Best Grants for Churches in Kentucky

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can seek funding that supports local community development. Focused on equitable, high-impact projects, US Bancorp Foundation prioritizes organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple “work, home, and play” pillars.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can seek up to US $15,000 for health, education, development, and welfare programs from the Dan Paul Foundation, open to Kentucky and beyond. Churches with qualifying youth-focused initiatives, such as child advocacy, homelessness, poverty relief, or environmental education, may be eligible.

Early-stage, independent social impact organizations in Kentucky and beyond can seek up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation for scalable solutions to urgent social or environmental problems. Focused on bold, systems-oriented models, the foundation invites mission-driven nonprofits and impact-first for-profits, including faith-based groups serving Christian communities, to apply year-round.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Churches and faith-based organizations in Kentucky serving urban low-income children and youth through education, health, or family economic stability programs can seek project or scaling support of more than US $50,000. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds eligible U.S. entities with a TIN whose work measurably improves outcomes for children living in poverty.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

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.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations in Kentucky can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs, facilities, and services. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds museums, cultural and performing arts, schools, hospitals, youth and senior programs, disability services, environmental and wildlife efforts, and other initiatives, which may include church-affiliated community outreach and education.

Churches and 501(c)(3) faith-based nonprofits in Kentucky’s Ohio Valley region can seek funding for community outreach, education, arts, and human services programs. Grants from Fifth Third Foundation help congregations and related ministries serve low-income residents, children, women and girls, and people with disabilities in Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Kentucky nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes with support for programs like hunger relief, shelter, financial literacy, and job readiness. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving U.S. communities, especially near Ameriprise employee centers, may benefit if they demonstrate strong volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes.

Churches, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government units serving Muhlenberg County, Kentucky can apply for Felix E Martin Jr Foundation community grants up to US $20,000 to support civic, educational, or cultural projects. Programs tied to economic development, youth services, substance abuse services, or health and human services may be especially competitive.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Churches and mission institutions connected to the Kentucky Annual Conference can receive up to US $2,000 for evangelistic and social outreach within Kentucky, including work with refugees, immigrants, addiction, food insecurity, and housing insecurity. The Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church awards these Christian mission grants annually to extend its disciple-making mission locally.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) churches and faith-based nonprofits working in preservation, education, or wellness can seek storytelling support to showcase their community impact. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation funds U.S. projects, currently prioritizing unsolicited applications from wildlife conservation nonprofits, with awards of more than US $50,000 to elevate mission-driven narratives.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kentucky that improve quality of life for underserved people 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 community-focused programs where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates, which can include church-affiliated nonprofits meeting these criteria.

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.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Kentucky churches and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving low-income residents in Washington County can access funding for charitable service and community-based programs. Central Kentucky Community Foundation’s Bishop Charitable Fund offers up to US $10,000 to organizations with at least one year of operations in the CKCF region that follow strong governance practices.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in Kentucky’s Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Hart, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, or Washington counties can apply for Central Kentucky Community Foundation’s grants, up to US $10,000. Funding supports capacity building, capital improvements, or programming, including charitable community service programs run by church or faith-based organizations.

Churches and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky’s CKCF region can seek funding for projects that combat hatred, bigotry, and anti-Semitism while fostering kindness, understanding, and inclusiveness. Central Kentucky Community Foundation’s Marvin and Joyce Benjamin Fund supports charitable, community-based programs, including those run by faith-based entities, as long as activities serve the broader community rather than religious programming.

Nonprofit organizations and United Methodist churches in Eastern Kentucky counties can apply for Kentucky Annual Conference grants, with awards from US $60,993 - US $91,491 supporting healthcare, ministerial education, and regional ministries. Non-United Methodist applicants must include a supporting letter from a United Methodist church to be considered.

Churches, Christian ministries, and other 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth in Christian County, Kentucky can seek support for programs that build youth leadership skills. With a mission to cultivate philanthropy, Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation provides grants for initiatives that develop enterprise savvy, conscience, and collaborative communication among young people ages 19 and under.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Churches, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities in Kentucky communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, environmental, and community enrichment initiatives. Focused on strengthening GP communities, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites eligible organizations to propose projects that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability within these service areas.

Churches and Christian ministries in Kentucky offering primary or preventive health care for low-income or uninsured residents can apply for up to US $50,000 to expand sustainable spiritual and physical care programs. With a mission to inspire and equip ministries, the Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church prioritizes United Methodist–affiliated applicants.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports organizations aligned with its mission that have a nondiscrimination policy and have not received TJX funding in the past year; churches with eligible community programs may qualify.