#USA #Nonprofits #Fahe #Appalachian #Berea, Kentucky

Fahe Grants: A Boost for Appalachian Nonprofits

On November 20, 2025, Fahe announced the allocation of $2.4 million in grants through its Maximizing Appalachian Capacity (MAC) program, aimed at empowering nine innovative projects spearheaded by 11 nonprofit members in Appalachia. This financial support is anticipated to leverage an additional $19.4 million in funding, ultimately impacting over 600 households in the region.

The Mission of Fahe

Fahe operates as an intermediary, connecting a wide network of over 50 housing nonprofits, each dedicated to tackling the unique challenges faced by communities in one of America’s most economically disadvantaged regions. The introduction of the MAC grant program aims to recognize and facilitate remarkable projects led by its members that focus on housing, workforce development, and enhancing community services.

Why Focus on Appalachia?

Appalachia has long experienced economic challenges that impact the quality of life for its residents. Infrastructure deficits, job scarcity, and housing shortages are prevalent issues that need comprehensive and sustainable solutions. Fahe’s CEO, Jim King, emphasizes the importance of nurturing strong local institutions, noting, "These awards give our Members funding to pursue the tools, talent, and infrastructure they need to accelerate housing and community development across the region."

Identifying the necessity for support, Fahe’s awards committee reviewed 37 applications from five states, ultimately selecting nine collaborative projects that stood out for their potential to instigate tangible change. The committee’s careful consideration reinforces the belief that the success of these initiatives will not only build individual capacity but will collectively bolster the Appalachian region’s resilience.

Awarded Projects

Here’s an overview of the impactful projects awarded funding:
1. CAPNA (AL) - $400,000 to create a 10-acre affordable housing site, including educational programs to improve financial literacy and homeownership pathways for families.
2. HomeOwnership Center (WV) - $70,000 to initiate a below-market construction loan program tailored for local developers focused on affordable housing in rural West Virginia.
3. HomeSource East Tennessee (TN) and Oak Ridge Housing Authority (TN) - $310,122 to appoint a Resource Development Officer to enhance fundraising capabilities and support affordable housing initiatives in Knoxville.
4. Knoxville Leadership Foundation (TN) - $400,000 to convert the historic Swan Bakery into a vocational training center, enhancing workforce development opportunities in skilled trades.
5. Loudon County and Blount County Habitat for Humanity (TN) - $381,026 for a joint grant writer role to improve funding strategies for home repair and building initiatives.
6. Mountain T.O.P. (TN) - $150,000 to kickstart a workforce development program and establish a revolving capital fund for rural home repairs.
7. Open Door Community (VA) - $245,000 for an apprenticeship program merging housing development with workforce training for individuals recovering from difficult circumstances.
8. Religious Coalition for Community Renewal (WV) - $115,852 to revamp blighted properties into nine affordable homes, fostering a transition into homeownership.
9. Woodlands Development and Lending (WV) - $328,000 to set up Housing Investment Funds to facilitate community-based development through low-interest loans.

Future Aspirations

Fahe envisions a robust future for Appalachia, aiming to expand access to affordable housing through the Housing Can't Wait® campaign by 2030. The MAC Grant Awards, funded by a generous contribution from the Yield Giving Foundation, were established to direct support where it is most impactful, thereby advancing Fahe's mission.

As Fahe’s President, Sara Morgan, states, “Each awarded project reflects a deep understanding of local needs and a shared commitment to building opportunity in rural and other Appalachian communities.” With many more projects in the pipeline awaiting funding, the promise of further developments remains hopeful.

About Fahe

Founded in 1980, Fahe has mobilized nearly $5 billion in investments, positively impacting over one million lives through innovative housing solutions and community leadership. To learn more about Fahe and its initiatives, visit www.fahe.org.