Southeastern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition Launches to Strengthen Region’s Charitable Organizations

Kentucky Nonprofit Network (KNN), the state association of charitable nonprofits, announced today the formation of the Southeastern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition (SKNC). This new regional alliance of KNN members is dedicated to building a stronger, more unified, and collaborative nonprofit sector serving Southeastern Kentucky. The announcement coincided with KNN’s “Amplify Your Mission” workshop taking place in Hazard Thursday.

The SKNC joins KNN’s existing coalitions in Lexington and Louisville, a step toward their goal of creating a strong statewide network of nonprofit leaders advocating locally for the work of the nonprofit community. The new Southeastern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition includes members serving Bell, Clay, Harlan, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, Perry, and Whitley counties.

Founding members of the Coalition represent a diverse group of impactful organizations, including:

• Appalachian Artisan Center
• Appalachian Citizens Law Center
• Boys and Girls Clubs of Appalachia
• Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky
• Christian Appalachian Project
• Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP)
• Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky
• Go-Hire Employment and Development
• Grant Ready Kentucky
• Kentucky River Community Care
• Operation UNITE
• Pine Mountain Settlement School
• Southeast Kentucky Rehabilitation Industries (SEKRI)

“The founding organizations of the Southeastern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition have taken a bold step to lead this new alliance,” said Ashleigh Dunsmoor, Director of Regional Advocacy and Engagement at KNN, who will be facilitating the work of SKNC. “We invite nonprofits to join us in the strategic work ahead. It’s essential that the organizations on the front lines of disaster relief and recovery, affordable housing, food insecurity, addiction treatment and recovery, arts and cultural enrichment and more are standing together to educate our elected officials on the work and economic impact of charitable nonprofits,” Dunsmoor added.

Through the SKNC, nonprofits in the region can stay up to date on public policy issues affecting their organizations and the nonprofit sector at the local, state, and federal levels. Members will access key insights into specific partnerships and funding opportunities as well as collectively advocate directly with Congress, state legislators, and local elected officials for stronger, more collaborative relationships with government to better serve Southeastern Kentucky communities. SKNC nonprofits will also benefit from regularly connecting with fellow nonprofit leaders and one-on-one virtual coaching to strengthen their advocacy efforts.

“The new Southeastern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition, the first regional alliance of our members, is launching at just the right time,” said Danielle Clore, KNN’s CEO. “Nonprofits are facing unprecedented threats, uncertainty, and even opportunity – and after surviving the pandemic, that’s a significant statement. We are ready to get to work to help the members in the region engage in advocacy with a strong, collective voice.”

The financial health of nonprofits directly impacts the financial wellbeing of their communities.

The Coalition’s 14 member organizations, which includes KNN, collectively serve 1,551,479 constituents annually through their 2,209 full-time and 265 part-time employees. These local nonprofits spend $425.5 million in annual payroll and expenditures, contributing to the Southeastern Kentucky economy. Furthermore, 45% of their $441.5 million total revenue comes from income and fees for their services, mainly through government grants and contracts, meaning advocacy for that funding is increasingly vital.

For more information about joining the Southeastern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition, visit kynonprofits.org/join/sknc.