Since forming in 2010, the Appalachia Funders Network has brought together grantmakers from Central Appalachia and beyond to set a new course for Central Appalachian economies and communities.
Accelerate a just Appalachian transition by convening and connecting funders for learning, analysis, and collaboration.
We envision a healthy, equitable, and vibrant region that, through strong partnerships, civic engagement, and leadership, preserves our unique assets and provides prosperity for all.
Our Foundation
Network members have relationships & trust, leading to consistent communication, mutual support, and collaborative partnerships.
Network members are working from a common analysis, shared vision, and collectively defined set of promising practices to accelerate the Appalachian transition.
Network members are collaborating across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to solve complex problems and accelerate large scale change.
Network members are working together to coordinate local and regional grantmaking while leveraging outside investments and support for the Appalachian transition.
The network has the leadership, structure, and capacity to advance its goals.
The Network upholds the following guiding principles in our work:
Across various environmental groups and organizations, a focus on a "just transition" has generally been considered to describe the practice of shifting from harmful and extractive actions toward environmentally sustainable ones instead. In doing so, the goal is to promote equity and economic opportunity, safeguarding workers, communities, and livelihoods in the process.
At AFN, we embody a broader definition of just transition that is tailored to the needs and ambitions of Central Appalachia – a region that has historically experienced exploitation, neglect, and resource extraction, contributing to significant economic disparities. We understand this ongoing transition as a path toward a more equitable future, filling these economic gaps by strategically investing in economic and community development and creating unprecedented opportunity for Appalachian communities and actors beyond extractive models.
For us, the "just" in "just transition" advances locally-rooted, community-led systems that promote sustainable prosperity across Appalachia. A just transition is one that will not only revitalize regional economies, but actively reinvest in supporting local businesses, social infrastructure, and youth – ensuring the next generation of Appalachians is equipped to lead a thriving future.
By fostering a shared vision for our members, facilitating an ecosystem-based approach to funding, and coordinating collective action, we position ourselves and our members as catalysts to fuel, scale, and sustain this transition. Through a collaborative, equity-focused effort, the strategically aligned investments of our members strengthen our communities and economy, center Appalachian leaders as critical national voices, and help realize our region's just transition toward sustained growth, opportunity, and abundance.
Our Reach
The 257 Counties Our Members Serve
As we target towns, economies, and communities across Central Appalachia, we concentrate on counties across these states:
Get Involved
Want to join us in igniting change in Central Appalachia? Learn more about our member benefits, programming, and how you can help bring opportunity to the communities that need it most.
Learn More →
