Webinar: State of Appalachia
State of Appalachia
Following Helene and the deadly winter Floods of February 2025, this webinar is meant to address the hard questions head on. Some have asked, “why rebuild in an area prone to flooding,”, while yet others wonder “how are things moving amidst shifts in the federal administration.”
As we discuss the above and beyond, we invite members and partners already investing in the region’s recovery to attend, as well as those who are considering it.
Co-Hosted by Dogwood Health Trust, The Educational Foundation of America, Foundation for Appalachian KY, and Center for Disaster Philanthropy.
2025 AFN Annual Gathering
Building Bridges: Tradition, Transition, and Transformation in Appalachia
In Appalachia, the historic infrastructure that once transported extracted resources beyond its borders now stands as a reminder of transitions past. Yet, the presentation of Appalachian culture to the broader world often contrasts sharply with the lived realities of its people. Appalachians are no strangers to transitions—indeed, we have navigated them for generations.
As we face the next Appalachian transition, a critical question arises: how do we ensure it is just? As our communities weathered historic storm Helene this past summer (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, bridging the the natural richness of Appalachian culture, people, and history with the transformative measures that will prepare our region for what comes next.
First FridayS: Helene Recovery and Community Resilience
Join us on the first Friday of every month for our network wide discussion on Helene Recovery and Community Resilience. We use this space to share updates, thoughts, and to organize.
Happening at 10 AM EST every first Friday. To get plugged in, use the button below to add the call to your calendar.
A Look at Civic Language Perceptions in Kentucky and Appalachia
From Greater Clark Foundation and PACE:
A Look at Civic Language Perceptions in Kentucky and Appalachia
PACE’s Civic Language Perceptions Project seeks to understand peoples’ perceptions of the language associated with civic engagement and democracy work. The words Americans use to describe our civic values, ideals, and practices are also the words we use to connect, share, and co-create our communities and national future. What can we know about how aligned we are on our language choices related to our civic lives? Perhaps a more important concern underlies this question: Are we talking past each other about values we think we share?
Join us MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25 AT 12 PM for a look at how voters in Kentucky perceive civic language and how that compares with national trends.
This webinar is hosted by PACE: Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement and Greater Clark Foundation. This event is co-sponsored by the Appalachian Funders Network and Grantmakers of Kentucky.
Post-Election Funder Debrief
Post-Election Funder Debrief
What do the election results mean for funders in Appalachia?
Join us November 18th at 1 PM for a funders only conversation hosted by AFN and Just Transition Fund. This lightly facilitated space is meant to give our members a platform to connect and engage in open dialogue following the 2024 election.
CO-HOSTED BY:
Presented by Center for Disaster Philanthropy | Hurricane Helene: How Funders Can Support Recovery
Hurricane Helene: How Funders Can Support Recovery
Presented by the Center of Disaster Philanthropy
Following the widespread impacts of Helene, our networks must endeavor to increase resilience and build out resourcing measures.
Photo: Hurricane Helene approaching Florida, Sept. 26, 2024. Credit: NOAA
From our friends at the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, join us tomorrow for a co-hosted webinar featuring panelists working actively on the ground.
Panelists include:
Debra M. Jacobs, President and CEO, The Patterson Foundation
And by the end of this webinar, donors will:
Understand the most urgent and ongoing needs in affected communities.
Learn how chronic and repetitive disasters create additional needs.
Be aware of ways they can invest funds to support community needs.
In addition to Appalachia Funders Network, this webinar is co-sponsored by The Funders Network, Florida Philanthropic Network, Philanthropy Southeast, Council on Foundations, United Philanthropy Forum, National VOAD, Network and North Carolina Network of Grantmakers.
navigating civic engagement during an election year: the role of philanthropy
This meeting has passed. Check out a brief overview and the recording at by clicking on the button below
Join AFN on June 27th at 1 PM for an insightful webinar featuring Non-Profit Vote. This session, tailored for Appalachian funders, will explore the crucial role of philanthropy in fostering civic engagement during a polarized election year.
Dive into Non-Profit Vote's Philanthropy for Voter Engagement Toolkit and gain practical insights, hearing directly from funders like Educational Foundation of America and Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky who are actively engaged in this vital work. They will share their experiences, discuss unique challenges, and illustrate how their efforts are both influenced by and influencing the toolkit. This webinar offers an invaluable opportunity to learn from experts and enhance your strategies for supporting voter engagement in Appalachia's diverse communities.
Don't miss this chance to deepen your understanding and impact in the realm of philanthropic civic engagement!
More about Philanthropy for Voter Engagement from Non-Profit Vote:
Active civic engagement, including voting, contributes to the health and economic vitality of local communities served by nonprofits and foundations, which in turn supports these organizations’ social missions and goals. People who vote are more likely to connect with neighbors, communicate with elected officials, and engage civically in other ways.
However, our nation’s democracy is distorted by gaps in voter participation that in large part reflect gaps in voter contact – who is and is not contacted about voting. By tapping the vast reach of America’s nonprofits and leveraging the role of foundations, we can engage underrepresented communities at scale and begin to foster a more inclusive democracy. As trusted messengers deeply rooted in local communities and invested for the long term, foundations and nonprofits are well positioned to engage the communities they serve in voting and democracy
This toolkit is full of case studies, common strategies, and best practices for foundations committed to sustain and strengthen our nation’s democracy while improving mission effectiveness.
See you in June!
Education Summit
Join AFN and Philanthropy WV for a conversation around education in Appalachia.
Rural Re-Entry Workforce Convening
Save the date to join AFN members, practitioners, and government officials to lift up proven practices and identify key levers for successful re-entry from incarceration.
AFN Webinar: Chronicle of Philanthropy Listening Tour
Join AFN for a conversation with the Chronicle of Philanthropy
AFN Community Asset Scan Release Webinar
The Appalachia Funders Network is pleased to share the release of our regional community asset scan: "A Road Map for Asset Based Investing in Central Appalachia."
Appalachian Big Ideas Festival
AFN is proud to be a sponsor of the 2023 Appalachian Big Ideas Festival
Climate Resilience in Appalachia: Opportunities for Philanthropy
Join AFN and Invest Appalachia for an interactive virtual discussion about the particular challenges Appalachia faces due to shifts in the climate and our regions unique role in finding solutions.