Generally exhibit by Xena Bunton, participant in Appalachia Reframed program

Do you have an idea for a creative project that envisions a hopeful future for Appalachia? We want to give you money to make it happen!

Appalachia Reframed supports the next generation of Appalachians by funding community focused projects that depict a hopeful future for the region. Each month of 2023, the program is awarding a grant of $1,000 to a creator and changemaker in Central Appalachia (West Virginia, East Kentucky, Southeast Ohio, Southwest Virginia). Through small investments in passionate people, we hope to spark conversations and drive momentum for change.

Applications are now open for project proposals. Apply here!

Want more info? 

Want to see this program continue into 2024? 

We want to keep funding big ideas that contribute to the narrative of a hopeful and creative future for Appalachia. Please donate to make this a reality and allow us to keep funding cool projects in the future!

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Application Guide

  • Who can apply?
      • Anyone with an idea that currently lives in the Central Appalachian region of West Virginia, East Kentucky, Southeast Ohio, and Southwest Virginia. 
  • When is the application deadline? 
      • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, however, only applications submitted prior to the 20th of each month will be considered for that month’s round of funding. Anything after that date will be considered in the next round.
  • Tips for applying?
    • Filling out the application
      • Telling us about your project.
        • Lead with a statement that summarizes your idea. Then, tell us about your project, providing all the details.
      • How will the money be used?
        • Be specific about how you will use the money and create an itemized list for your budget. You will not be held to this initial budget but it lets us know you have thought through the cost of your project.
    • How does your project benefit Appalachia?
      • Only projects by and for Appalachians in the specified regions will be awarded. Be sure to consider the impact of your project on the greater community and explain how your idea will benefit the region and who it will benefit.  
    • When will the project take place and how long will it take? 
      • We want to award projects that can be completed within a short amount of time. If your project launch will not be for six months, consider applying closer to the launch date. 
  • What kinds of projects are accepted?
    • Applications are accepted for a variety of projects. Here is a list of examples
      • Community Engagement
      • Nature + Sustainability
      • Justice + Equality
      • Creative Placemaking
      • Music / Audio / Podcast
      • Visual (Photo + Video)
      • Theatre / Improv
      • Writing / Storytelling
      • Dance
      • Design
      • Maker / Craft
      • Food + Culinary
      • Health / Wellness
  • If I am not selected, can I reapply?
      • Yes! 
  • How are applicants selected? 
    • NMAP has established an advisory board made up of members of the local community to review applications and select awardees. The board will judge applications according to the following criteria:
      • Will $1,000 have an actual impact?
        • We want to fund small but mighty projects where $1,000 will actually make a difference in getting the project off the ground.
      • Does it benefit Appalachians? Does the project have the potential to make a meaningful impact in the community?
        • This program focuses on supporting Appalachian communities and the power and creativity within them. Applicants should consider the kind of impact they wish to have and how their project will benefit the community.
      • Is it immediately actionable?
        • We prefer projects that are a month or two away so that the money has an immediate impact. If your project is 6 months away, wait a couple of months to apply for a better chance at being selected.
      • Does the project proposal offer a clear plan for how it will achieve its goals?
      • Does the project proposal offer a realistic budget and timeline?
  • What kind of follow up reporting is required?
    • We want you to focus on creating your project and not getting hung up on reports. We do not require any formal reporting but we do want to hear from you about your progress and the impact of your project. We encourage awardees to share updates and stories about their work through social media or newsletters. We may reach out to check in on your progress and see if there is any additional support or resources that we can provide. Our main goal is to support you in bringing your project to life and making a positive impact in your community.
  • When will I know if I’ve been selected?
      • After the submission period is closed for the month, the program advisory board will meet to make a decision on what project to fund. The selected applicant will be notified within the first week of the following month.
  • If selected, when will I receive funds?
    • In the first week of the month following your submission, the project coordinator will notify you of your award and confirm your financial details for the transfer of funds. NMAP will then transfer the money within a week of the recipient’s response.

 

Other FAQ

 

  • Who is NMAP?
    • New Media Advocacy Project (NMAP) is a non-profit capacity-building and grantmaking organization with staff across North America, Europe, and Africa. NMAP’s mission is to partner with changemakers to tell stories that advance a more equitable world. We work with activists and organizations to make measurable progress on complex problems where new narratives, reframing, and unconventional approaches are most needed. We envision a world where everyone can access their inherent rights as human beings in a society that exists in harmony with nature. 
  • What is Appalachia Reframed about?
    • Appalachia Reframed builds on two years of narrative research that NMAP conducted with environmental advocacy organizations in the region to better understand the narrative around the petrochemical industry. Our goal was to learn more about how environmental advocates could expand their movements by listening to the people they hoped to activate. Out of this work, NMAP recognized the need for new messages and narratives in the region that convey hope for a better future in Appalachia, one where individuals and communities could put down roots and thrive.
    • Check out this link to learn more about our previous work in Appalachia. https://www.nmap.co/appalachia-reframed/
  • What are the goals of this program?
    • Appalachia Reframed aims to bring new voices into the conversation about envisioning a hopeful future for Appalachia. We’ve found that with a bit of cash and a lot of passion, people can create ambitious projects with a tremendous impact. This in turn helps to spark conversations in communities and drives momentum for others to make their ideas a reality. The program aims to give you the resources that you need for your project to come to life – and to have a direct benefit toward Appalachian communities.