The Appalachia Funders Network asked its members to complete a survey on regional impact investing interests and support needs. The aim of this survey was to better understand the needs of various stakeholders in the use of impact investing as a tool to help build healthy, equitable and environmentally sustainable communities throughout Central Appalachia. Our guest speaker, Lisa Richter of Avivar Capital, administered the survey and presented her findings and highlighted areas for potential collaboration among members in this webinar recording. To download a pdf of the slides from the webinar presentation, click here.

The Health Working Group has several reports and publications that are the result of members collaborating on shared interests. Click the following link for the reports and tools.

The Rural Housing Service (RHS), an agency within the USDA Rural Development mission area announces the availability of funding under the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program. Applicants must provide matching funds in an amount at least equal to the Federal grant, and applications are due July 22, 2016.

Further guidance will be provided prior to the application deadline.

Please contact Shirley Stevenson at (202)205-9685 or  Shirley.Stevenson@wdc.usda.gov with questions.

The Health Working Group commissioned Ohio University to compose a summary of the resources, geographic reach, and funding priorities of three of the Appalachia Funders Network's working groups: the Food Systems Working Group; the Health Working Group; and the Strengthening Community Capacity Working Group.

Michelle Foster and Becky Ceperley, President and former President of The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, represented the Appalachia Funders Network on a national stage by attending the Council on Foundations' annual conference. The Council on Foundations released the following video highlighting their annual conference and pre-conference, which was focused this year on rural philanthropy. 

"The latest report by the Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio (CDF-Ohio), “Ohio’s Appalachian Children at a Crossroads: A Roadmap for Action,” finds some positive change, but overall paints a picture of stark contrast in the well-being of the Appalachian children compared to those in the rest of the state and much of the nation. Many health problems actually have worsened or newly emerged since the first report in 2001, and the percentage of children living in poverty in the region has increased."

View some of the memorable moments from the 2016 Gathering.

See below to access reports related to food and ag systems work related to the Appalachia Funders Network.

This video, shot and created during the 7th Annual Gathering, captures the energy and momentum the Appalachia Funders Network is gaining in its work to usher in the Appalachian Transition. 

Thanks to Stonestreet Creative for producing this video! 

How did you get involved with the Appalachia Funders Network?

blue moon fund was an early partner of AFN.  As my role at bmf expanded to include our domestic portfolio, I was excited to participate at the Gathering and sharing between the working groups.  Having previously lived in Webster County, WV I was excited to reconnect and expand my professional network to include leaders and innovators from across the region.