Project Spotlight: Strengthening Disaster Recovery Across Appalachia
In moments of crisis, the strength of our region is defined by how well our communities and institutions come together to respond and rebuild. AFN has long demonstrated the power of collaboration among funders to drive transformative change—most notably through the founding of Invest Appalachia, the Just Transition Fund, and the Appalachian Transition Fellowship. Now, as Appalachia faces the growing urgency of long-term disaster recovery, AFN is once again stepping forward, leading a collective effort to strengthen regional disaster preparedness and response.
Why This Work Matters Now
Recent catastrophic flooding in Southwest Virginia and Eastern Kentucky, along with last year’s widespread devastation from Hurricane Helene—particularly in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina—have underscored the urgent need for coordinated, long-term disaster recovery strategies. While immediate relief efforts mobilize quickly, true resilience requires deep collaboration, clear strategies, and aligned resources over time. Philanthropy has a critical role to play in cultivating a thriving, disaster-resilient Appalachia. That’s where AFN’s latest initiative comes in.
A Collaborative Approach to Long-Term Recovery
In partnership with Rural Support Partners (RSP), AFN is developing the Appalachian Disaster Recovery Roadmap—a research-driven, participatory strategy that will help funders clarify their roles, align efforts, and maximize impact. Together, we will:
Clarify AFN’s role in disaster response and recovery through an actionable framework that maps how AFN can support disaster preparedness, response, and recovery as well as the internal development needed to strengthen the Network’s capacity for this work.
Develop research-based insights that inform AFN’s strategies as a regional philanthropic leader in disaster recovery, drawing from participatory research about regional experiences and national case studies.
Strengthen coordination—from place-based funders to national partners—and regional capacity for disaster resilience clarifying funder’s roles and developing actionable strategies so that investments are strategic, complementary, and impactful.
How You Can Engage
This is a project built with the network, not just for it. AFN members and partners are invited to:
Join upcoming discussions, interviews, and focus groups, where we’ll explore member’s wisdom informed by your on the ground work. RSP will contact members soon with more info.
Participate in collaborative learning opportunities like webinars, First Friday calls, and sessions at the AFN Gathering.
Consider how your organization’s work can align with this effort, strengthening the regional ecosystem for disaster resilience and ensuring that our collective impact is greater than the sum of its parts.
The Role of the Core Action Team
A dedicated Advisory Group will serve, which is part of a large Action Team, throughout this project, helping to shape its direction, co-design research, and ensure its relevance to AFN and funders across Appalachia. This team will help RSP translate insights into action, ensuring that our network’s disaster recovery leadership is both effective and sustainable.
Building a More Resilient Appalachia—Together
This work is about more than disaster response; it’s about creating a region that is prepared, adaptable, and resilient in the face of future challenges. By coming together, aligning efforts, and strengthening the philanthropic response to disasters, AFN and its partners are laying the foundation for a more secure and thriving Appalachia. In short, we are seeking to begin mapping and approach to Appalachian Disaster Resilience so that we can act proactively and strategically—helping our communities recover more effectively from previous disasters and building resilience for the future.
We look forward to continuing this journey with you and invite you to engage in this critical work. Stay tuned for more details on upcoming engagement opportunities, and let’s build a stronger, more resilient region—together.