Johnson County Community Foundation established

By TONY FYFFE

BSN Editor

PAINTSVILLE — The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky announced its newest affiliate, the Johnson County Community Foundation.

The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky brings together people, ideas and resources to build communities and encourage philanthropy, according to its website.

“Our approach is to meet communities where they are instead of telling them where they should be,” the website says. “Because, at the end of the day, we believe that investing in the people rooted in communities is the way to make them better.”

The organization connects “investors with local people and programs working toward lasting, positive change, the website said.

“We are reshaping grantmaking strategy in the region by creating conditions for businesses and programs to succeed,” the website said. “We pursue relationships with startups and organizations that celebrate Appalachian culture and grow local economies. Capital meant to drive positive impact in local communities should stay in those communities.”

When the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky developed its affiliate community foundation network, it wanted to use the experience that comes with being a nationally accredited community foundation to support the local passions and priorities of the region,” the website said.

“This way, the funding and decision making could remain in the hands of the people who reside within the communities,” it said.

An advisory board is put into place when an affiliate community foundation is established that is made up of local leaders who are responsible for addressing local needs and creating an endowment fund which will establish a lasting legacy for that community.

Johnson County board members include Daffiny Trimble, chair; Jerry Price, vice chair); Connie Bayes, treasurer; Tammy Barker, secretary; Dewey Bocook; Doug Pugh; and Chris Slone.

“We believe in real change and transformation at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky,” Kathy King Allen, community engagement officer for the organization, said. “When communities like Johnson County are supported, they are strengthened by the people who are rooted there.”

Trimble said board members are “excited to join together to ensure Johnson County continues to be a place we love to work and live.”

“Our goal and hope is to continue to strengthen our communities for generations to come,” she said.

Community foundations have also been established in Floyd and Pike counties.

To donate to the Johnson County Fund, visit https://bit.ly/JohnsonCountyCF. Checks can also be sent to Johnson County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 474, Paintsville KY 41240.