A community foundation is cited as an essential part of any successful economic development effort.  The idea is simple.  Individuals, businesses, and organizations with ties to Estill County donate money to the foundation's endowment.  This donation is tax deductible.  All the donations are invested in an interest bearing account.  Then, the interest from that account is put back into the community through grants.  For example, if nonprofit group X is trying to raise money to do a community project in Estill County.  Instead of going door to door to businesses to solicit donations, they can apply for a grant from the ECCF.  A board of directors will meet on a regular basis to review grant applications and determine where the money is invested.  This method is a sure-fire way to make sure all money given charitably in Estill County, stays in Estill County.  Startup is the main hurdle to overcome.  In order to gain enough interest to make a difference, the endowment must be fairly large; however, it grows every year.  Budget:  $100,000+  Committed:  N/A 

 

    Small business accounts for the vast majority of new job creation.  From an economic development standpoint, especially in a small, rural community, entrepreneurs (those who start their own businesses) are an ideal group on which to focus your efforts.  This program is meant to do just that.  "Estill County Means Business" is the tag we're attaching to any business development activities we undertake.  This program will be a first-come, first-serve, 11-week training opportunity.  Anyone who has interest in starting a business is encouraged to take part.  The program is a partership of EDA, EKU Small Business Development Center, and the Bluegrass Area Development District Department for Workforce Investment.  Workforce Investment is funding the bulk of the program, and each participant is expected to pay $125.00 for their part in the program.  Since a meal is served at each weekly, 3-hour session, the 125 dollars little more than pays for the food!  However, some individuals may not be able to afford the fee, so any donations received for this program will go towards a competitive scholarship fund.  Budget: $11,400  Committed:  $9500 

    Estill County, Kentucky is celebrating its 200th birthday in 2008 and we at EDA want to make it special.  Our nonprofit organization has created the largest public art project in the history of Estill County.  LocoMagic will headline our Bicentennial celebration and will stimulate tourism, heritage, artistic abilities, and our economy while instilling more pride in our community.  We only have 50 trains a'comin' so if you would like to sponsor a train please contact our office immediately.  We are also accepting donations to the project in order to allow young artists in our community to put their talents on display by decorating a train. Trains are available now, and we are currently searching for artists who wish to be part of something special in a unique place "where the Bluegrass kisses the mountains" of Eastern Kentucky.  Also, finished trains will be professionally photographed for the LocoMagic pictorial book due for release early in 2009.  Budget:  $55,000  Committed:  $11,700 

    SIRVE is slated to be a comprehensive volunteer program for Estill County.  The idea is to coordinate organizations and agencies throughout the community and help them identify their volunteer needs.  By coordinating the needs and setting up job descriptions for each needed volunteer position, we can pool all open positions in one database/website.  This will allow us to more effectively recruit and utilize individuals in the community who want to give of their time and talents.  It will help organizations by giving them a ready pool of volunteers and individuals by informing them about what positions are available.  Budget:  TBD  Committed:  TBA

 

 

 

 

Estill Development Alliance
PO Box 421
Irvine, Kentucky 40336
606-723-2450

Last updated 2/7/2008