About the WKNC

The West Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition (WKNC) is a regional alliance of KNN members committed to a stronger, more unified, and collaborative nonprofit sector serving the West Kentucky region. 

The Coalition officially launches in July 2026. The work of the Coalition is essential to creating a unified voice that better educates local, state, and federal elected officials on the work and economic impact of nonprofits.

What does the work of the WKNC look like?

  • Meetings are held quarterly and are hosted in-person by WKNC members, alternating different areas of the region. 

  • Meetings include strategy setting around local, state, and federal policy engagement; education and discussion of key issues impacting members, the nonprofit sector, and the West Kentucky community; visits with invited guests informing the Coalition's work; and an opportunity to learn from, network, and collaborate with other nonprofit members. 

  • The WKNC successfully engages its members with policy makers, at all levels of government representing the region. 

  • The WKNC ensures that the nonprofit sector voice is heard via meetings with public officials and in public meetings. 

As a member of the WKNC, your nonprofit will:

  • be kept up to date on the public policy issues impacting your organization and the nonprofit sector at the local, state, and federal level. 

  • receive key insight into specific partnerships and funding opportunities. 

  • stand with other nonprofits to advocate for a more collaborative and effective partnership with government to better serve the West Kentucky community. 

  • benefit from the opportunity to connect regularly with nonprofit colleagues working to build a thriving nonprofit sector. 

  • receive 1:1 virtual coaching for your organization's advocacy. 

Ready to join your local colleagues?

If you are a nonprofit based in or providing significant services in West Kentucky, we urge you to join the Coalition! 

KNN membership is required of WKNC members. WKNC is sustained by quarterly or annual member investments. Ready to learn more? Contact Laela Kashan by emailing, calling 859-963-3203 ext 5, or clicking the button below!

Why a West Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition? Why now? Hear from some members:

“This coalition is exactly the resource our region needs to scale our impact. By breaking down silos and working together, we can better advocate for the resources our communities deserve, proving that a healthy nonprofit sector goes hand in hand with a thriving West Kentucky economy. We are proud to invest in this collaborative future.”  

Lee Emmons, CEO, Community Foundation of West Kentucky

Members of the West Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition

Community Foundation of West Kentucky

Goodwill of Kentucky

Kentucky Nonprofit Network

Lifeline Recovery Center

Lotus

Market House Theater

Mayfield Graves LTRG

Merryman House

West Kentucky Allied Services

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Join us at an upcoming event:

Two-Day Grant Writing Training: Paducah
Tuesday, November 17 & Wednesday, November 18
9:00am-4:00pm CT
KNN Members: $110
Potential Members: $160

KNN and Grant Ready Kentucky are proud to present this two-day grant workshop. This training provides a practical, step by step foundation in grant writing designed for small, rural, and under resourced organizations, guiding participants through the full lifecycle of a competitive grant proposal from readiness to submission. The training covers grant fundamentals, writing style and clarity, how to read and respond to grant solicitations, and detailed instruction on every major proposal section including the statement of need, implementation plan, evaluation, budget, sustainability, and abstract, while emphasizing alignment with funder priorities and review criteria. Participants also learn how to plan projects strategically before organizing proposals, identify funding opportunities, build partnerships, strengthen competitiveness, manage logistics, and responsibly use AI as a support tool for drafting and review, with real world examples and federal grant guidance used throughout to reinforce best practices and reviewer expectations.