Solidaire Network transcends the limitations of traditional philanthropy in pursuit of a more radical vision and model for giving. Solidaire works to fundamentally change economic, political and cultural power systems by growing and nurturing a network of donor organizers to accompany movements for social and racial justice.

The Mountain Association invests in people and places in Eastern Kentucky to advance a just transition to a new economy that is more diverse, sustainable, equitable and resilient.We serve this mission in a number of ways. Our Lending team offers loans to existing and startup businesses and organizations. Because we are a Community Development Financial Institution and a non-profit, we can offer greater flexibility and lend to folks who may not otherwise qualify. Unlike most traditional lenders, we offer flexible payment schedules and a variety of other services.

Widely recognized for its commitment to developing a vibrant community-based arts presence in Appalachia and beyond, Appalshop is a nonprofit arts and education center based in eastern Kentucky. Established in 1969 as a media-training program, Appalshop has developed into a multi-disciplinary arts and social justice organization. The staff of 15+ full-time workers currently produces documentary media, tour original musical theater, present community arts programming and conduct a variety of youth educational and arts training programs. Appalshop owns and manages a dynamic community radio station that is run, in part, by volunteer programmers from the local area and has established a regional archive. Every year Appalshop productions and services reach several million people nationally and internationally.

SONG is a home for LGBTQ liberation across all lines of race, class, abilities, age, culture, gender, and sexuality in the South. We build, sustain, and connect a southern regional base of LBGTQ people in order to transform the region through strategic projects and campaigns developed in response to the current conditions in our communities. SONG builds this movement through leadership development, intersectional analysis, and organizing.

The STAY Project (Stay Together Appalachian Youth) is a diverse regional network of young people throughout Central Appalachia who are working together to advocate for and actively participate in their home mountain communities. It’s network of members and regional gatherings create avenues for our communities to educate themselves, find voice, and nurture political power

In 1988 Appalshop staff members founded the Appalachian Media Institute (AMI), a media training program for central Appalachian youth. Using the technological and artistic resources of Appalshop, AMI helps young people explore how media production skills can be used to ask, and begin to answer, critical questions about themselves and their communities. Through the use of media AMI participants receive the opportunity to have input into community dialogues and hopefully develop the skills and critical thinking abilities necessary to become leaders in creating sustainable futures for their communities.

see above