A Message from Donna Gambrell, ACC CEO
The devastation in Kentucky and other parts of Central Appalachia caused by a torrent of floodwaters is difficult to grasp. Just two months ago in June, I joined Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Opportunity Finance Network, and her staff on a tour of Eastern Kentucky with Mountain Association, Kentucky Highlands, Fahe, USDA Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, and OFN investors and funders. I marveled at the work being done by these CDFIs and other mission-focused organizations. I continue to marvel, not only at the organizations, but at the residents themselves who are determined to find a way to return to their homes and businesses and rebuild.
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky has kept the region and the nation apprised of flood relief efforts. It has also provided suggestions on all the ways that individuals and communities can give to show their support to Eastern Kentucky during this crisis. Click HERE for more information.
My heart goes out to all those who have lost family members, friends, and colleagues. I continue to pray for your safety.
|
|
Two Days in Roanoke, Virginia
Earlier this month I had the pleasure of spending two days in Roanoke with a number of ACC’s Virginia CDFI members and partners.
On August 3, the Virginia CDFI Coalition Board gathered for a hybrid strategic planning retreat. The mission of the coalition, which consists of more than 20 CDFI members across the state, is “to offer a collective voice to address issues concerning unmet financial needs of Virginia communities by advocating for greater awareness of CDFI activities and operations and by supporting the goals of its member organizations with peer support and education.”
On August 4, several representatives of regional CDFIs enjoyed a roundtable meeting with Tom Barkin, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. The discussion was free flowing and productive as we discussed the challenges and opportunities faced by CDFIs during the pandemic and what may lie ahead for the communities we serve.
|
|
ACC welcomes its two newest members:
We are thrilled to be partnering with these longstanding organizations. Their addition means that ACC is now 32 members strong!
|
|
This community capacity-building initiative will offer free cohort-based learning and flexible funding to Appalachian nonprofit organizations, community foundations, local governments, and Local Development Districts. Eligible participants can apply for one of READY Appalachia’s 10-week learning tracks, the first being READY Nonprofits, which is now accepting applications until August 19. APPLY HERE
|
|
This program will award $10 million for the development of collaborative workforce programs that will facilitate the rapid deployment of solar energy technologies while supporting an inclusive workforce with opportunities for union membership. DOE seeks applications from diverse teams of training providers, labor unions, nonprofit community-based organizations, solar developers, educational institutions, tribal entities, and local governments. Interested parties can add themselves to the Teaming Partner List, which allows organizations that may wish to apply, but not as the prime applicant, to express interest to potential partners. Application Deadline: Letters
|
|
This program will provide awards of up to $15 million to certified CDFIs to expand lending, grant making and investment activity in low- and moderate-income communities and to borrowers that have significant unmet capital or financial services needs and were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; and to enable CDFIs to build organizational capacity and acquire technology, staff, and other tools. Application Deadline: September 22. APPLY HERE
|
|
The Just Transition Fund is offering individualized technical assistance to organizations applying for federal funding to support economic transition projects. A team of federal funding experts is available to support the development of competitive proposals for funding opportunities at EDA, ARC, USDA, DOE, DOL, and other relevant agencies. Application Deadline: Open, but the team has limited capacity and will review submissions in the order they are received. APPLY HERE
|
|
EDA has launched Communities of Practice focused on coal communities, inclusive economic recovery, innovative finance strategies, predevelopment activities in underserved communities, and more. These national networks will have access to peer learning and training opportunities, share knowledge, empower local leaders, and highlight inspirational stories from around the
country. Some will be open to practitioners outside of EDA’s grantee community.
SIGN UP HERE to learn more about the Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities Initiative.
|
|
FACT SHEET: Vice President Announces New Private and Public Sector Efforts to Align Tens of Billions in Investments in Underserved Communities. The White House, July 28, 2022. READ MORE
|
|
APPALACHIAN COMMUNITY CAPITAL
110 PEPPERS FERRY RD NW
CHRISTIANSBURG, VA 24073
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
