West Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition Launches to Strengthen Regional Impact
PADUCAH, Ky.—Kentucky Nonprofit Network (KNN), the state association of charitable nonprofits, announced yesterday the formation of the West Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition (WKNC) at a launch event and advocacy training sponsored by the Community Foundation of West Kentucky. This new regional alliance of KNN members aims to build a stronger, more unified nonprofit sector voice among organizations serving West Kentucky, particularly McCracken, Ballard, Carlisle, Hickman, Fulton, Graves, Marshall, Calloway, Livingston, Lyon, and Crittenden counties.
WKNC joins existing coalitions in Lexington, Louisville, Southeastern Kentucky, and Northern Kentucky — a step toward KNN’s goal of creating a strong statewide network of nonprofit leaders advocating locally for the work of the nonprofit community.
“The founding members of the West Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition represent an incredible network of leaders who understand the distinct opportunities and challenges of serving our region,” said Laela Kashan, Director of Regional Advocacy and Engagement at KNN, who will facilitate the coalition’s work. “West Kentucky nonprofits are the backbone of our communities. We’re excited to bring these organizations together to build a unified voice. This will ensure our state and local policymakers fully understand the immense community and economic impact of the nonprofit sector.”
“Every day, nonprofits across West Kentucky are on the ground doing the heavy lifting, whether that’s expanding educational access, securing affordable housing, or providing critical food and healthcare services,” said Lee Emmons, CEO of the Community Foundation of West Kentucky, an early funder of the coalition. “This coalition is exactly the resource our region needs to scale that 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.”
Through WKNC, 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 with members of Congress, state legislators, and local elected officials. In turn, WKNC hopes to build stronger, more collaborative relationships with local government leaders to better serve West Kentucky communities. WKNC nonprofits will also benefit from regularly connecting with fellow local leaders and one-on-one virtual coaching to strengthen their advocacy efforts.
“Nonprofit leaders in West Kentucky have a long history of resilience and deep commitment to their neighbors,” said KNN CEO Danielle Clore. “As organizations face shifting funding environments, complex community needs, increasing demand for services, and misunderstanding about their critical work, having a dedicated regional coalition ensures they aren’t navigating these challenges in isolation. WKNC will give West Kentucky a powerful, collective seat at the table, and KNN is proud to support these leaders as they drive meaningful, long-term change for the region.”
The coalition’s 9 member organizations, including KNN, collectively serve 70,969 constituents each year and employ 1,846 full-time and 592 part-time staff. Together, these nonprofits contribute $121 million in annual payroll and expenditures to the West Kentucky economy and generate $133 million in total revenue, with 19.4% coming from earned income and fees for services. This funding sustains critical services across the region and highlights the growing importance of strong nonprofit advocacy, as the sector’s financial health is directly tied to the strength of West Kentucky’s communities and economy.
Nonprofits interested in joining the West Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition can learn more and get involved at kynonprofits.org/join/wknc.
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Kentucky Nonprofit Network was founded in 2002 and exists to strengthen and advance the Commonwealth’s nonprofit organizations through quality education, sharing of nonprofit management recommended practices and resources, time and money-saving member benefits, and a unified public policy voice for its 1,200+ member nonprofits. Nonprofit organizations are critical to Kentucky’s quality of life and serve as an important economic engine, employing one in ten of the state’s private sector workforce.
