Appalachian Community Fund Technical Assistance Grant

The Appalachian Community Fund (ACF) administers a Technical Assistance Grant program to support grassroots organizations throughout the Central Appalachian region. ACF is rooted in a commitment to social justice, providing resources that enable communities to create long-term, systemic change rather than temporary fixes. Founded with the belief that enduring social transformation comes from those directly affected by injustice, ACF invests in building local capacity and leadership. The Technical Assistance Grant is designed specifically to help grassroots groups strengthen their infrastructure and internal capabilities, ensuring they are equipped to carry out their missions effectively. This funding opportunity focuses on enhancing the organizational capacity of community-based groups involved in progressive activism. Grants may be used for a wide range of activities aimed at building skills and knowledge among staff and board members. Eligible training areas include leadership development, fundraising and planned giving, understanding board responsibilities, strategic planning, financial management, legal compliance (such as nonprofit incorporation), community organizing, media engagement, and logistical costs such as training materials and travel. The program is tailored for those working on social justice in Appalachia, where funding for organizational development is often limited. Eligibility for this program is restricted to grassroots organizations operating within the Central Appalachian region. Organizations outside this geography are not eligible to apply, and ACF does not fund for-profit entities or small/start-up businesses. While ACF prefers applicants to hold 501(c)(3) status, groups without this designation may still apply by securing a fiscal sponsor. Organizations that are newly formed or comprised entirely of volunteers are encouraged to apply and may seek help from ACF staff to complete the application. This inclusive approach reflects ACF’s commitment to supporting those who are rooted in their communities and working toward systemic change. To apply, interested organizations must log into the ACF grantee portal. Prior to submitting a proposal, applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully review all application guidelines and instructions to ensure compliance with criteria and formatting requirements. Resources such as Appalachian Activism 101 and the Grantmaking FAQ are available to assist applicants in preparing competitive proposals. Final Report Forms are provided for current grantees in both PDF and Word formats to simplify the reporting process. The grant opportunity is currently open and accepting applications. While no specific application deadlines are stated, applicants should contact ACF directly to confirm current submission timelines or any relevant cut-off dates. There is no mention of a recurring cycle, so it cannot be assumed that the opportunity is offered on a rolling or annual basis. Applicants are advised to reach out to the funder directly for the most accurate and updated information regarding application deadlines and award notifications. For questions or further information, applicants can contact ACF by phone at 865-523-5783 or via email at info@appalachiancommunityfund.org. ACF's Technical Assistance Grant continues to serve as a vital resource for grassroots organizations in Appalachia, helping them build a foundation for lasting impact and justice-driven community work.