The Lake Area Foundation continues to invest in the future of the Lake Cumberland region through scholarships, grants and endowments that benefit communities across its ten-county service area.
Founded in 2012, the Lake Area Foundation is a nonprofit community foundation serving Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor and Wayne counties. Working through charitable giving and strategic partnerships, the foundation supports projects designed to improve quality of life throughout the region.
Paige Coe, speaking on behalf of the Lake Area Foundation, says one of the organization’s most meaningful efforts is helping local students pursue higher education.
In addition to scholarships, the foundation helps establish and manage endowment funds that provide lasting support for charitable organizations, churches and community initiatives for years to come.
Coe says one endowment the foundation is especially proud of is the Russell County Development Fund, created by the late Dr. Jerry Westerfield to support community and economic development projects in Russell County. She says the fund has helped finance several local initiatives over the past year.
While the Russell County Development Fund is one example, Coe says similar partnerships and investments are making a difference throughout the entire Lake Cumberland region.
The Lake Area Foundation says its mission is to connect local generosity with the people, organizations and causes that matter most, creating long-term impact through community-focused giving and responsible stewardship.
Later this week, WJRS NEWS will continue its coverage with a second report featuring Paige Coe discussing the Lake Area Foundation’s current fundraising campaign, including an upcoming live auction, ways community members can contribute, and why public support is essential to the foundation’s continued work across the region.