Northeastern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition Launches to Strengthen Regional Impact
GRAYSON, Ky. (Aug. 5, 2026) — Kentucky Nonprofit Network (KNN), the state association of charitable nonprofits, announced yesterday the formation of the Northeastern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition (NEKNC) at a launch event and advocacy training. This new regional alliance of KNN members aims to build a stronger collective nonprofit sector voice among organizations serving Bath, Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup, Lawrence, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, and Rowan counties.
NEKNC joins existing coalitions in Lexington, Louisville, Southeastern Kentucky, Northern Kentucky, and West Kentucky — a step toward KNN’s goal of creating a strong statewide network of nonprofit leaders advocating locally for the work of the nonprofit community.
“From our river cities to our rural mountain communities, Northeastern Kentucky nonprofits are meeting critical needs and driving local progress every day,” said Ryan Salzman, Director of Regional Advocacy & Engagement for KNN, who will facilitate the coalition’s work. “This coalition creates a space where leaders can pool their strengths, speak with one unified voice, and ensure local and state decisions reflect the priorities of our region.”
Through NEKNC, regional nonprofits can stay up to date on public policy issues affecting their organizations at every level of government. Members gain access to exclusive insights into funding opportunities and strategic partnerships, while uniting to engage directly with members of Congress, state legislators, and local officials. In turn, the coalition fosters collaborative relationships with municipal decision-makers to better serve Northeastern Kentucky communities. Participating nonprofits also benefit from peer-to-peer networking and tailored virtual coaching to elevate their regional impact.
“Navigating today’s complex economic and policy landscapes is tough to do in isolation,” said KNN CEO Danielle Clore. “NEKNC brings Northeastern Kentucky’s nonprofit leaders together to collaborate, share best practices, and advocate for the vital programs that keep their local communities vibrant and resilient.”
The coalition’s 16 member organizations, including KNN, collectively serve 195,158 constituents each year and employ 3,307 full-time and 690 part-time staff. Together, these nonprofits contribute $269 million in annual payroll and expenditures to the Northeastern Kentucky economy and generate $312.2 million in total revenue, with 56.2% coming from earned income and fees for services. This funding sustains critical services across the region and highlights the growing importance of strong nonprofit advocacy, as the sector’s financial health is directly tied to the strength of Northeastern Kentucky’s communities and economy.
Nonprofits interested in joining the Northeastern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition can learn more and get involved at kynonprofits.org/join/neknc.
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Kentucky Nonprofit Network was founded in 2002 and exists to strengthen and advance the Commonwealth’s nonprofit organizations through quality education, sharing of nonprofit management recommended practices and resources, time and money-saving member benefits, and a unified public policy voice for its 1,200+ member nonprofits. Nonprofit organizations are critical to Kentucky’s quality of life and serve as an important economic engine, employing one in ten of the state’s private sector workforce.
