Berea College’s Brushy Fork Leadership Institute Launches Initiative to Strengthen Central Appalachia’s Nonprofit Ecosystem

January 14, 2025

BEREA, Ky.  – Berea College, through its Brushy Fork Leadership Institute, has announced the launch of the Strengthening Central Appalachia’s Nonprofit Ecosystem project, funded in part by a $390,410 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission’s READY Grants to Grow (G2G) program. 

This three-year initiative aims to build capacity for nonprofits serving economically distressed communities across 46 counties in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Funds from this project will help provide tailored technical assistance, leadership coaching and organizational assessments to nonprofits, helping them improve sustainability and better serve their communities. 

Over the course of the program, Brushy Fork expects to assist 36 organizations directly, conduct assessments for 60 nonprofits, and support leadership succession planning for six organizations. Additionally, 120 individuals will receive skills development training.

“This initiative fills me with tremendous excitement because it strengthens the very organizations that carry the heart of Appalachian communities,” said President Cheryl L. Nixon. “When we invest in nonprofit leaders, we invest in families, in hope, and in the future of Central Appalachia. Berea College is proud to deepen our partnership with the region we are called to serve.”

The total project budget is $606,880, with Berea College contributing $216,469 in matching funds. Key partners include the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, the Mountain Association, Grow Appalachia and the Berea College Appalachian Fund.

Since 1988, the Brushy Fork Leadership Institute has partnered with Central Appalachian communities and organizations to provide leadership training, organizational development workshops and technical assistance to local and regional leaders working to build prosperous communities for all people. 

Brushy Fork offers a broad range of programs and services designed to support regional leadership and community development initiatives. These programs provide leaders with enhanced skills, broadened perspectives, strong connections and innovative ideas. From nonprofit staff to grassroots leaders to organizational networks, Brushy Fork has partnered with thousands of leaders throughout the mountains of Central Appalachia.

To learn more about the Brushy Fork Leadership Institute and its programs, visit https://www.berea.edu/brushy-fork-institute.

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