Foundation For Appalachian Kentucky Inc

Quick Stats

• Established: 2006
• Annual Giving: $6.6 million
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $900,000
• Median Grant: $25,000
• Total Grants Since Founding: Over $30 million
• Geographic Focus: 20 counties in southeastern Kentucky
• Success Rate: Information not publicly available
• Decision Time: Varies by program
• Charity Navigator Rating: 3-Star (88%)

Contact Details

Address: 420 Main Street, Hazard, KY 41701

Phone: (606) 439-1357

Email: info@appalachianky.org

Website: www.appalachianky.org

Grant Portal: appkent.egrant.net

The Foundation welcomes contact from potential grantseekers and encourages organizations to reach out with questions about their programs.

Overview

Founded in 2008 by Gerry Roll with an initial investment of just $5,000, the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky has grown into the only nationally accredited community foundation in southeastern Kentucky. Over 15 years, the Foundation has put more than $30 million directly back into Eastern Kentucky, awarded over 10,000 grants, and received more than 12,000 donations. The Foundation serves 20 counties through a network of 12 affiliate community foundations, making approximately $6.6 million in grants annually with a median grant size of $25,000.

The Foundation's mission is to empower Appalachian Kentucky communities to thrive through collaboration, asset building, and leadership development. As founder Gerry Roll states, "If you can't give the money to the community, then they don't have the power." This philosophy of locally-controlled philanthropy drives the Foundation's strategic approach to community development. In 2024, Kristin Walker Collins became CEO, bringing nearly a decade of experience with the Foundation and a deep commitment to the region. The Foundation earned a Three-Star rating from Charity Navigator with a score of 88%, indicating strong accountability and performance.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Appalachian Kentucky Civic Experiment Grant Program

• Grant Range: $5,000 - $20,000
• Total Available: $90,000 annually
• Expected Awards: 5-20 grants
• Application: Rolling basis through online portal
• Purpose: Supports neighbors, organizations, and community leaders with ideas to strengthen civic life and address local challenges

2. Invest 606 A 6-month flexible, entrepreneur-led business accelerator with three tracks:

• Launch 606: For aspiring entrepreneurs validating and launching new ideas
• Accelerate 606: For established businesses expanding and scaling
• Fund 606: For growth-stage businesses needing capital and equity investments
• Impact: Over four years, 41 businesses from 20 counties have participated, representing 175+ employees and $5 million in revenue

3. Appalachian Impact Fund (AIF)

• Application: Invitation-only basis
• Focus: Pioneering social impact investment fund blending capacity-building grantmaking with investment capital
• Support: General operating support grants, creative capital solutions, and technical assistance
• Target: Community-led organizations, social enterprises, and projects accelerating economic opportunity

4. Scholarship Programs

• Multiple endowed scholarship funds supporting students pursuing further education
• Includes programs like the Bonita Compton scholarship for Floyd County high school students

5. Disaster Relief Grants

• Rapid response funding for community emergencies
• Past Examples: $1.3 million in 2021 flood relief grants (including $250,000 to 202 family farms, $650,000 to 1,300 individuals, $412,987 to 104 businesses)
• COVID-19 Response: Over $1 million in 2020, including 153 business grants and 0% emergency loans

6. Southeast Kentucky Downtown Business Stimulus Fund

• 153 grants totaling $385,400 to businesses in downtown and tourism ecosystems
• Implementation grants of $30,000 to six downtowns (Harlan, Irvine, Pikeville, Prestonsburg, Williamsburg, and Whitesburg)

Priority Areas

The Foundation's strategies focus on six key areas:

1. Growing Local Economies & Revitalizing Downtowns: Investing in entrepreneurship, impact funding, and local arts to build a diverse, sustainable economy with equitable access to capital

2. Supporting & Preparing Children & Youth: Expanding access to quality childcare, cultural and recreational opportunities, advanced learning programs, and support for children of incarcerated parents and those with disabilities

3. Strengthening Civic & Community Infrastructure & Leadership: Building capacity in local nonprofits and community organizations

4. Disaster Resilience & Community Preparedness: Developing disaster response plans, supporting local food systems, and advocating for proactive investment in community preparedness

5. Civic Engagement: Bringing people together, encouraging participation, and strengthening civic life

6. Education: Supporting students through scholarships and educational programs to ensure students in the region have the same opportunities as others

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented on the Foundation's website. Contact the Foundation directly at info@appalachianky.org or (606) 439-1357 for information about funding restrictions and eligibility requirements for specific grant programs.

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Kristin Walker Collins, Chief Executive Officer Kristin became CEO in 2024 after serving as Chief Operating Officer since 2015. Before her career in philanthropy, she worked as an attorney specializing in Family Law and Municipal Law with the law firm of Hollon & Collins. She earned her B.A. from the University of Kentucky and J.D. from Northern Kentucky University, Salmon P. Chase College of Law. Kristin is Vice-President of the Hazard-Perry County Chamber of Commerce, Board Chair of the Appalachian Early Childhood Network, and founder and President of the Hazard Rotary Club Foundation, Inc., which operates Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Perry County.

Gerry Roll, Founder (Retired March 2025) Gerry Roll founded the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky in 2008. His work in eastern Kentucky focused on engaging local people to create equity in housing, early childhood education, and health. He emphasized community power and local control: "It is very personal for me, because I can tell you that this place literally saved my life. No matter what I do while I am here, there's nothing I can do to pay that back. I can only pay it forward."

Senior Staff

Erica Meadows, Chief Operating Officer A lifelong native of the Appalachian region with a passion for rural communities and a background in banking, grant accounting, talent acquisition, finance, and community engagement.

Brenna Wallhausser, Chief Philanthropy Officer Over thirty years of non-profit leadership experience in public relations, marketing and communications, and fundraising.

Jessica Bledsoe, Impact Investment Coordinator

Tyler Holland, Administrative Support Specialist

Mandi Fugate Sheffel, Sycamore Fund Project Coordinator

Network Structure

The Foundation operates through 12 affiliate community foundations serving 20 counties: Bell, Clay, Laurel, Whitley, Knox, Clinton, Jackson, Leslie, Perry, Letcher, Knott, Breathitt, Floyd, Pike, Johnson, Estill, Lee, Menifee, Powell, and Wolfe Counties. These affiliates are rooted in the communities they serve, amplifying the Foundation's reach and impact. For example, the Floyd County Community Foundation has awarded over $730,000 in local grants since its inception in 2018.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Online Grant Portal: The Foundation uses an online application system at appkent.egrant.net for scholarships, grants, and sponsorships.

Account Creation Required: Applicants must create an account before viewing available grant opportunities. Accounts can be created at any time. For individuals applying (such as for disaster relief), register using your first and last name in the "Organization Name" box.

Application Methods Vary by Program:

• Civic Experiment Grant Program: Rolling basis, online application
• Invest 606: 6-month program cycle, competitive application with Final Pitch
• Appalachian Impact Fund: Invitation-only basis
• Other Programs: Varies; some begin with a letter of interest or letter of intent

Pre-Application Contact Encouraged: The Foundation welcomes contact from grantseekers. Reach out to discuss your project and determine the best fit before applying.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines vary by program and are not uniformly published. Specific programs have known timelines:

• Civic Experiment Grant Program: Applications reviewed on rolling basis
• Invest 606: 6-month program culminating in Final Pitch event
• Disaster Relief: Rapid response as needs arise

Contact the Foundation directly for specific timeline information for your program of interest.

Success Rates

Specific success rates (percentage of applications approved versus denied) are not publicly available. However, the Foundation has demonstrated significant grant activity:

• Over 10,000 grants awarded since founding
• 153 business stimulus grants awarded
• 5-20 awards expected annually for the Civic Experiment Grant Program

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly documented. Contact the Foundation at info@appalachianky.org or (606) 439-1357 for guidance on reapplying or discussing ways to strengthen a future application.

Application Success Factors

The Foundation has provided specific guidance for creating successful grant applications:

Tell a Compelling Story

"Tell a story about the problem you solve, the impact you make, and how the grant will fuel your mission," the Foundation advises. Use data and success stories (even small wins) to showcase effectiveness. Remember that "the application is likely the only exposure reviewers will have to your business, so don't assume they know anything about you."

Address the Five Key Questions

For the Civic Experiment Grant Program specifically, applicants must explain:

• Who they are
• What they want to do
• Where the work will happen
• Why it matters
• How they will measure success

Create a Detailed Budget

"Grants are about responsible spending, so create a detailed budget that outlines exactly how you'll use the funds - be realistic but ambitious, and show how the grant will make a significant difference."

Demonstrate Community Alignment

The Foundation's philosophy emphasizes locally-controlled philanthropy and community power. Applications should demonstrate:

• Local leadership and community engagement
• How the project empowers the community
• Connections to existing community networks and resources
• Long-term sustainability and community ownership

Recent Successful Projects

Examples of recently funded initiatives include:

• CASA of the Appalachian Mountains ($6,588): Supporting vulnerable children in the court system and foster care
• Downtown business stimulus grants: Restaurants, unique retail, amusement, personal services, and tourism businesses across 23 counties
• Educational organizations: Oak Tree Academy, Teach for America of Hazard, Riverside Christian Training School
• Community organizations: Cowan Creek Community Center, Appalachian Arts Alliance, EKY Mutual Aid and Homes Inc.

Practical Application Tips

Use an "Answer Vault": Create a master document with well-crafted answers to common questions about your organization, mission, and goals. This allows you to easily adapt responses to each grant opportunity.

Proofread Carefully: "Typos and grammatical errors scream carelessness."

Apply Consistently: "If you want to be successful in securing grant funding, you'll likely need to apply for a lot of grants," the Foundation notes. "Consistency is key to success - don't give up if your first (or even 10th!) application isn't successful, as it could only take one successful application to change your business trajectory."

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Community power is central: The Foundation's philosophy prioritizes giving communities control over resources. Demonstrate how your project empowers local people and builds community capacity.

• Multiple pathways to funding: With programs ranging from $5,000 civic grants to $900,000 impact investments, there are opportunities for organizations at different stages. Start small and build relationships.

• Network matters: The Foundation operates through 12 affiliate foundations across 20 counties. Connect with your local affiliate to understand community-specific priorities and opportunities.

• Persistence pays off: The Foundation explicitly encourages consistent application. Don't be discouraged by initial rejections - use feedback to strengthen future applications.

• Build relationships before applying: The Foundation welcomes pre-application contact. Use this opportunity to discuss your project, understand priorities, and ensure good alignment.

• Focus on sustainability: With emphasis on building endowments and creating lasting change, show how your project will create long-term impact beyond the grant period.

• Demonstrate responsiveness to community needs: The Foundation has shown agility in responding to disasters and emerging needs. Applications that address pressing community challenges are well-positioned.

References

1. Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky Official Website - www.appalachianky.org (Accessed February 24, 2026)
2. Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky - Contact Page - https://www.appalachianky.org/contact/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
3. Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky - Grant Opportunities - https://www.appalachianky.org/grant-opportunities/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
4. Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky - Appalachian Kentucky Civic Experiment Grant Program - https://www.appalachianky.org/appalachian-kentucky-civic-experiment-grant-program/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
5. Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky - Meet Our Team - https://www.appalachianky.org/meet-our-team/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
6. Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky - Mission & Vision - https://www.appalachianky.org/mission-and-vision (Accessed February 24, 2026)
7. Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky - Invest 606 - https://www.invest606.org/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
8. Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky - Appalachian Impact Fund - https://www.appalachianky.org/appalachian-impact-fund/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
9. Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky - Creating a Winning Grant Application Strategy - https://www.appalachianky.org/creating-a-winning-grant-application-strategy/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
10. Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky - Celebrating Our Roots - https://www.appalachianky.org/celebratingroots/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
11. Inside Philanthropy - Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky Profile - https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/kentucky-grants/foundation-for-appalachian-kentucky (Accessed February 24, 2026)
12. Charity Navigator - Rating for Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky Inc. - https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/611329396 (Accessed February 24, 2026)
13. Appalachian Regional Commission - Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky: Revitalizing, Redeveloping and Reinvesting in Communities - https://www.arc.gov/investment/foundation-for-appalachian-kentucky/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
14. New Profit - We Know We Are Here - Rural leadership profile: Gerry Roll - https://newprofit.org/impact-story/we-know-we-are-here-rural-leadership-profile-gerry-roll/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
15. Hazard Herald - Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky CEO announces retirement - https://www.hazard-herald.com/news/foundation-for-appalachian-kentucky-ceo-announces-retirement/article_94dc047a-ab29-11ee-9a12-7ba821ea04d3.html (Accessed February 24, 2026)
16. Trust for Civic Life - Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky Grantee Profile - https://trustforciviclife.org/grantees/example-grantee-5/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)