Imagine Our Future
Year End Appeal 2021
Hello ACF Family,I’m Taysha DeVaughan. I started at ACF as a regional organizer back in 2019, then I directed our Capacity Builder’s Project, and now, I’m moving into the role of donor engagement coordinator.We’re so grateful for your investment in change. Thank you.This year, I invite you to imagine. Imagine a world where your gifts stimulate long-term justice communities, where your giving reaches the people as well as the tasks.An example of this, is our Capacity Builder’s Project that we piloted this past year. It was an opportunity to imagine a new way of supporting social change. Sixteen capacity builders, who work in different areas of justice, formed a fellowship. The goal of the project was to support capacity builders while creating a network of relationships for these fellows.
To support their current and future endeavors each received $5,000.00 in direct support, along with individual, nonprofit financial training, and funder/donor-relation training. The fellowship produced two collaborative artistic expressions showcasing their passion for social change.One was a self-published zine with a section dedicated to each capacity builder and the other was a recorded musical composition. You can take a peak and listen to both by scanning here.That was the task, now for the people!Joshua was able to purchase a new Apple tablet. With this technology he took their project of documenting historic Black churches in Appalachia on the road. He was also able to use the tablet with recording equipment for their musical aspirations. Another capacity builder, Grace, was able to focus on securing a building for the mutual aid organization “First Aid Collective” in Knoxville, Tennessee.In addition to this program, we significantly increased our grantmaking. We awarded $45,250 from our General Fund to 36 organizations across the region, $1,600 in Technical Assistance, and $8,625 in mutual aid support in direct response to the needs of our communities affected by COVID.$64,500 was awarded through our continued work with Southern Black Girls and Women Consortium.Through our newest fund, the Central Appalachian Arts and Culture Growth Fund, we invested $406,000 in 25 organizations and individuals. Our smaller donor-advised funds gave $6,900 in small grants to numerous regional organizations.Your investment in projects and people make the vision of long-term justice communities become a reality. Please, continue your support today.Thank you.See ya later, alligators,Taysha DeVaughanDonor Engagement Coordinator
P.S. Click here and signup to become a sustaining donorand help to provide the long term, foundational support that we need to continueto fund grassroots organizing across the region.
Your automatic monthly payments, no matter how small,fund the movement and allow us to get funds directly tothe folks who need them so that they can continue to fight for justice.
