The Appalachian Regional Commission will provide $1 million in grants to support development of community foundations in poor areas of Eastern Kentucky, federal and state officials announced Monday.

The grants, which will be used over the next two years, went to the following organizations: The Center for Rural Development in Somerset, $582,150; Berea-based Brushy Fork Institute, $171,750; the Foundation for the Tri-State Community, in Ashland, $133,600; and the Community Foundation of Hazard and Perry County, $116,500.

Eleven economically-distressed Eastern Kentucky counties including Martin County, will benefit initially from the Appalachian philanthropy initiative.

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