Friends of Coal
Friends of Coal, Inc. is a non-profit organziation dedicated to informing and educating Kentucky citizens about the coal industry and its vital role in the state's future. We provide a united voice for an industry that has been and remains a critical economic contributor to Kentucky. By working together, we can provide good jobs and benefits for future generations.
Friends of Coal
Friends of Coal is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association established to advocate for the coal industry’s economic and social significance in Kentucky. The organization emphasizes coal’s role in job creation, energy production, and state identity, positioning itself as a coalition of supporters committed to promoting the industry’s interests.
History and Mission
Founded in 2008, Friends of Coal operates as a volunteer-driven entity focused on public education and community outreach. While similar organizations exist in other states, such as West Virginia’s Friends of Coal (founded in 2002), the Kentucky chapter emerged during debates over the industry’s regulatory and economic challenges. Its mission centers on framing coal as a “critical economic contributor” to Kentucky, emphasizing job retention and economic stability for future generations.
Activities
The group engages in sponsorships, educational campaigns, and grassroots advocacy. Key efforts include:
- Scholarships: Awarding academic scholarships to students with family ties to the coal industry, totaling over $222,930 annually in related programs by 2019[^2].
- Event Sponsorships: Partnering with local sports teams, concerts, and fairs to increase visibility, including past collaborations with universities and high schools for athletic events branded as the “Friends of Coal Bowl”[^2].
- Community Outreach: Hosting informational booths at state fairs, family outings, and public events to disseminate pro-coal messaging[^4][^5].
Controversies
Friends of Coal has faced criticism for perceived industry greenwashing, particularly regarding sponsorships of academic and athletic institutions. Critics argue such partnerships normalize coal’s environmental impact while leveraging regional pride to deter opposition[^2].
Note: The provided web domain (kentuckycoal.org) does not directly align with cited materials, which reference friendsofcoalkentucky.org for Kentucky-specific operations[^3][^5].
Edit WikiFounded
2008
Web
Sign in to see organisation website
Address
Lexington
From Social media
News about from their social media (Facebook and X).
Data about organisation
Lexington
Organisations from Friends of Coal
1. University of Kentucky Athletic Association Inc
This is the only OFFICIAL Facebook Fan Page for the University of Kentucky Wildcats.
2. Red Bank United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church is a worldwide connection of close to 10 million members in over 100 countries including Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States.
3. LEXINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
The United Methodist Church is a worldwide connection of close to 10 million members in over 100 countries including Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States.
4. LEXINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
The United Methodist Church is a worldwide connection of close to 10 million members in over 100 countries including Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States.
5. FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
The United Methodist Church is a worldwide connection of close to 10 million members in over 100 countries including Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States.
Interesting nearby
Interesting organisations close by to residence of Friends of Coal
Central Kentucky Apartment Association Inc
The Central Kentucky Apartment Association is an Educational and Legislative Trade Association.
Join us and make a difference for the future!
Sign Up
Please fill in your information. Everything is free, we might contact you with updates (but cancel any time!)
Sign in with GoogleOr
Good News
🌟 Exciting news! Two incredible women, Rosa Parks and Helen Keller, will be honored with statues at the Alabama Capitol! Their legacies of courage and advocacy for justice continue to inspire us all. Let’s celebrate the power of change! ✊💜 #Inspiration #PositiveChange
Rosa Parks and Helen Keller statues will be unveiled at the Alabama Capitol
NBC News
Like Comment