Appalachian Voices
Appalachian Voices is a Boone, North Carolina-based public charity, founded in 1997, that brings people together to protect Central and Southern Appalachia’s land, air and water and advance a just transition to a clean energy economy. Its work includes grassroots organizing, community engagement, policy advocacy and technical expertise.
Appalachian Voices at a glance
In short: Appalachian Voices gave $515K across 24 grants in 2024 (avg $21K), top state Kentucky. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $515,296
- +182.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 24
- +166.7% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $21,471
- +5.7% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $18,300
- Total assets
- $7,867,330
- -3.8% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Kentucky (49% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Appalachian Voices
- How to Apply
-
No application process for Appalachian Voices grant funding is stated in the available materials. The website provides an intake form for organizations seeking technical assistance, which is distinct from an application for a grant from Appalachian Voices.
- Contact
Mailing address: 164 S Depot St, Boone, NC 28607
Phone: (828) 262-1500
Website: https://appvoices.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Appalachian Voices
Who Appalachian Voices funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Martin County Health Department ($129K). Together the top 10 received $360K.
Grant Size Distribution
33 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 32 grants of 33 (97%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Appalachian Voices says its work is concentrated in the five-state section of Central and Southern Appalachia and lists offices in Boone, North Carolina; Charlottesville and Wise County, Virginia; and Knoxville, Tennessee. Its 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in Kentucky (49%), West Virginia (37%), Virginia (9%), Tennessee (5%) and Ohio (1%). The percentages are as reported and total 101%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 24 itemized grants.
Cities
How Appalachian Voices gives
- 0% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2023 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $183K (2023) to $515K (2024). In 2024 it made 24 grants totaling $515K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Martin County Health Department Inez, KY | Solar Energy Project | $128,813 |
| Cabell County Public Library Huntington, WV | Solar Energy Project | $34,000 |
| Renewall Inc Huntington, WV | Solar Energy Project | $33,350 |
| Steele Memorial United Methodist Church Barboursville, WV | Solar Energy Project | $25,000 |
| Neon First Church of God Neon, KY | Solar Energy Project | $24,000 |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute Blacksburg, VA | Environmental Monitoring | $23,919 |
| First Presbyterian Church Oak Ridge, TN | Solar Energy Project | $23,570 |
| Leslie County Fiscal Court Hyden, KY | Solar Energy Project | $22,500 |
| Experience Learning Inc Circleville, WV | Solar Energy Project | $22,400 |
| Virginia Organizing Inc Charlottesville, VA | Community Engagement for Environmental Advocacy" | $22,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Appalachian Voices?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $7,867,330 | $6,757,001 | $7,309,149 | $515,296 | 24 | $83,011 |
| 2023 | $8,175,600 | $6,420,546 | $5,136,988 | $182,748 | 9 | $76,547 |
| 2022 | $5,271,384 | $5,027,693 | $3,882,093 | — | — | $8,115 |
| 2021 | $4,277,764 | $3,834,032 | $2,800,576 | — | — | $5,981 |
| 2020 | $2,864,749 | $2,862,373 | $2,604,149 | — | — | $16,653 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
Appalachian Voices states that its mission is to protect the land, air and water of Central and Southern Appalachia and advance a just transition to a generative and equitable clean energy economy. Its program descriptions include addressing the ongoing and legacy effects of coal extraction and use, opposing major new fossil fuel infrastructure, promoting clean energy and energy efficiency, and raising awareness of environmental threats and sustainable economic alternatives.
The organization’s website describes technical assistance for organizations and groups in underserved, overburdened, rural and capacity-constrained areas. Assistance may include grant writing, grant matching, environmental testing, capacity building and help navigating federal programs. The listed eligible groups include nonprofits, community-based and grassroots groups, philanthropic and civic organizations, tribal and local governments, K–12 schools, and higher education institutions. Appalachian Voices also says it assists the Region III Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center with outreach in West Virginia and Southwest Virginia.
In 2024, the organization’s largest listed grants were mainly for solar energy projects; other stated purposes included environmental monitoring and community engagement for environmental advocacy. Among the organizations it supported, Cabell County Public Library describes its mission as providing library materials and information to area residents. Renewall Inc says it works to preserve historic resources and revitalize a neighborhood commercial district, including by assisting small businesses and entrepreneurs. Housing Development Alliance says it works on affordable housing, home repair and energy-efficiency retrofits in several Kentucky counties. These are the grantees’ stated missions, not descriptions of Appalachian Voices’ own programs.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, Appalachian Voices reported 24 grants totaling $515,296. Grants ranged from $5,400 to $128,813, with a median of $18,300.
Largest listed grants included $128,813 to Martin County Health Department for a solar energy project; $34,000 to Cabell County Public Library for a solar energy project; $33,350 to Renewall Inc for a solar energy project; and $25,000 to Steele Memorial United Methodist Church for a solar energy project. Other listed recipients included Virginia Tech, which received $23,919 for environmental monitoring, and Virginia Organizing, which received $22,000 for community engagement for environmental advocacy.
The Appalachian Solar Finance Fund page says it makes subgrant awards for solar projects on nonprofit and public buildings. The website also describes separate technical assistance and refers to grant opportunities administered by other organizations; these should not be confused with grants awarded by Appalachian Voices.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Tracey Wright as chair, Bunk Spann as vice chair, Peggy Mathews as secretary and Chris Scotton as treasurer. Directors listed are Bill Clontz, John Dezember, Phylicia Lee Brown, Beth Mattern, Taysha DeVaughan and Chandra Taylor-Sawyer.
Appalachian Voices is led by Thomas D. Cormons, Executive Director on every filing since 2023; 7 of 17 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Thomas D. Cormons
Executive Director
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$180K (2023) → $193K (2024)
Tracey Wright
Chair
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Adam T. Wells
Reg Director of Community & Economic Development
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$106K (2023) → $129K (2024)
Genevieve D. Silverman
Director of Finance & Operations
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$135K (2023) → $146K (2024)
Martin L. Harrison
Director of Strategic Advancement
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$103K (2023) → $110K (2024)
Matthew F. Wasson
Director of Programs
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$116K (2023) → $135K (2024)
Peter L. Anderson
Director of State Energy Policy
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$108K (2024)
John Dezember
Director
Board Member → Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Phylicia Lee Brown
Director
Board Member → Director, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Beth Mattern
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bill Clontz
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chandra Taylor-Sawyer
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Taysha Devaughan
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kathleen K. Boyle
Deputy Executive Director
Deputy Director → Deputy Executive Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$98K (2020) → $166K (2024)
Bunk Spann
Vice Chair
Secretary → Vice Chair, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Scotton
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Peggy Mathews
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (12)
- Former: Adam J. Wagner (2023) — Director of Individual Giving
- Former: Chelsea R. Barnes (2023) — Director of Govt Affairs & Strategy
- Former: Taryn Tindall (2023) — Board Member
- Former: Bill Bailey (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: David Hairston (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Kim Gilliam (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Russ Moxley (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Tom Cormons (2020–2022) — Executive Director
- Former: Clara Bingham (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Dot Griffith (2020) — Vice Chair
- Former: Maya Viknius (2020) — Director of Finance
- Former: Pallavi Podapati (2020) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $193K, to Thomas D Cormons (Executive Director). 7 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Appalachian Voices
How much does Appalachian Voices give each year?
Appalachian Voices gave $515K across 24 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $183K across 9 grants.
What is Appalachian Voices's typical grant size?
Appalachian Voices's median grant in 2024 was $18,300, and its average grant was $21,471, across 24 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does Appalachian Voices give grants?
Appalachian Voices's top state is Kentucky, with 49% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were West Virginia (37%) and Virginia (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were Huntington, WV (3 grants) and Morgantown, WV (2 grants).
Does Appalachian Voices give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 24 grants with a stated purpose on Appalachian Voices's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Solar Energy Project" (18 grants) and "Ecological Restoration" (3 grants).
Who are Appalachian Voices's largest grantees?
Appalachian Voices's largest 2024 grantees include Martin County Health Department ($128,813), Cabell County Public Library ($34,000) and Renewall Inc ($33,350), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 38% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Appalachian Voices?
Appalachian Voices reported $7.9M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $6.8M.
What does Appalachian Voices fund?
Appalachian Voices states that its mission is to protect the land, air and water of Central and Southern Appalachia and advance a just transition to a generative and equitable clean energy economy. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Appalachian Voices?
No application process for Appalachian Voices grant funding is stated in the available materials. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Appalachian Voices's EIN?
Appalachian Voices's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 56-2049956. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(3)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 4, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 13, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Appalachian Voices funds
Environment & Animals Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Appalachian Voices's focus areas in our free grants database
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Funders that support many of the same organizations
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The Community Foundation of Louisville supports a broad range of causes, including arts, parks, education, social services, and libraries, with most 2025 grant dollars going to Kentucky organizations. Its 2025 grants had a median of $15,200 and ranged from $5,100 to over $2.3 million; the available information does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
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Total Given
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More similar funders
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Appalachian Voices funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 17, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/appalachian-voices-morg_85834d67ea944ea1ba2632b22dd35df5
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_562049956_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Appalachian Voices funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/appalachian-voices-morg_85834d67ea944ea1ba2632b22dd35df5},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-17. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Appalachian Voices's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Appalachian Voices down — hundreds of funders to go?