By Brenna Keller
NKyTribune associate editor
A new regional alliance for nonprofit organizations, the Northern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition, has launched.
The Northern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition, led by Kentucky Nonprofit Network (KNN), unites local organizations to strengthen collaboration, advocacy, and regional impact. All types of nonprofits are included, from health, housing, and workforce development to conservation, child development, and the arts.
The launch marks an important step toward building a coordinated, statewide network of nonprofit leaders. Similar coalitions are already active in Lexington, Louisville, and Southeastern Kentucky.
Nonprofit organizations represent a significant portion of Northern Kentucky’s economy, employing over 17,000 people and generating more than $3 billion in annual revenue.
These organizations deliver essential services that support workforce stability and community growth across the region. The coalition aims to better align contributions and elevate the sector’s role in regional policy and funding conversations.
The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation and the R.C. Durr Foundation are the founding funders of the Northern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition. The Coalition currently has 25 members, with several more lined up to join. OneQuest Health was the first local nonprofit to join the new Coalition.
Jean Mize, COO of the R.C. Durr Foundation, described the importance of a nonprofit coalition. Local organizations work hard to combat issues facing the community, including hunger, lack of housing, and child abuse. The Northern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition brings organizations together to address problems and advocate in Frankfort. According to Mize, “Problems will always happen because they’re part of life. But working together to solve problems is where Northern Kentucky excels.”
Ryan Salzman is KNN’s Northern Kentucky-based Director of Regional Advocacy and Engagement. He sees his role as a local lobbyist, advocating for local nonprofits to policymakers and regional leaders.
He has spent the past few months visiting local nonprofits, laying the groundwork for the Northern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition. His goal is to build a strong and resilient nonprofit ecosystem through elevating local nonprofits.
According to Salzman, regional collaboration is intrinsic to Northern Kentucky, “This region is coordinated and collaborative in a way that is dictated by the fact that we are provincial, tribal, fractional, small, however you want to phrase it. We have no choice but to be regional and to be collaborative.”
Salzman is working to grow the Coalition beyond the current 25 nonprofit members. He notes that the more members there are, the stronger the Northern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition will be.
Local nonprofits interested in joining the coalition can sign up online or can reach out directly to Ryan Salzman (ryan@kynonprofits.org).
Upcoming events for the Northern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition include:
- Kentucky Gives Day: May 12
- Northern Kentucky Regional Forum: May 14
- Advocacy Training: August 25