A continuum of belonging and civic participation
2026 Civic Hub grantee
Where Appalachia meets the Bluegrass, the vibrant small towns of Kentucky’s Clark, Powell, and Estill counties are defined by deep community pride and strong traditions of neighborliness. The region also faces challenges: substance use disorder, educational opportunity, housing, social isolation, and changing demographics. The Greater Clark Foundation (GCF) invests in the people, relationships, and partnerships that help communities respond to these challenges together for lasting progress.
A Civic Hub for local action
As both a funder and convener, GCF helps strengthen the civic infrastructure that supports healthy communities. Its initiatives bring together residents, nonprofits, public agencies, schools, and community leaders for learning, collaboration, and shared understanding. Its flexible grants to local partners support community priorities. Intentionally designed convenings build trust across differences.
“Our work is about relationships because that’s where nearly every lasting change begins. Trust is built over time by showing up consistently and creating opportunities for people to lead together. That is what being a Civic Hub means to us.”
—Greater Clark Foundation (2026 Civic Hub grantee)
Community impact in practice
A prime example of GCF’s long-term approach to community engagement: the evolution of their Building Trust & Belonging initiative into the Belonging Continuum. When participants expressed a desire to continue learning together after the original initiative period ended, the Foundation transitioned from a time-limited cohort to an ongoing regional learning community for nonprofit and civic leaders.
Participants continue to gather regularly to deepen relationships, exchange ideas, and strengthen their ability to lead within their organizations and communities, creating a lasting network grounded in trust and shared responsibility.
The opportunities ahead
With Trust funding, GCF will launch a second round of Building Trust & Belonging grants and a new learning cohort for community organizations. The Foundation will pair this local investment with learning from the Civic Hub network, using evaluation and peer exchange to strengthen the initiative and continue building relationships that support healthy civic life across the region.
Photos courtesy of Greater Clark Foundation.