We are so proud to release our 2025 Impact Report, “Transformative Infrastructure for Uncertain Times”! The report documents five years of investment and community-led philanthropy — all while demonstrating a larger truth: when artists and cultural workers are resourced and trusted to lead, their impact extends far beyond the arts — strengthening the communities, relationships and cultural infrastructure that help regions thrive.

At a time of profound social, economic, environmental and technological change, our report challenges philanthropy to reconsider the role art and culture play in helping communities thrive. Art is not simply an expression of society; it is one of the ways people make sense of change, preserve memory, create connection and imagine what comes next. Investing in the people who do that work is not peripheral to strengthening communities; it is part of the infrastructure that helps sustain them.

Over the past five years, the Waymakers Collective has distributed $1,919,000 through 324 grants — investing directly in artists and arts organizations whose work preserves cultural traditions, strengthens community connections and expands creative opportunity. We’ve also deployed $800,000 in impact investments — demonstrating an approach to philanthropy that extends beyond traditional grant-making. The impact extends beyond the dollars distributed; it’s helping artists create work that otherwise might not exist, enabling organizations to test and sustain new community-based models, strengthening local creative leadership, and allowing resources, knowledge, and relationships to continue circulating throughout communities.


“In uncertain times, we are reminded that art is not a luxury. It is one of the ways we understand who we are, hold onto our histories, connect with one another and imagine what is possible. Artists help communities navigate change, but they also do something equally important: they give us permission to imagine beyond the circumstances in front of us. They do not simply help communities survive difficult times; they help communities envision and build what comes next. That is why investing in artists is ultimately an investment in people, communities and our collective future.”
— Joe Tolbert Jr., Executive Director of The Waymakers Collective


The report reflects a philosophy that has guided the Waymakers Collective since our inception: the people closest to a community’s opportunities, challenges, and aspirations should have a meaningful voice in shaping the resources intended to support them. We put that principle into practice through our community-controlled model — moving artists, cultural workers and community leaders beyond the traditional role of funding recipients and into positions of leadership, governance and stewardship. Those closest to the work help identify priorities, direct resources, and shape the Collective’s future.

What began as a regional experiment in philanthropy is increasingly contributing to a broader discussion about who shapes philanthropy, how resources move, and what becomes possible when communities share power in those decisions. We’ve brought our Appalachian experience to national philanthropic forums — sharing lessons about artist leadership, cultural investment, community stewardship, and the future of arts funding. In doing so, we’re demonstrating that innovation in philanthropy does not have to originate from traditional centers of institutional power. Appalachia, itself, can be a place where new approaches are tested, practiced, and shared… nationally.

Our 2025 Impact Report shows the value of philanthropic investment is measured not simply by what is given, but by what those resources make possible. Across the Waymakers ecosystem, that investment is helping artists create, organizations grow, communities strengthen connections, and new ideas become sustainable opportunities!

Get to Know the AppalCore

What’s your name + where are you from?
My name is Shaylan Clark and I’m an organizer and facilitator from Kentucky, whose work centers care, education, and community-driven possibilities. I partner with people throughout eastern Kentucky to share resources, support conversation, and create environments where everyone feels welcome and valued.

My work has supported community-led spaces that open pathways to essential resources and collective visioning. As a member of the AppalCore, I feel like I bring a grounded commitment to connection, access, and the creative leadership that continues to shape the region.

How long have you been involved with Waymakers Collective? 
This is my first year serving on AppalCore, but my organization has been a member for three years.

What do you do for work + play? 
I work as a coordinator and facilitator of community age-appropriate health-centered safe sex workshops. We also provide access to reproductive health supplies and to comprehensive, accessible, and inclusive knowledge. Using popular education, we can build lasting connections with community members and expand our shared understanding of mutual aid and how to keep ourselves safe.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, recording podcasts with friends, volleyball, reading, hiking, painting, storytelling, crafting, and writing. 

Tell us something interesting about you or a little known fact…
I’ve been making candles for almost four years.

Are there any upcoming exhibits, shows, events that you’re involved with/ passionate about that you’d love people to know about?
Everyone should check out Magnolia Art House! And, the CAMP Collective will soon be sending out information about a training-of-trainers event in Spring 2027. And, finally, support STAY Appalachian Youth Project!


Keep up with Shaylan on Instagram!

The Appalachian Visionary Artist Fund — a new regional re-granting program of The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts — is currently under application review and we will be announcing the grantees next month… so, stay tuned!

Community News, Happenings + Opportunities

Drag in Appalachia Anthology: Call for Proposals: Beck Banks + Jacob Kopcienski are asking for proposals for an anthology about drag in Appalachia. The collection aims to explore drag’s artistry, history, and cultural power. They welcome scholars, performers, and community storytellers whose work illuminates the region’s queer lineages, traditions, politics, creativity, and beyond. They especially invite pieces that examine drag as labor, community care, spiritual practice, historical reclamation, or engagement with Appalachia’s diverse cultural landscapes.

Submissions may take the form of creative nonfiction, journalistic, and academic essays as well as visual art and photographs. Submissions from emerging and established voices alike, especially drag performers, BIPOC populations, and trans and nonbinary people are encouraged. They're hoping to highlight how Appalachian drag reshapes narratives of gender, place, tradition, and belonging — and to celebrate the queens, kings, performers, and queer creatives who animate the region.

Please submit a 250-word abstract and a brief bio in one email to Beck Banks AND Jacob Kopcienski by August 1, 2026. Acceptance decisions will be made on a rolling basis, with final decisions by August 15, 2026. The deadline for completed work is December 15, 2026.

From South Arts: Applications are officially open for three South Arts funding opportunities designed to strengthen artists, organizations, and communities across the South.

• Arts in Community for organizations presenting Southern artists through public programs and community engagement.

• Emerging Traditional Artists Program (ETAP) For emerging traditional artists ready to deepen their practice and carry cultural traditions forward.

• In These Mountains Infrastructure Grants For organizations preserving and sustaining the traditional arts and cultural heritage of Central Appalachia.

• Literary Arts Project Grant advancing the work of writers engaged with writing book-length manuscripts.

• Southern Prize for Literature for writers, independent literary publishers, small presses, and literary arts organizations.

Learn more about these + apply here!

From Grantmakers in the Arts: Check out the article, "Rooted and Rising: The Art of Community and Creative Placekeeping at The Bottom" — written by current and previous AppalCore members, Ty Murray + Kalil White! You can find the article here.

Waymakers Collective is proud to support "Arts Education Resources for Appalachian Kentucky" which increases access to arts education opportunities for children + youth in Appalachian Kentucky. This resource guide supports Partners for Rural Impact staff, schools and community organizations in connecting with arts education resources and opportunities such as field trips, artist residencies, internships and professional development.

From Waymakers Collective: We whole-heartedly believe that honoring the lives, humanity, and worthiness of all artists acknowledges, and is responsive to, the intersecting crises communities are facing.  We believe this approach to giving answers the urgent call to remove barriers for creatives and their communities to receive the resources they both need and deserve!  If any foundations + grantmakers out there would like to know more about taking this approach with their giving, we would love for you to reach out to us via email.

From Waymakers Collective: Do you have any awards, projects, or grants you’d love to share with our community?  Email us so we can include your news in upcoming newsletters + on social!

Looking Ahead in 2026

Loose timeline to be aware of with more information + details coming soon:

• September: Appalachian Visionary Artist Fund grantees announced

• September 15: Voting Member quarterly meeting

• This fall: Appalachian Futures General Fund

• October: AppalCore nominations + voting

• December 1: Voting Member quarterly meeting

As always, we’re here to support you!  Don’t hesitate to reach out + let us know if we can be of assistance.

Be well —
The Waymakers Collective Team