Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky

08/24/2026

Join Kentucky Youth Advocates in London on September 3rd for "The Kids Table: A Blueprint for Kentucky's Children Regional Convening"! They will be discussing regional data on how kids are faring, elevating the most pressing issues impacting kids and families, and identifying actionable strategies for change.

Who should attend The Kids Table in London:
✅ Advocates for kids and families
✅ Young people
✅ Elected leaders
✅ Other community voices in the region

To learn more and register, visit https://kyyouth.org/event/the-kids-table-london/.

Join Kentucky Youth Advocates and Partners for Rural Impact as we bring together local advocates and decision makers to discuss regional data on how kids are faring, elevate the most pressing issues impacting kids and families, and identify actionable strategies for change.

Event: The Kids Table -- A Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children Regional Convening in London
Date: Thursday September 3rd
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET
Location: London Community Center

💻 Register for this convening: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/kentuckyyouthadvocates/event/thekidstableinlondon/

👏 Thank you to our signature event sponsor, Aetna Better Health of Kentucky, and Regional Table Sponsor, Partners for Rural Impact!

📍This is one event in a series of four Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children regional convenings that will serve as a launchpad for coordinated advocacy efforts, building momentum ahead of key elections and the 2027 legislative session. Stay tuned for details on The Kids Table events in Florence, Paducah, and Elizabethtown!

08/24/2026

We are proud to sponsor this wonderful event! Don't miss the Brushy Fork Leadership Institute's 2026 Leadership Gathering in Berea on September 16th and 17th!

To learn more and register, visit https://leadershipgathering.vfairs.com/.

⏳ Just 2 Weeks Left to Register!

The countdown is on. Registration for the 2026 Leadership Gathering closes in just two weeks, and we don't want you to miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow alongside leaders from across the region.

Whether you're interested in our immersive Intensive Tracks, dynamic concurrent sessions, inspiring keynote speakers, or meaningful networking opportunities, the Leadership Gathering is designed to equip you with fresh ideas, practical tools, and valuable connections you can carry back to your work and community.

Don't wait! Now is the time to explore the sessions, build your schedule, and secure your spot.

✅ Interactive learning experiences
✅ Practical leadership strategies
✅ Community and organizational impact
✅ Connections with fellow leaders and changemakers

🔗 Register today and explore the full agenda, presenter bios, and session descriptions at leadershipgathering.vfairs.com

08/21/2026

Today, we are highlighting the Jackson County Community Foundation (JaCCF), one of our affiliate community foundations! JaCCF's mission is to bring together community-minded people with the strong, abiding will to do good, acting upon the community's dreams and aspirations to produce results. They believe that, "Good things happen in a giving community."

This year, the Jackson County Community Foundation has been collaborating with community partners to bring the Jackson County Sculpture Park to life in McKee. Local artist Kellene Turner completed the park’s mural (pictured), which showcases many of the beloved treasures and landmarks located in Jackson County. They also established an Arts and Culture fund to support and sustain the park for years to come!

They also recently hosted a farm-to-table dinner in collaboration with Grace Covenant Ministries. The event featured a silent auction, delicious locally-grown food from the Grow One, Give One community garden project, and live music! The proceeds from the silent auction benefited the Jackson County Community Foundation.

JaCCF is run by a board of local leaders from Jackson County, including: Rodney Chrisman (Chair), Ben Gilbert (Treasurer), Keith Gabbard, Lynetta Hunter, Greg Lakes, Keith Lakes, Melanie Powell, Pat Wagner, and Heather Ward.

To learn more about the Jackson County Community Foundation, visit https://www.appalachianky.org/communities/jaccf/.

08/20/2026

Thank you to 7 Brew in Hazard for your generous donation to the Perry County Community Foundation!

08/19/2026

Exciting announcement! 🎉 Registration to be part of the campaign is open today!

If your nonprofit is interested in participating, you can learn more about the campaign at https://www.appalachianky.org/joingiveappky.

To register directly, visit https://bit.ly/registergiveappky.

Registration closes on September 30, 2026, so don’t miss your chance!

08/17/2026

August is Make-A-Will Month — a great time to think about more than what you leave behind. It’s a time to think about the difference you want to make for the people and places you care about most.

And your legacy doesn’t have to be complicated.

A legacy bequest to create a charitable fund or support an existing cause or fund can help strengthen the community you love for generations to come — supporting education, families, nonprofits, community development, arts and culture, or any area of interest that reflects your life and legacy.

This Make-A-Will Month, take a little time to think about:
1. What do you want your legacy to be?
2. Who and how do you want to help?
3. What is your vision for your community?

Talk with your family, financial advisor, and attorney about creating or updating your will and consider including the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky or one of our affiliate community foundations in your plans.

If you are interested starting your own charitable fund, making a bequest to one of the funds already at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky (including the 13 community-based affiliates), or supporting the regional work of the Foundation through its General Fund, please contact Brenna Wallhausser at [email protected].

08/14/2026

We are excited to announce a new fund: the Matthew Buell Flag Fund!

The Matthew Buell Flag Fund was established as a subfund of the Letcher County Community Foundation to honor the legacy of Matthew Buell by supporting the replacement of worn, damaged, or tattered United States and Kentucky flags throughout Letcher County.

As funding allows, the initiative may also expand to serve communities across the region. In partnership with local ROTC programs and veteran volunteers, the fund helps ensure that our nation's and Commonwealth's flags are displayed with the dignity and respect they deserve while promoting civic pride and honoring the service and sacrifice of those who have served.

To donate, visit https://bit.ly/matthewbuellflagfund.

08/10/2026

This weekend, support the Perry County Community Foundation (PCCF) by visiting the brand new 7 Brew Coffee location in Hazard! All proceeds from their Caffeine for a Cause event will be donated to PCCF to support the wonderful work they are doing in Perry County. Thank you to 7 Brew for their generous support!

Want to support a great cause and get a free coffee at the same time? This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, visit the brand new 7Brew location in Hazard to get a free small drink. We are honored that 7Brew chose to support us for their Caffeine for a Cause event!

Drinks are free, but if you choose to make a donation, all proceeds will be donated to the Perry County Community Foundation to support good work that benefits the people of Perry County. We energize local philanthropy, providing resources to small, local organizations that might not have access to large outside grants and to larger organizations with programs that clearly address the priorities of Perry Countians. We invest in efforts with potential for high impact on the quality of life for our people.

Thank you to 7Brew of Hazard for their generosity and support!

08/07/2026

We are inviting all Appalachian Kentucky nonprofits to attend a virtual session on August 19th to learn more about their invitation to join this GivingTuesday!

We will be sharing details about GivingTuesday as a global movement, the GivingTuesday campaign, and why community campaigns work. And as a bonus, any nonprofit that registers and attends will be entered to win a prize of $250!

Last year, GivingTuesday campaigns across the country brought $4 billion to communities in the U.S. alone. We want to bring the success of the global GivingTuesday movement to our region! To learn more about the Give Appalachian Kentucky community campaign and how nonprofits can get involved, visit https://www.appalachianky.org/joingiveappky/.

To register for the Q&A, visit https://bit.ly/givingtuesdaysession.

08/03/2026

We are excited to announce a new fund: Stan's Dream Foundation!

Stan’s Dream Foundation exists to open doors, remove barriers, and create opportunities that empower the people of Eastern Kentucky to reach their God-given potential. Inspired by the life, character, and legacy of Stan Begley, we invest in people, strengthen communities, and build hope by creating opportunities in education, athletics, recreation, healthcare, workforce development, and community leadership that will positively impact generations to come.

To donate, visit https://bit.ly/stansdreamfoundation.