ACF aims to tackle the root causes of poverty and oppression in the Appalachian regions of Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The foundation supports community-based initiatives striving for social, economic, racial, and environmental justice in Central Appalachia.
The LGBTQ Initiative is part of ACF's commitment to support the development and strengthening of resources for LGBTQ organizing efforts in Central Appalachian communities. Established in 2006 through a donation from a Tennessee donor, this initiative focuses on supporting LGBTQ organizational building, strengthening Lesbian and Gay Community institutional resources, and capacity building for LGBTQ organizing efforts. ACF encourages applications from new and emerging organizations, projects working with LGBTQ youth, and networking efforts to connect LGBTQ work throughout Central Appalachia.
ACF prioritizes supporting initiatives that are both new and focus on the LGBTQ youth community. Additionally, a heightened emphasis is placed on backing grassroots organizations that operate on an annual budget under $200,000 and encounter challenges when accessing conventional funding avenues.