Appalachia Funders Network

You can make a donation to support Appalachian Kentucky flood victims by visiting www.bit.ly/AppCrisisAid. After the devastating 2022 flood, we responded quickly and effectively. We were able to award over $13,421,300 in flood relief because of generous donations from people like you. We’ve done this before, and we are prepared to do it again with your support! #EKYStrong #Flood2025 #Appalachia #AppalachianKY #AppalachianKentucky #EastKentuckyStrong #2025Flood #EasternKentuckyFlood #FloodRelief #DisasterRecovery

It is with heaviness that we watched the flooding unfold and impact our communities in Eastern Kentucky, Southern West Virginia, Southwest Virginia, and Tennessee yesterday and overnight. This morning, we sit with the shock, and reality, of this being the second region-wide and catastrophic flood within six months, and less than three years following the catastrophic flooding that hit Eastern KY and parts of Southwestern Virginia in the summer of 2022. And now, in the immediate aftermath, our communities prepare for snow and frigid temperatures. In this state of shock amongst our team and partners, we are reminded of the importance of the ongoing nature of recovery work and the absolute necessity of building regional resiliency on a systems-wide scale. As a network, we remain committed to the Central Appalachian region, and all those who live within it. We are staying abreast of all updates and initiatives as they occur; for now, donate to the following causes, each of which we can vouch for, and tap into the local mutual aid networks that provide information/updates from the ground, as well as immediate relief. Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky - Appalachia Crisis Aid Fund (KY): https://lnkd.in/gyyPUj5b eKY Mutual Aid (EKY): https://lnkd.in/e-EFEJs9 Lonesome Pine Mutual Aid (SWVA): https://lnkd.in/eVsPX92k Cumberland Mountain Mutual Aid (SWVA): https://lnkd.in/epnfQab5 Care Collective of Southwest VA (SWVA): https://lnkd.in/ebE7PpPP More information: https://lnkd.in/eUzTPtui (edited)  Appalachian Flood.png  

The 2025 Appalachia Funders Network Annual Gathering will be held in Bristol, TN/VA. This city, where two cities meet, sets the perfect stage for this year’s theme: Building Bridges: Tradition, Transition, and Transformation in Appalachia. This is a reminder that we are accepting submissions for panels, presentations, and workshops that reflect this theme through February 28th, 2025! Submit your proposal here: https://lnkd.in/ejA4w9EE Register & learn more today! https://lnkd.in/emtqRfMR #appalachia #afngathering2025 #philanthropy

📢📢📢 CALLING ALL NETWORK MEMBERS, FUNDERS, AND PARTNERS: Don't forget, registration is open for the 2025 AFN Annual Gathering, taking place in Bristol, TN/VA, from April 23-25! Early Bird tickets are available until February 14th. Don’t miss this opportunity to save your spot! We’re just a couple of months away from gathering under this year’s theme, Building Bridges: Tradition, Transition, and Transformation in Appalachia. As our communities recover from the impacts of historic storm Helene this past September (the second major climate event in two years) and experience the largest generational transfer of wealth in history, this is a pivotal moment for Appalachia. Join us as we bridge the natural richness of Appalachian culture, people, and history with transformative measures to prepare our region for the future. Register Here Today:  https://lnkd.in/d46i4_Vr Book Your Lodging: https://lnkd.in/dkSh_PdP #appalachia #afngathering2025 #philanthropy

Registration is now open for the 2025 AFN Annual Gathering, which will be held in Bristol TN/VA, April 23-25. Our theme, Building Bridges: Tradition, Transition, and Transformation in Appalachia, is a timely one. As our communities weathered historic storm Helene this past September (the second of two major climate events in the past two years), see historic levels of federal funding entering our communities, and are witnessing the largest generational transfer of wealth in history, we must seize this moment to capture, retain, and deploy these investments in innovative and deeply collaborative ways. Thus, we find ourselves bridging the natural richness of Appalachian culture, people, and history with the transformative measures that will prepare our region for what comes next. Register today at this link: https://lnkd.in/eW3NhrdA Don't forget to book your lodging at our block rate! https://lnkd.in/ev3FKvmv

Today we announce that our initiative Press Forward Central Appalachia, in partnership with Invest Appalachia and Media Growth Partners, and with support from MacArthur Foundation, is launching the Rural News Fund. Read more below about this exciting new investment into the news ecosystem and place-based journalism in Central Appalachia: https://lnkd.in/evEMEAAQ

Please read the newest op-ed from our Executive Director, Ryan Eller, on the continued pangs of Hurricane Helene and the urgent need for congressional action. Over two months after the storm made landfall and devastated our Appalachian communities, emergency legislation to supplement philanthropic efforts is still unrealized. "In this pivotal moment, federal and philanthropic leaders alike must act with urgency and intentionality. Without clarity from the federal government about the scope of its response, philanthropy faces challenges in identifying gaps and determining how best to deploy resources to meet immediate and long-term needs." https://lnkd.in/eFFUya5t

The Bridge Project is expanding into Appalachia! A project of member organization The Monarch Foundation, join the informational webinar on Dec. 11th or Dec. 18th to learn more about this exciting initiative, which will open on January 8th, 2025. Register below: Dec. 11: https://lnkd.in/eDAe9TUC Dec. 18: https://lnkd.in/exwkdeNx

AFN is seeking event planners and firms for its 2025 AFN Annual Gathering in beautiful Bristol VA/TN April 23-25. Interested in applying? Read more about this opportunity at the following link, share with your networks, and don't forget to save the date! Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eKtv9yKy Applications are due 12/16/2024! Please direct all questions/completed applications to jfullen@appalachiafunders.org

Join us on November 18th at 1 PM for a funders-only conversation hosted by AFN and Just Transition Fund. This lightly facilitated space will allow our members to connect and engage in open dialogue following the 2024 election. Register today at https://lnkd.in/dwvWgszi