Appalachia Funders Network

The recent Executive Order on “Reducing the Federal Bureaucracy” has raised serious concerns about the future of the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund—a critical resource for economic opportunity in underinvested communities. At the Appalachia Funders Network (AFN), we stand alongside our CDFI members, who are the backbone of economic resilience in our region. CDFIs are more than financial institutions—they are engines of opportunity. They provide affordable capital where traditional banks will not, supporting everything from small businesses and community facilities to affordable housing and disaster recovery. Across Appalachia, CDFIs have leveraged every $1 in public investment into an average of $8 in private capital, catalyzing local economies that have long been overlooked by mainstream financial systems. In times of crisis, CDFIs step up—whether that means keeping small businesses afloat, financing housing in rural communities, or investing in disaster recovery after historic floods. Weakening the CDFI Fund would be a direct hit to the communities that need investment the most. We are proud to support these incredible CDFIs in the Appalachia Funders Network: Appalachian Community Capital, Mountain BizWorks, Mountain Association, REDF, Partner Community Capital? , Redbud Financial Alternatives, Inc., and BetterFi. We also deeply value our Community Development Entity partners, whose strategic use of the CDFI Fund's New Markets Tax Credits Program is instrumental in unlocking investment and fostering prosperity in Appalachia. AFN’s Community Development Entity partners include The Innovate Fund, Rural LISC, Locus, and Truist Community Capital. For generations, people in these mountains have built strong, self-sustaining communities despite historic underinvestment. CDFIs have been critical partners in that work—financing local businesses, supporting homeownership, and making sure capital reaches the people and places too often overlooked. Their work is not just essential—it is transformational, shaping a future where Appalachian communities can build prosperity on their own terms. At a time when rural communities need access to affordable capital more than ever, weakening the CDFI Fund would be a step in the wrong direction. We call on funders, policymakers, and investors to stand with Appalachian CDFIs, protect this vital funding, and ensure that these institutions remain strong and effective for the communities that depend on them. #CDFIsInvest #ProtectTheCDFIFund #Appalachia #EconomicOpportunity #CommunitiesFirst

? The countdown is on—next Friday, March 28th, is the last day to register for the Annual Gathering at the regular rate! Join us for the 2025 AFN Annual Gathering, happening April 23-25 in Bristol, TN/VA. This year’s theme, Building Bridges: Tradition, Transition, and Transformation in Appalachia, is a call to come together—honoring the deep roots of our region while embracing the opportunities ahead. We are overjoyed with the number of folks who have signed up for the Gathering! Because of this, we’ve reached max capacity for lodging at The Bristol Hotel. However, we have secured additional rooms at The Sessions Hotel, which is less than a mile away from where the majority of our gathering is taking place. While staying at The Sessions, you’ll still have easy access to all the charm of downtown Bristol, including local shops, restaurants, and the vibrant community atmosphere. ?? Register Here: https://lnkd.in/eW3NhrdA ?? Book Your Lodging: https://lnkd.in/e8twqqep

We have bittersweet news to share—Jessica Miles’ last day with the Appalachia Funders Network will be March 21st as she transitions to an exciting new role on the national team at Showing Up for Racial Justice! Over the past 11 months, Jessica has played a vital role as Memberships and Grants Administrator, ensuring the strength of our network while also helping to coordinate several of AFN’s standing committees. Her dedication and passion for this work have left a lasting impact. While we will deeply miss her, we are excited to see her continue her incredible work on a national stage and represent Appalachia with heart and purpose. Please join us in celebrating Jessica and wishing her all the best in this next chapter! And if you ever want to hear her insights, be sure to check out her new podcast, Mountain Laurels, highlighting the stories of Appalachian women. ????? #Transitions #Appalachia #Philanthropy

Register to join us next week, Thursday, March 20 at 12 PM EST for our first State of Appalachia webinar! REGISTER HERE: https://lnkd.in/eEeZgKpz 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 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 Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky The Educational Foundation of America Mountain BizWorks Center for Disaster Philanthropy

Final Reminder: Proposal Submissions Due This Friday, February 28 The 2025 Appalachia Funders Network Gathering Committee invites proposals for panels, roundtables, performances, and workshops that explore philanthropy’s role in fostering cross-sector collaboration, civic engagement, and strategic investment in Appalachia’s future. The deadline for submissions is this Friday, February 28—we encourage you to submit your proposal to be part of this year’s Annual Gathering in historic Bristol, TN/VA. We welcome contributions that align with the themes of bridging, transitions, traditions, and community, with a focus on justice and equity in Appalachia. Topics may include: - Public/private partnerships & sectoral bridging - Resilience and disaster preparedness - Indigenous stewardship - Political bridging - Bridging across geographies - Narrative reconciliation - Panels, workshops, and presentations that highlight innovative work and the role of funders in collaborative efforts are strongly encouraged. Submit your proposal by February 28th to ensure your work is considered! Proposals may be submitted by emailing [email protected] #AppalachiaFunders #AFN2025 #Philanthropy

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