Best Grants for BIPOC in Kentucky

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for this program. Focused on community development, US Bancorp Foundation invites organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color, to seek collaborative, high-impact funding that advances diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Costco Foundation provides Kentucky nonprofits focused on children, education, and health and human services with monetary support for community programs. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations requesting program funding rather than capital projects or equipment. BIPOC-led or BIPOC-serving groups may be competitive if their work advances child welfare, youth services, or related human and social services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations developing innovative human services solutions can seek support for new or expanded programs; work in Kentucky may be eligible within this national opportunity. Creag Foundation considers invited proposals from smaller or evolving organizations tackling social problems in areas like health, community development, literacy, safety, and related human services fields.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can seek funding for health, education, development, and welfare programs in Kentucky and beyond through the Dan Paul Foundation. Grants up to US $15,000 may support child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, environmental education, and related youth-focused initiatives that align with its mission.

Early-stage nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling major social or environmental challenges can access funding and support from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. Focused on scalable solutions for underserved communities, this global program offers up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building, which may benefit BIPOC-led or BIPOC-serving initiatives in Kentucky operating within its priority geographies.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Kentucky can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, food insecurity, and K-12 and higher education programs, which may benefit BIPOC communities.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Kentucky with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for the William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, with awards of more than US $100,000 for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support. Organizations serving large, diverse audiences, including BIPOC communities, and offering arts, museums, or STEAM education may be competitive.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and other eligible organizations improving education, health, or family economic stability for urban low-income children in Kentucky can access funding through Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; awards are more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Programs must serve children or youth and align with the foundation’s values and focus areas in the U.S.

Kentucky nonprofits planning community events, fundraisers, or special activities can access funding through Old National Bank to support initiatives serving underrepresented groups and low-to-moderate income communities. Sponsorships prioritize BIPOC-serving or BIPOC-run organizations, CRA-aligned missions like workforce development, affordable housing, small business services, and financial education, especially where Old National team members are actively involved.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky communities where PNC operates can seek funding for early childhood education or economic and community development initiatives. PNC Foundation provides Kentucky nonprofits with support for programs serving low- and moderate-income families, including education, affordable housing, small business support, cultural enrichment, and neighborhood revitalization that may benefit BIPOC communities.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Kentucky nonprofits and community organizations serving marginalized people through health, education, or disaster relief programs can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation, which supports work in the U.S. and globally. BIPOC-led or BIPOC-serving groups addressing healthcare access, women and children’s health, literacy, or humanitarian aid may be eligible.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations, government units, and tribal communities in Kentucky can receive US $500 - US $2,500 to make arts programs more accessible for people with disabilities. South Arts supports costs like accessible materials, interpreters, transportation, website and facility enhancements, with priority for BIPOC-led, LGBTQIA+-identifying, disability-led, rural, and first-time applicants.

Nonprofit organizations in eligible Kentucky Appalachian counties that preserve and support folk and traditional arts can seek US $30,000 infrastructure funding to strengthen their operations. Focused on sustaining handcrafts, foodways, and music, South Arts prioritizes groups led by and serving BIPOC communities and other underrepresented residents in rural Central Appalachia.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Kentucky can seek support for their programs and initiatives. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit BIPOC-led or BIPOC-serving organizations focused on these areas and looking to expand or sustain their impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and local government entities within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community can seek funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects in Kentucky. Focused on community well-being, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites Kentucky groups, including those serving BIPOC residents, to apply if they meet its investment priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, out-of-school supports, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports efforts that help vulnerable families and children build better futures, which may benefit BIPOC communities.

Nonprofit organizations in Kentucky and across the U.S. can seek funding for community-based programs, education, arts, health facilities, environmental conservation, and services for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers US $1,000 - US $20,000, which may particularly help BIPOC-led or BIPOC-serving groups where modest grants have big impact.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving quality of life in Kentucky communities through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports U.S. community-based programs serving underserved and underrepresented individuals and families where O’Reilly Auto Parts has a business presence.

Nonprofit or governmental arts presenting organizations in Kentucky and the broader South Arts region can apply for South Arts’ Professional Development and Artistic Planning Grants, awarding up to US $1,000 for staff and guest artist travel, registrations, and virtual training. These grants can help BIPOC-led and other arts organizations strengthen programming and organizational capacity.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those serving BIPOC communities in Kentucky, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s US $5,000 - US $250,000 grants. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help fund focused interventions addressing poverty, disability, social exclusion, and humanitarian emergencies for smaller, founder-led organizations worldwide.