Our convenings connect our network, provide space for peer-learning and collaboration, and energize our work. This includes our Annual Gathering, which celebrates generations of Appalachian spirit and brings funders face-to-face with the communities and practitioners driving change.
We strive to create a safe environment for funders, practitioners, and government officials to learn, grow, and collaborate together. In pursuit of this, all AFN events have a strict non-solicitation policy.
AFN Annual Gathering
Our Annual Gathering is a multi-day, in-person convening held each year in rotating Appalachian states. From Flatrock, NC, to this year’s gathering in Ashland, KY, each year offers a rich, engaging, and unforgettable opportunity to see and learn from community leaders and organizations creating vibrant civic and economic life on the ground. Local site visits, skill-building workshops, and engaging conversations connect funders and regional leaders with community members, offering a unique lens that fosters deeper understanding and dynamic collaboration to enrich and strengthen Appalachia’s future.
The Annual Gathering is a special moment for learning and connection, uplifting the power of local investment and relationship-building for place-based funders while demonstrating the diversity and distinctiveness of Central Appalachia. Here, missions align, new partnerships flourish, and sustainable solutions are born through a shared Appalachian experience.
Recurring Meetings
Beyond our Annual Gathering, AFN convenes funders throughout the year for ongoing learning and coordination on the moments and topics shaping our region.
First Fridays
Helene Response & Community Resilience Call
AFN's Helene Response and Community Resilience calls bring together funders of all types to learn, coordinate, and collaborate as the Central Appalachian region continues its recovery from Hurricane Helene. These calls are free and open to all disaster recovery and resilience funders.
- When
- First Friday of every month, 10:00–11:00am ET
- Format
- Virtual
- Audience
- Anyone funding or working in disaster response, recovery, preparedness, or resilience
- What to expect
- These calls feature stories, research, approaches, and learnings around Helene recovery and disaster recovery and resilience generally. During the hour, we also hold space for participants to discuss and share updates, insights, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.
ANNUAL GATHERING
Learn more about and register for our 2026 Annual Gathering
Learn more about our previous 2025 Annual Gathering
View the programs for our past Annual Gatherings
Access additional resources for our past Annual Gatherings