Garrett Blaize
Pay-It-Forward Awardee
While serving in the National Guard, Garrett stepped into leadership as Executive Director of the Appalachia Community Fund—becoming the youngest executive director of a philanthropic intermediary of its size and scope in the United States. He took on this role during a period of organizational transition, helping to stabilize and reorient a legacy institution to meet a moment of regional uncertainty. After completing his military contract, he focused fully on building civic infrastructure and resilient local institutions in Central Appalachia.
Central Appalachia
June 30, 2025
Pay-It-Forward
Award
Awarded to:
Appalachian Community Fund
Individual award recipients are not eligible for a grant, but can “pay it forward” by recommending a values-aligned organization to receive a grant. When an individual receives a “Pay It Forward” award, they are invited to recommend a grant to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in their community that is aligned with the values of the project. “Pay It Forward” recipients are typically awarded to one or several individuals for personal acts of courage
