Support Our Work in Appalachia

Why now

Across Appalachia, communities face structural shifts in manufacturing, a changing energy landscape, and long-standing gaps in capital access. The region is rich with enterprise, talent, and investable projects—what has been missing is flexible and well-aligned capital at scale.

ACC’s vision: We see a future—across Appalachia and rural America—where:

  • Good jobs are plentiful, and people don’t have to leave home to find opportunity.
  • Main streets thrive, powered by local businesses that sustain communities for generations.
  • Communities are healthier and local economies are built to last.

Who we are

ACC is a nationally recognized nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) serving the 13-state Appalachian Region and other underserved rural markets. As a high-performing financial intermediary and trusted partner to on-the-ground organizations, ACC connects capital with opportunity—and backs it with technical assistance and financing expertise that helps local lenders and developers build more resilient, equitable economies.

Since inception, ACC has worked across the 13 states and 423 counties of Appalachia with a focus on providing capital to CDFIs for lending to regional small businesses.

At a glance:

  • Over $3.5B total assets managed by 41 regional CDFI Members.
  • $60M in debt capital raised; $80M in grants distributed.
  • Backbone institution for economic regeneration, climate resilience, and inclusive growth across Appalachia and rural America.
  • National rural reputation and partner coalition serving hundreds of rural communities.

Invest in ACC through our Community Investment Notes

Accessible, mission-aligned fixed income investment offering for accredited investors

Private investment opportunity for mission-aligned investors, moving capital efficiently to the front lines of community-driven economic development.

Terms & profile: 

  • Stable, fixed-income returns directly aligned to measurable social and environmental benefit.
  • Term: 1–10 years.
  • Rates: 0–3.50%.
  • Investor profile: Accredited individuals, trusts, faith-based organizations, foundations, and mission-aligned institutions.
  • Use of proceeds: Intermediary capital deployed through ACC’s CDFI network to finance small businesses, energy infrastructure, and community facilities.

Donate to the Gambrell Fund for Strategic Initiatives

Honoring the legacy of Donna Gambrell

A fundraising initiative honoring Donna Gambrell’s unparalleled contribution to community economic development—ensuring her vision continues to thrive. The Fund provides endowed resources to advance strategic initiatives that strengthen overlooked and underinvested communities.

Contributions of any amount are appreciated and will support:

  • leadership and career development for rising changemakers
  • entrepreneurial innovation and inclusive ecosystem building
  • technology for lending, risk management, secondary market access, and impact reporting.
  • storytelling that showcases the resilience and ingenuity of Appalachian communities
  • equity gaps in project capital stacks and technical assistance in underinvested places

You can donate one of three ways:

  1. via a check made out to:Appalachian Community Capital Development Fund
    110 Peppers Ferry Road NW
    Christiansburg, VA 24073
  2. Or Online via Stripe.