Fahe Awards $2.4 Million to Boost Nonprofits in Appalachia

Fahe has awarded $2.4 million in grants through its Maximizing Appalachian Capacity (MAC) program to support nine projects spearheaded by eleven nonprofit organizations throughout Appalachia. This funding is expected to leverage an additional $19.4 million, aimed at enhancing housing production, creating job training opportunities, and serving over 600 households in the region.

The MAC grants were established to bolster the capacity of Fahe’s nonprofit members, enabling them to deliver effective housing, workforce, and community development solutions in one of the United States’ most economically disadvantaged areas. According to Fahe’s CEO, Jim King, “Appalachia’s future depends on strong local institutions. These awards give our Members funding to pursue the tools, talent, and infrastructure they need to accelerate housing and community development across the region.”

Competitive Selection Process

The selection process for the MAC grants was highly competitive, with nine projects chosen from a pool of 37 applications submitted by organizations across five states. The total funding requests amounted to $11,817,372. Had all applications been funded, the projects could have generated an estimated $230 million in additional funding and served nearly 1,500 households.

Fahe’s President, Sara Morgan, emphasized the importance of these projects, stating, “Each awarded project reflects a deep understanding of local needs and a shared commitment to building opportunity in rural and other Appalachian communities.”

Highlighted Projects

The awarded projects represent a diverse array of initiatives aimed at addressing pressing community needs.

The CAPNA in Alabama received $400,000 to develop a 10-acre affordable housing site in Decatur, which will include programs for financial literacy and homebuyer assistance.

In West Virginia, the HomeOwnership Center was granted $70,000 to launch a below-market construction loan program designed to support local developers in creating affordable homes.

Tennessee’s HomeSource east tennessee and the Oak Ridge Housing Authority were awarded $310,122 to create a shared position focused on resource development, aimed at expanding fundraising and strengthening long-term capacity.

The Knoxville Leadership Foundation received $400,000 to transform the historic Swan Bakery into a vocational training center that will serve as a hub for workforce development and supportive housing initiatives.

Other notable awards include $381,026 to the Habitat for Humanity chapters in Loudon and Blount Counties for grant writing support and $150,000 to Mountain T.O.P. to pilot a workforce development program.

The Open Door Community in Virginia was granted $245,000 to launch an apprenticeship program that combines housing development with workforce training, addressing workforce shortages and expanding affordable housing.

In West Virginia, the Religious Coalition for Community Renewal received $115,852 to lead a redevelopment effort, converting blighted properties into affordable homes.

Additionally, Woodlands Development and Lending was awarded $328,000 to establish housing investment funds offering low-interest loans for community-driven development.

Funding for the MAC Grant Awards was made possible by an unrestricted grant from the Yield Giving Foundation, allowing Fahe to direct resources effectively to support its mission.

Fahe, which has operated since 1980, aims to unite people, organizations, and resources to improve lives across Appalachia. The organization has invested nearly $5 billion in housing and community development, impacting more than one million individuals.

For more information about Fahe and its initiatives, visit www.fahe.org.