Civic life is everywhere
When Americans connect over shared goals and make plans together, that is civic life at work. Across the country, communities are demonstrating the power of everyday efforts that help Americans design the future they want to see. Whether it is improving access to groceries, offering job training, or assisting with disaster relief, local groups are reshaping traditional civic life by meeting the unique needs of their communities.
Meet our grantees
Learn about our grantees and their work transforming their communities with creative solutions, new programming and a shared vision for change.
West Virginia Community Development Hub
The Hub is creating a statewide network of local civic ecosystems where volunteers lead the revitalization of their communities.
Athens Area Council for the Arts
A cultural hub in East Tennessee empowering community members to shape the future direction of arts engagement.
Greenbrier Valley Community Foundation
In West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley, shared spaces and partnerships improve quality of life in former coal communities and tourism areas.
Coalfield Development Corp.
Locally-forged models of economic development 2025 Civic Hub grantee Coalfield Development is a West Virginia–founded nonprofit working across Central Appalachia to rebuild local economies from…
Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation, CDC
In Asheville, North Carolina, an innovative nonprofit serves as a trusted anchor for both economic revitalization and disaster relief.
Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky
The Kentucky-based foundation’s approach is to meet communities where they are instead of telling them where they should be.
Invest Appalachia
Invest Appalachia is unlocking community-led projects that are building inclusive economies in places that have faced historical disinvestment.
Woodlands Development Group
Across West Virginia’s Mon Forest Region, Woodlands helps small communities revitalize their towns through locally led development.
PODER Emma
A cooperative ecosystem protects affordable housing through local decision-making and community-led action in Emma, North Carolina.
Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
A regional community foundation that serves as a home for donors and doers across all 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio.
Thrive Regional Partnership
Thrive convenes partners across sectors and state lines to make the most of economic opportunities in communities across Appalachia.
The Industrial Commons
The Industrial Commons is transforming life for workers in Western North Carolina by driving economic opportunity and spurring locally rooted wealth.
Central Appalachian Civic Experiments
Civic Experiments in this region use storytelling, recovery efforts and youth leadership as entry points into civic life.
Athens County Foundation
In an Appalachian community with persistent inequities, ACF supports solutions driven by those closest to the challenges.
Community voices
"The easiest thing to do is to follow the status quo. The most difficult work comes from making sure that all voices are heard."
Felecia L. Lucky, President, Black Belt Community Foundation
Location: Selma, Alabama
Sector: Community Development
“This work is a bet that a better future is possible—and that most people, given the opportunity, want to help make that future happen.”
Michael Wood-Lewis, Co-Founder & CEO, Front Porch Forum
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Sector: Digital
“We want to find a way to move the narrative from fear to possibility.”
Cali Brooks, President & CEO, Adirondack Foundation
Location: Lake Placid, New York
Sector: Community Development, Economic Development