education facility. USA Drone Port is the premiere model for innovation to reinvent the economy of Central Appalachia and move the region to emerging global industries.

The Pikeville Community Foundation created the East Kentucky Health Occupation Scholarship to provide scholarship opportunities for eastern Kentucky students who plan on studying and obtaining health-related degrees. This scholarship was inspired by three physicians with Eastern Kentucky ties that wanted to give back to their community.

The Eastern Streams Community Early Childhood Council is working so that all children will enter Kindergarten ready to grow, ready to learn, and ready to succeed.

The Edith Campbell Educational Endowment was created in honor of Edith Campbell, a life-long resident of Eastern Kentucky with a resilient heart and a passion for education. She spent her life exemplifying the value of education. The scholarship is meant to support young Perry Countians who share her same passion for education.

The mission of the Kentucky Double Dollars program is to remove obstacles for WIC FMNP, SFMNP, and SNAP participants to increase the purchase and consumption of locally-grown food with point-of-sale matching incentives at multiple access points across Kentucky, including urban and rural farmers’ markets, Fresh Stop Markets (community-driven, sliding fee scale farmers markets), and pilot… KEEP READING

Fit and Fabulous Crew is a health program for women founded by Kay Jones. In Fall 2018, the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky introduced Kay to the Delores Barr Weaver Fund at the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida. The Fund provided a generous grant that has sustained FFC through Spring 2019.

The inspiration for the 396 Club comes from the 396 square miles of natural beauty, cultural treasures, and unmatched mountain history in Floyd County – each mile is worth at least a $1 gift to honor those assets. There are two types of giving levels: 396 Club – $396.00 per year for five years and… KEEP READING

An affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky serving Floyd County, Kentucky, the Floyd County Community Foundation supports efforts that build long-term capacity towards improving the quality of life in Floyd County, Kentucky, and address the immediate needs of The Floyd County community, especially its most disadvantaged neighbors.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income.

Floyd County Long Term Recovery Group (FCLTRG) provides recovery services to individuals and families affected by the July 2022 flood in Floyd County. The goal of the FCLTRG is to see all area fellow residents fully recovered from the disaster.

Created for the development of young people into leaders through fellowships, stipends and other means; believing that “the leaders are here and are waiting to be trained.” Middle school to mid-twenties youth from all mountain counties are eligible. For more information call 859-893-3898. Raising up leaders for the hills from those raised by the hills.

The Friends group promotes a shared vision among interested persons that will sustain and foster the interests of the Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park.

Hazard Independent College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) incorporated charitable educational foundation that was established solely for the purpose of supporting and promoting Hazard Community and Technical College.

Established to help Eastern Kentucky communities overcome persistent flooding by addressing immediate needs with creative, long-term thinking strategies that are in line with the goals and desired future of the local people. Beginning with the City of Wayland, they accomplish our mission by helping local community members in 5 key areas: flood mitigation, homes, jobs,… KEEP READING

Housing Development Alliance’s mission is to use the power of housing to transform lives and build a brighter future for the communities in four counties across rural southeastern Kentucky.

Invest 606’s mission is to catalyze business growth in the 606 by connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed today and grow tomorrow. Invest 606 offers a $15,000 Grand Prize, $8,000 2nd Prize, and $4,000 3rd Prize. Every participant also receives $1,000 cash prize and thousands of dollars in marketing and accounting support.

InVision Hazard is the open public forum where local people gather to imagine new possibilities, make useful connections, and act together as a vital catalyst for developing an engaging downtown that serves everyone as a vibrant center for community life.

Used to provide free WiFi at the Triangle and the Perry County Farmer’s Market. This service is made possible through a USDA Rural Business Development grant in partnership with InVision Hazard, Save the Children and the Perry County Public Library.

Established for activities and support for talent retention and job expansion in Floyd County. This fund will provide resources that support individuals wishing to live and work in Floyd County.

The J.H. Walker Legacy Foundation was founded in 2011 and is a federal 501(c)3 foundation. The daily management of the Foundation is conducted by the founder and president, Julie Walker. The Foundation was set up to make a lasting difference through funding programs already in place by community non-profits. The Foundation values of integrity, listening… KEEP READING

An affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky serving Jackson County, Kentucky, the Jackson County Community Foundation’s mission is to bring together community-minded people with the strong, abiding will to do good, acting upon our dreams and aspirations, to produce results.

An affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky serving Johnson County, Kentucky, the Johnson County Community Foundation was established to provide leadership for the formation of a permanent community endowment fund that will support local philanthropic goals now and years into the future. The board set an inaugural fundraising goal of $50,000 for 2022 and… KEEP READING

Crisis recovery in Johnson County.

The Johnson County Midway University Scholarship was created by an anonymous donor to be awarded to a female student graduating from a Johnson County high school (or homeschool program) and attending Midway University.

Also known as the Baby Pantry, the Kentucky Infant Development Station’s goal is to support and help the parents and infants in Perry County by providing necessary items such as formula, diapers, and wipes.

The Kentucky Mountain Health Alliance is a non-profit organization that was formed in Hazard in 2005 and began to serve as a single point of entry for the Healthcare for the Homeless program, the Little Flower Clinic, and for the Rotary Free Clinic services. The Kentucky Mountain Health Alliance (KMHA) is the product of many… KEEP READING

Kentucky Natural Lands Trust is a nationally accredited nonprofit that uses a science-driven and community-minded approach to protect Kentucky’s irreplaceable wildlands. Since 1995, KNLT has protected more than 50,000 acres of wildlands throughout the Commonwealth, ranging from the lush eastern mountains, to the rolling central forests and grasslands, to the meandering western sloughs. Their approach focuses on increasing… KEEP READING

Kentucky River Children’s Advocacy Centers is a place where community professionals gather together to work toward the best outcome possible to ensure a child’s safety and well-being after sexual abuse. KRCAC provides a safe, child-friendly environment, where the child and non-offending caregivers can find a full array of services including forensic interviewing, advocacy, mental health… KEEP READING

Kentucky River Region Animal Shelter handles the stray and surrendered animals for the counties of Perry, Breathitt, Letcher and Knott County in Eastern Kentucky. This shelter sees an average intake of over 300 animals a month. KRRAS works to find homes and rescue for all adoptable animals coming into the shelter.

Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music is a program at Hazard Community and Technical College.

An affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky serving Knott County, Kentucky, the Knott County Community Foundation’s mission is to inspire, empower, and support the people of Knott County. Their goals include providing housing and assistance for displaced people, specifically those who are elderly and those with minor children in the home, supporting the development… KEEP READING

An affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky serving Leslie County, Kentucky, the Leslie County Community Foundation’s mission is to work in partnership with generous donors to increase permanent resources available to strengthen the community by inspiring philanthropy and civic engagement. The foundation was started by local citizens in order to increase local giving to… KEEP READING

Established by the Leslie County Community Foundation, the “404 Club” is inspired by the 404 square miles of natural beauty, cultural treasures, and unmatched mountain history in Leslie County. Every “404 Club” donation stays in the Leslie County community and will be help to fund projects that truly make a difference in Hyden and Leslie… KEEP READING

An affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky serving Letcher County, Kentucky, the Letcher County Community Foundation’s current focus is flood recovery relief efforts and rebuilding the Letcher County community.

The Letcher County Long Term Recovery Group provides support and recovery services to individuals and families impacted by the July 2022 floods.

Leveraging Enterprise in Appalachia Fund provides collateral support for prospective small business loans where the borrower has insufficient credit.

Grantmaking increasing public support for queer rights and equality in Appalachian Kentucky; promoting and fostering queer leadership within regional nonprofits; supporting the creation of queer spaces, art, and media; providing queer youth with financial and other supports for seeking education.

Lillian Mae Taylor Memorial Fund is intended to honor the work of women, including individuals identifying as female, who own and operate their own business, work in education, or promote the health and wellness of women in Floyd County. The purpose of this grant is to invest in these efforts to bridge divides for greater… KEEP READING

The Danny and Margaret Maggard Community Service Scholarship was created to help seniors graduating from Hazard High School in pursuing higher education.

The Mountain Arts Center is State-of-the-Art venue that plays host to National Headlining Acts. The venue hosts national headlining acts from a wide range of musical genre – bluegrass, gospel, rock, and country. The MAC is home to the Billie Jean Osborne’s Kentucky Opry and the Kentucky Opry Jr. Pros. In addition, the MAC’s Arts… KEEP READING

The Mountain Mothers Blessing Foundation was formed by John and Betty Harris in honor of John’s mother, Marie Harris, and Betty’s mother, Margie Hamby. The Harris family has a strong belief that even a small act of kindness can make a large positive impact on someone’s life. Their hope in setting up this fund was… KEEP READING

The Mountain Mothers Blessing Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to help students reach for their dreams as well as funds to help mothers and families provide for financial needs, especially around the holidays. They also strive to help young women escape abusive and neglectful situations. The Harris’ hope is to acknowledge that sometimes things are bad,… KEEP READING

New Beginnings Center for Children & Families has been providing trusted and reliable care to working families in Hazard, KY since 1980. They believe in bringing out the very best in each child through learning and play. They are committed to providing experiences which not only give the child security and predictability through the environment… KEEP READING

Northfork Local Food’s mission is to ensure that all families have access to fresh, local food. Northfork was established for the purpose of increasing access to locally-grown and produced food with the communities along and around the North Fork of the Kentucky River.

The New Opportunity School for Women provides a place for under-resourced women to build confidence and skills to make changes they want to see in their lives. All of their programs are free.

Pathfinders of Perry County is a non-profit citizen action group that promotes community well-being, engagement, outdoor recreation, and education in Perry County Kentucky. They seek to support the well-being of their community members as well as their community as a whole.

Pathfinders of Perry County is a non-profit citizen action group that promotes community well-being, engagement, outdoor recreation, and education in Perry County Kentucky. They seek to support the well-being of their community members as well as their community as a whole.

An affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky serving Perry County, Kentucky, the Perry County Community Foundation’s mission is to energize local philanthropy, increasing financial resources to support efforts that serve the Perry County community. They provide resources to small, local organizations that might not have access to large outside grants as well as to… KEEP READING

4-H Youth Development is part of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. Extension’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of Kentucky citizens through non-formal education for the entire family. 4-H is a youth organization committed to building outstanding leaders with marketable skills to succeed in today’s global society. 4-H empowers youth to reach their… KEEP READING

Perry County Diabetes Coalition is a group of community members dedicated to the prevention and effective management of diabetes.

The Perry County Disaster Recovery Group aids in the individual recovery of families and businesses throughout Perry County Kentucky from the flooding in July 2022. Their goal is to insure that all survivors have decent housing, clothing, food, emotional supports and basic needs covered as they work through the challenges of getting back to normal…. KEEP READING

An affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky serving Pikeville, Kentucky, the Pikeville Community Foundation’s mission is to strengthen Pikeville and Pike County, Kentucky, through philanthropy.

The PLACE fund works to promote Philanthropy, Leadership, Advocacy, Culture, and Engagement with students at Leslie County High School. The PLACE students act as a junior Leslie County Community Foundation Board, learning best practices on how to be community leaders and work with organizations to improve Leslie County. Donations to the PLACE fund go to… KEEP READING

The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative targets federal resources to help communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries due to the changing economics of America’s energy production.

The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative targets federal resources to help communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries due to the changing economics of America’s energy production.

Buckhorn Children & Family Services is a private, non-profit organization committed to caring for suffering children and families in need.

The Queen City Artisan Festival has craft booths that feature art and crafts that are handmade by Kentucky/Appalachian artisans. The festival also has food trucks, free entertainment, and free activities for children.

An affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, the Red River Gorge Community Foundation’s mission is to provide leadership for the formation of a permanent community endowment fund that will support local philanthropic goals in Estill, Lee, Menifee, Powell, and Wolfe counties now and years into the future.

The Red River Gorge Relief and Resilience Fund will support oommunity charities providing ongoing support to those affected by flooding and provide seed funding to create the Red River Gorge Community Foundation; an affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky. As such, Red River Gorge Community Foundation will act as a catalyst for building local… KEEP READING

Redbud Financial Alternatives is a certified nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) loan fund and a 501(c)(3) affiliate of the Housing Development Alliance (HDA). Our Mission is to Help You Transform Your Credit from an Obstacle to an Opportunity.

The ReVitalize, ReInvest, ReDevelop Appalachia (R3) Initiative will help spur the revitalization of eastern Kentucky’s downtowns. R3 is used to initiate downtown revitalization plans that will help attract new private investment to a 10-county area of eastern Kentucky, including Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Jackson, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher and Perry counties. In addition, funding will… KEEP READING

The Robbie Davis Memorial Foundation is committed to helping children realize their potential through opportunities in athletics, education, and personal development.

Rural Up, Inc. believes the key to economic and community development in Eastern Kentucky begins with a strong educational foundation for the youth in our Appalachian Region. We bring 21st century educational opportunities to youth to empower and connect our future workforce with career opportunities and jobs of the future. We do this by “Bridging… KEEP READING

The Southeast Kentucky Downtown Business Stimulus Fund was established in late March by the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, the Appalachian Impact Fund (AIF), the Community and Economic Initiative for Kentucky (CEDIK), and Invest 606—with the goal of stabilizing local downtown businesses that have been central to strengthening the economy in rural mountain communities.

Temporary storage to help disaster victims.

Southeast Kentucky African American Museum and Cultural Center is a new African-American museum and cultural center located in Hazard, Kentucky, the goal of which includes highlighting and sharing the stories of African-Americans in Eastern Kentucky for years to come.

The Southeast Kentucky Angel Investment Fund received a $680,000 grant from the US Economic Development Administration, marking a significant step forward in supporting the region’s emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem. The grant will provide the technical assistance necessary to establish and operate a professionalized, member-managed angel fund in Southeast Kentucky. With an initial capital infusion of $1… KEEP READING

St. Paul’s Mission is a small mission in eastern Kentucky that relies on donations to serve the community.

The Sycamore Fund is designed to help communities explore the following questions: what strategies can help build healthy communities that decrease the risks of involvement with the criminal legal system; what do we mean by public safety; and what can our role be in creating budgets that prioritize the basic needs of our communities?

To train and certify individuals in the necessary crafts to address the fast-paced, evolving skilled trades worker shortage.

United Way brings people together to build strong, equitable communities where everyone can thrive. As one of the world’s largest privately funded charities, we serve 95% of U.S. communities and 37 countries and territories — making life better for 48 million people every year. Through United Way, communities tackle tough challenges and work with private,… KEEP READING

An affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky serving Bell, Whitley, Clay, Laurel, and Knox counties, the Upper Cumberland Community Foundation works to enrich the quality of life for the citizens of these counties.

The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) funds projects that develop, coordinate and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products by developing, coordinating, expanding, and providing outreach, training, and technical assistance to domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, online sales or… KEEP READING

Supports forthcoming graduates of Corbin Independent or Knox County Schools pursuing a degree in Science, Engineering, Math, or Agriculture, with special consideration given to those planning a career in education.

Mary Breckinridge’s Wendover came under local management in the summer of 2021. A board of local leaders who love and appreciate the work of Mrs. Breckinridge was immediately formed to help guide the future of this great landmark. Through diligent fundraising and grant writing, The Wendover Preservation Council were able to have Mary Breckinridge’s Wendover… KEEP READING

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income.

The Whitley County Rural Accelerator Initiative focuses on ensuring that all students enter school ready to succeed. We are actively seeking local partners who are passionate about our community and promoting kindergarten readiness.

In 2018 in Whitley County, Kentucky, a group of passionate citizens held a dinner to discuss ways to change the narrative surrounding the community. There were so many things to be proud of within the county, but it seemed like news coverage consistently revolved around the same, tired stereotype of Southeastern Kentucky. These volunteers wanted… KEEP READING

The Woodrow & Evelyn Johnson Scholarship was created in honor of the funder’s parents to assist graduates of Shelby Valley High School in achieving their educational goals. Students who plan to attend college in Kentucky are encouraged to apply.

To build public policy youth cohorts in secondary educational institutions allowing adolescents access to education in the areas of civic engagement and civil discourse, enabling them to thrive in a transient political landscape with a vision backed by equity.

Youth grantmakers who promote non-profit engagement, community service, and endowment building within their community in hopes to create a place where they wish to work, live and have families.