Tyler Childers and wife Senora May makes anniversary donation to local organizations like Downtown Beattyville Alliance and Middle KY Community Action

A local philanthropic fund co-founded by a country music star and his wife has made a major donation to celebrate its five-year anniversary.

The Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund, established in 2020 by Tyler Childers and his wife, Senora May, a former resident of Lee County. It was created to raise awareness for organizations throughout Appalachia and to support their ongoing philanthropic work.

Now, five years later, the fund is marking the milestone by awarding $500,000 in grant funding to organizations across the region that, according to the group, “do incredible work” and that the founders “believe in whole-heartedly.”

“We are beyond thrilled to be able to give so much back to the community that has fostered and nurtured us,” the Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund shared in a Facebook post. “None of it would be possible without you, and for that, you have our endless gratitude. Your support, even just on socials or by word of mouth, helps us further causes we truly believe in. Thank you for all you help us do.”

Organizations receiving funding include:

• Fahe

• FoodChain – Lexington

• Organic Association of Kentucky

• Accelerating Appalachia

• Appalachia Service Project

• Appalachian Voices

• Appalachian Sustainable Development

• Hope’s Wings

• Community Response Coalition of Kentucky

• Grow Appalachia at Berea College

• Appalachian Outreach, Inc., WV

• WMMT 88.7 FM Calls from Home Campaign

• Cowan Community Action Group

• Tennessee Justice Center

• Coalfield Development Corporation

• Middle Kentucky Community Action Partnership, Inc.

• CPESN Kentucky, Inc.

• Farm Work Wonders

• Feeding Kentucky

• Americans Helping Americans

• Kentucky Waterways Alliance

• The Berry Center

• Downtown Beattyville Alliance, Inc.

• Southeastern Kentucky Association of Native People, Inc.

• Mission Mules

• McDowell County Water Crisis Campaign at Cross Roads United Methodist Church

• Pikeville Pride/Big Sandy LGBT Save Zone

• Morehead-Gateway Helping Hands, Inc.

• Robert C. Byrd High School Show Choir

• GreenHouse17

To learn more about the Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund, including how to donate, visit the fund’s official website. Additional information about each organization receiving funding can be found through the links in the Fund’s Facebook post.