About us
We are dedicated to the transformation of ideas into actionable projects, benefiting not only businesses but also nonprofits and communities in the Appalachian region. With a focus on economically distressed towns, our mission is clear: to empower individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and communities with the tools, strategies, and support needed to turn their aspirations into thriving realities. Together, we are building a stronger, more prosperous future for the Appalachian region.
Experience
Our team, with more than ten years of experience, has successfully assisted a variety of small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and local governments. We’ve helped these groups navigate challenges and reach their objectives. Our experience includes collaborations with notable partners like the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, various State Agriculture Departments, State Tourism Commissions, and the Department for Local Government, among others.
Additionally, we have expertise in several key areas including Strategic Management, Financial Reporting, Fundraising, Marketing, Market Research, Project Management, and Preservation efforts. This diverse skill set allows us to provide comprehensive support to our clients in achieving their goals.
Appalachian Statistics
We are committed to addressing these issues. Leveraging our expertise in economic and industrial development, we are actively engaged in creating sustainable solutions that foster growth and prosperity. Our strategies are designed to be both inclusive and innovative, aiming to revitalize the region while respecting its unique heritage and potential.
16.3%
The Appalachian poverty rate averages at 16.3%, compared to the U.S. average of 14.6%
5.6%
The unemployment rate in Appalachia has historically been higher than the national average. As of the latest figures, it stands at around 5.6%, compared to the national average of around 3.7%
16.6%
As of recent data, the poverty rate in the Appalachian region stands at around 16.6%, which is higher than the national average of approximately 13.4%
Non-Profit Organizations
Grants
We provide an all-encompassing approach to grant support, tailored to the unique needs of nonprofit organizations. Our expertise extends beyond mere grant writing; we delve into meticulous research, ensuring your proposals align perfectly with potential funding sources. Post-award, we have the capacity to manage the complexities of reporting and administration, while nurturing vital relationships with funders. Our goal is to streamline the grant process, allowing you to focus on your organizations impact.
Strategic Planning
Strategic planning is the cornerstone of a thriving nonprofit. Our approach is to weave these elements into the fabric of your organization, ensuring long-term success and adaptability. We empower nonprofits to not only envision their future but to actively shape it through actionable, innovative strategies.
Project Management
Effective project management is key to realizing the goals of grant-funded initiatives. Our team specializes in overseeing and coordinating projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with your mission. From planning stages to execution, we handle the intricacies of project management, allowing your team to remain focused on their core work.
Support
Becoming ‘grant ready’ is a critical step for any nonprofit. Our support services are designed to prepare your organization for this journey. We assist in gathering essential documentation, offer guidance on best practices, and provide ongoing support to your team. Our aim is to build a strong foundation, ensuring that your nonprofit is well-equipped to secure and manage grants effectively.
Local Governments
Strategic Planning
In the dynamic landscape of local governance, strategic planning is not just a necessity but a driving force for sustainable development. Pine Mountain Strategies brings a wealth of knowledge in crafting actionable, forward-thinking strategic plans. Our approach is collaborative, ensuring that the unique needs and aspirations of your community are at the forefront. We focus on creating strategies that are not only visionary but also practical, paving the way for long-term success and resilience.
Community Development
The heart of our service lies in fostering thriving communities. We understand that community development is multifaceted, involving economic growth, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability. Our team works hand-in-hand with local governments to design and implement development initiatives that are inclusive, innovative, and tailored to the unique character of each community. We strive to unlock the full potential of your area, enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
Grants
Navigating the complexities of grant acquisition and management can be a formidable task for local governments. Our experience with grants encompasses the entire spectrum – from identifying suitable funding opportunities and writing compelling proposals to efficient administration and compliance. We build strong relationships with funding agencies, ensuring that your projects receive the support they need to succeed.
Preservation
Recognizing the importance of preserving the cultural, historical, and natural heritage of communities. We assist local governments in developing strategies to protect and promote their unique heritage, ensuring that it remains a vibrant part of community identity and development. Our approach balances conservation with modernization, respecting the past while preparing for the future.
Business Owners
Government Incentive Programs
Understanding and leveraging government incentive programs can be a game changer for businesses. At Pine Mountain Strategies, we specialize in navigating the complex landscape of value-add programs, tax credits, and other government incentives. Our expertise lies in identifying the most beneficial programs for your business and guiding you through the application and compliance processes, ensuring you capitalize on these opportunities to the fullest.
Development Incentives & Opportunities
Entering or expanding a business in the Appalachian region comes with unique challenges and opportunities. We bridge the gap between business owners, landowners, and government agencies, facilitating access to development incentives and opportunities. Our team works closely with you to identify prime locations, secure advantageous development incentives, and navigate the regulatory environment, making your expansion into this region as seamless and profitable as possible.
Market Research
In today’s rapidly evolving market, informed decision-making is key to business success. Pine Mountain Strategies offers comprehensive market research services, encompassing demographic analysis, consumer behavior studies, and other essential market insights. Our data-driven approach provides you with the knowledge needed to make strategic decisions, tailor your offerings, and stay ahead in the competitive landscape.
Support
For businesses looking to explore USDA funding opportunities and other government-based funding, our support services are invaluable. We assist in identifying relevant funding options, establishing vital relationships, and managing projects efficiently. Our team ensures that your business is well-positioned to take advantage of these funding opportunities, guiding you through each step of the process.
Grant Opportunities
Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE)
- Federal Funding
- Funding Source: Appalachian Regional Commission
Grant Types:
- Planning Grants
- Implementation Grants
William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust Grant
- Private Funding
- Funding Source: Bank of America Private Bank Philanthropic Solutions
Funding Interests:
- Educational opportunities for deserving and needy students
- Preservation and protection of the natural environment
- Medical research and care for the treatment, prevention and cure of arthritis, blindness and diabetes
- Assistance for the poor, especially those of Appalachia and those of American Indian ancestry
- Assistance and care for orphaned children who are unlikely to be adopted because of age, handicap, or for other reasons
Investments Supporting Partnerships In Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative
- Federal Funding
- Funding Source: Appalachian Regional Commission
Grant Types:
- Planning Grants
- Implementation Grants
General Fund Program
- Private Funding
- Funding Source: Appalachian Community Fund
Funding Interests:
- Organizations working to end racism, homophobia, ageism, and ableism
- Organizations working to promote non-violent communities
- Providing funding to build organizations that are fair, inclusive, and democratic.
Technical Assistance
- Private Funding
- Funding Source: Appalachian Community Fund
Funding Interests:
To help build organizational capacity and train board or staff members in key skills such as:
- Leadership Development
- Fundraising & Planned Giving
- Board Responsibilities & Roles
- Long Range Planning
- Financial Management
- Legal Issues
- Community Organizing
- Informing Community/Media About Work
- Training Fees, Materials, and Travel
LGBTQ Fund
- Private Funding
- Funding Source: Appalachian Community Fund
Funding Interests:
- Growing LGBTQ communities institutional resources
- Building capacity in LGBTQ efforts
- Assisting organizational development
Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program
- Federal Funding
- Funding Source: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Funding Interests:
- Restore and Manage Forest Blocks in Focal Geographies
- Forest and Grassland Management for Wildlife, Carbon, and Water
- Restore Aquatic Ecosystems
Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship
- Private Funding
- Funding Source: National Association of Black Storytellers
Funding Interests:
To support experienced practitioners and culture bearers with opportunities to examine, research, develop, perform, and/or document the Black Appalachian storytelling tradition.
SEED Fund
- Private Funding
- Funding Source: Coalfield Development Corporation
Funding Interests:
Coalfield Development’s SEED Fund invests in, incubates, and grows employment-based social enterprise partners in Appalachian Communities
AARP Community Challenge
- Private Funding
- Funding Source: AARP
Funding Interests:
Projects which increase accessibility, create, or Improve
- Public Places
- Housing
- Transportation
- Civic Engagement
Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program
- Federal Funding
- Funding Source: United States Department of Agriculture
Funding Interests:
This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings.
Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization Initiative (POWER)
- Federal Funding
- Funding Source: Appalachian Regional Commission
Funding Interests:
Projects that will leverage entrepreneurship, workforce development, and infrastructure to bolster re-employment opportunities, create jobs in existing or new industries, and attract new sources of investment.
Hometown Grant
- Private Funding
- Funding Source: T-Mobile
Funding Interests:
The T-Mobile Hometown Grants program funds projects to build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections in your town. Projects should be shovel-ready, physical builds or improvements that can be completed within 12 months of receiving Hometown Grants funding.
Strategic Planning and Implementation Grants
- Private Funding
- Funding Source: The Center for Rural Development
Funding Interests:
- Capacity Building Planning
- Implementation Projects
Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative
- Federal Funding
- Funding Source: Appalachian Regional Commission
Funding Interests:
These grants are designed to address the employment and training needs of the local and regional workforce, created in collaboration with community partners and aligned with existing economic and workforce development plans and strategies.
READY Appalachia
- Federal Funding
- Funding Source: Appalachian Regional Commission
Funding Interests:
Flexible funding to organizations in four key economic development pillars: nonprofits, community foundations, local governments, and Local Development Districts, and free training to the Appalachians that work for them.
Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program
- Federal Funding
- Funding Source: United States Department of Agriculture
Funding Interests:
Grant and matching funds can be used for developing and operating a Rural Cooperative Development Center. Examples of technical assistance and other services the Centers provide are:
- Conducting Feasibility Studies
- Developing Business Plans
- Providing Leadership and Operational Improvement Training
- Facilitating Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning and Implementation Grants
- Federal Funding
- Funding Source: United States Department of Agriculture
Funding Interests:
Grants must be used to provide technical assistance to socially-disadvantaged groups in rural areas. Examples of technical assistance are:
- Technical Assistance
- Business Plans
- Strategic Planning
- Leadership Training
Value Added Producer Grants
- Federal Funding
- Funding Source: United States Department of Agriculture
Funding Interests:
Grant and matching funds can be used for planning activities or for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product. Examples of planning activities include:
- Conducting Feasibility Studies
- Developing Business Plans
Community Development Block Grant
- Federal Funding
- Funding Source: Kentucky Department for Local Government
Funding Interests:
The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services.
The Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program
- Federal Funding
- Funding Source: Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet
Funding Interests:
The AMLER Program is an opportunity for Appalachian communities to achieve economic and community development goals in areas that have been impacted by the downturn of coal production.
State Policy Grant Cycle
- Federal Funding
- Funding Source: Just Transition Fund
Funding Interests:
Funds can be used for a wide variety of activities, including:
- Outreach
- Organizing
- Advocacy
- Coalition Building
Application Ready Economic Development Projects
- Federal Funding
- Funding Source: Just Transition Fund
Funding Interests:
Grants support a range of costs associated with developing applications, including hiring a grant writer or other experts and qualifying as private matching funds.
Coal Communities Get Ready Challenge
- Federal Funding
- Funding Source: Just Transition Fund
Funding Interests:
Through the Challenge, launched in April 2023, we will identify a cohort of 8-10 organizations that are building readiness to apply for federal funds. This opportunity is designed for organizations that have little to no experience applying for federal funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to draft a grant proposal?
While each project differs from start to finish, one can expect to spend 10 to 120 hours developing a competitive proposal. While this is a large range, you must factor in all project stages, from your initial concept development to navigating each funding agency’s grant submission portal. Ensuring you have all the proper paperwork in place before hiring a grant writer can help speed this process and save money for your organization. To ensure your project gets adequate attention, we recommend contacting your grant writer at least 8-10 weeks before your application is due. For federal grants, several months prior might be necessary to develop a competitive application.
How long does it take to receive grant funds?
While each funder is different, you should expect to wait anywhere from 30 days to 18 months from approval to receiving any form of funding for your project. Grants take time; many are paid via reimbursement to your organization, not as upfront cash. Generally, reimbursements don’t take as long to receive as your funders understand you have other financial obligations. However, you need to ensure your organization has the cash or lending ability available to meet these requirements should your grant payout be made on a reimbursement basis.
What can I do today to ensure my organization is grant ready?
- Ensure your organization is registered with SAM. SAM is a free government registration which is required in order to receive most grants offered by state and federal agencies. More information can be found at: https://sam.gov/content/home
- Research different funders! Look into what projects have been funded in the past and determine whether or not your organization’s project, which you are seeking funding for, aligns with those listed as priorities by the funder.
- Ensure your organization’s financial audits are up to date! Typically, funders will require you to show at least your organization’s last three years of audited financial statements, so ensuring you have this documentation ready will help avoid time delays later down the road.
Thank you for your response. ✨
Let’s chat
Questions, comments or requests?
Feel free to reach out, we’d love to hear from you.
Phone: (606) 273-7661
Email: PineMountainStrategies@Gmail.com
PINE MOUNTAIN STRATEGIES 