About Appalachian community fund inc
Appalachian Community Fund Inc: Empowering Communities in Central Appalachia
Appalachian Community Fund (ACF) is a non-profit grantmaking organization that has been providing grassroots support to communities in Central Appalachia for over 30 years. The organization was founded in 1987 with the aim of empowering people and communities to create positive change through collective action.
ACF's mission is to support community-led organizations working towards social, economic, and environmental justice in Central Appalachia. The region includes parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. ACF believes that the people who live and work in these communities are best placed to identify their own needs and develop solutions that work for them.
The organization provides grants to groups working on a range of issues including environmental justice, economic development, racial equity, LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, youth empowerment and more. ACF also offers technical assistance and capacity-building support to help organizations become more effective at achieving their goals.
One of the unique aspects of ACF's approach is its emphasis on building relationships with grantees. The organization works closely with groups throughout the grantmaking process - from application through evaluation - providing guidance and feedback along the way. This helps ensure that grantees have access to the resources they need to succeed.
ACF also prioritizes funding for groups led by people from marginalized communities who are often excluded from traditional philanthropy. This includes groups led by people of color; LGBTQ+ individuals; low-income individuals; rural residents; immigrants/refugees; women/girls/transgender individuals; youth/young adults; seniors/elders/disabled persons.
In addition to its grantmaking activities, ACF engages in advocacy work aimed at creating systemic change in Central Appalachia. This includes supporting policies that promote social justice such as fair wages for workers or clean air/water regulations.
Overall Appalachian Community Fund Inc has been a vital resource for communities in Central Appalachia for over 30 years. Its commitment to grassroots organizing, relationship-building, and social justice has helped countless organizations achieve their goals and create positive change in the region.