The survey catalogs 45 Southern Appalachia settlement institutions representing 257 counties in parts of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. "A Settlement Institution of the Southern Appalachians is a private, non-profit, rural organization in the Southern Appalachians designed to promote and provide programs, services, and development with the immediate community or nearby surrounding areas in which it is located." In the document, individual reports (by state) of each institution provide information such as character and philosophy of the institution, governing structures, staff resources, facilities, and history. Additionally, a profile of each institution describes types of programs, dates of origin, affiliations, and project area trends. Individual reports of 6 agencies and a list of institutional reference materials are included. It is concluded that settlement institutions contribute to the future of Appalachia by utilizing local ties and the freedom of being private. By bringing innovation and change in their areas of influence, these institutions help to provide for the needs of Appalachia's culture. (MJB)