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
$5,957,765
in scholarships awarded
14,565
total grants and scholarships awarded
$3,358,987
in grants provided by our affiliates
8,096
scholarships awarded
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.
January 2, 2025
Foundation For Appalachian Kentucky Welcomes Matthew Benedict as the Stewards Energy Communities VISTA
Hazard, KY, Jan 2, 2025 – The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky has selected Matthew Benedict to serve as the Stewards Energy Communities AmeriCorps Volunteer In Service To America (VISTA). Serving for a full year, their role is advancing locally designed economic development, workforce readiness, and environmental remediation plans in nine federally designated communities. Matthew will… KEEP READING
July 18, 2024
Leslie County Community Foundation Donates Generator to Local Food Bank
The Hope in the Hills food bank has been serving the people of Leslie County, particularly in the Stinnett community, for over three years now. In that time, they have given out thousands of food boxes to hundreds of families in need. Director Jack Morgan says that his organization is doing what they can for… KEEP READING
July 16, 2024
The Clinton County Community Foundation Awards $40,000 to the City of Albany for a Water Study
Albany, KY — The Clinton County Community Foundation (CCCF) presented Mayor James Bray with a check for $40,000 to the city of Albany, KY. These funds will enable the city to order a water study to help protect the health and safety of its citizens. David Cross, CCCF Board Chair, says, “The [Clinton County Community]… KEEP READING
