The 2025 Appalachia Funders Network Gathering Committee invites proposals for panels, roundtables, performances, and workshops that explore how philanthropy, in deep partnership with the communities it's members serve, can help usher in a future defined by cross-sector collaboration, civically engaged and vibrant communities, and strategic, thoughtful investment. The Annual Gathering, hosted in the historic Bristol, TN/VA, of “two cities, one place” fame, is likewise a fitting location for our theme of bridging. 

We welcome contributions that reflect the themes of bridging, transitions, traditions, and community, and that focus on the pivotal role philanthropy can play in ensuring Appalachia's future is rooted in justice and equity. Examples include but not limited to: Public/private partnerships & sectoral bridging, resilience and disaster preparedness, Indigenous stewardship, political bridging, bridging across geographies, and narrative reconciliation. 

Panels, workshops, and presentations showcasing innovative work and the responsive role of funders operating within deeply collaborative efforts are especially encouraged to apply.

Our Theme: 

Building Bridges: Tradition, Transition, and Transformation in Appalachia

In Appalachia, the historic infrastructure that once transported extracted resources beyond its borders now stands as a reminder of transitions past. Yet, the presentation of Appalachian culture to the broader world often contrasts sharply with the lived realities of its people. Appalachians are no strangers to transitions—indeed, they have navigated them for generations.

As we face the next Appalachian transition, a critical question arises: how do we ensure it is just? As our communities weathered historic storm Helene this past summer (the second of two major climate events in the past two years), see historic levels of federal funding entering our communities, and are witnessing the largest generational transfer of wealth underway, we must seize this moment to capture, retain, and deploy these investments in innovative and deeply collaborative ways.