Gov. Steve Beshear and Congressman Hal Rogers Monday announced $1 million in ARC grants to support the Appalachian Rural Development Philanthropy Initiative. Beshear joined Appalachian Regional Commission Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl and other community leaders in Somerset for Monday’s announcement.The initiative supports the development of permanent, accessible community foundations in Eastern Kentucky that will work to secure local assets to provide long-term resources for their communities.
The project funding will also advance the goals of Endow Kentucky, a program established by the 2010 General Assembly to enhance the quality of life for Kentuckians through increased philanthropic activity.
“Establishing sustainable philanthropic organizations throughout Appalachia will enable communities to grow endowments that will benefit local residents,” Beshear said in a press release from his office. “Permanent community foundations also allow residents to know their contributions will go toward providing support and growth close to home, boosting overall community development.”
The Kentucky Philanthropy Initiative’s 2010 Transfer of Wealth study estimated that a sizeable amount of private assets will shift out of Eastern Kentucky communities within the next generation. ARDPI seeks to capture some of those assets through philanthropic endowments before they are transferred out of Appalachian communities.
ARDPI’s program work will include regional planning, training for communities, development of an on-the-ground consultant program, and the use of mini-grants to assist communities in planning for securing and leveraging local resources.
A total of $1,004,000 in four ARC grants has been awarded to these Eastern Kentucky organizations to assist in development over the next two years:
· The Center for Rural Development, Somerset – $582,150
· Brushy Fork Institute, Berea – $171,750
· Foundation for the Tri-State Community, Ashland – $133,600
· Community Foundation of Hazard and Perry County, Hazard –$116,500
Eleven distressed Appalachian counties will benefit initially from ARDPI: Bell, Clay, Elliott, Knott, Knox, Lawrence, Letcher, Lewis, Magoffin, Martin and Whitley.
"We are participating in the ARDPI partnership because it aligns perfectly with The Center for Rural Development's vision to be a national model for economic development," Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO of The Center for Rural Development, said. "The initiative will grow the economy of our region by allowing wealth that is already here to remain here, and then be invested in worthwhile endeavors that improve the quality of life and make our communities great places to live, work, and raise our families."
