Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Kentucky

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

Local governments certified under the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program, pursuant to Title 36 Section 61.5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, are eligible to compete for annual CLG grant funds. The Funding Priorities are: Preservation Education, Community Outreach & Education, Updating Documentation, Preservation Building Trade Schools & Workshops, Surveys, Historic Context & Thematic Studies, and National Register Nominations. 

The LGBTQ Grant from Just Fund KY aims to support antiracist projects that uplift LGBTQ individuals, especially those from marginalized communities in Kentucky. By promoting understanding, grassroots leadership, and inclusivity, this grant seeks to bridge gaps between LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ organizations. The initiative emphasizes that true freedom is collective, as noted by Emma Lazarus, and works towards creating a brighter future for all Kentuckians.

The Kentucky Touring Grant is a matching grant designed to enhance public access to quality performances in the commonwealth. It supports presenters in booking artists from the Kentucky Arts Council's Performing Artists Directory, with applicants able to request up to $5,000 for fees and marketing. A 25% cash match is required, ensuring community involvement. This grant fosters cultural engagement through diverse artistic expressions, benefiting nonprofit organizations and public institutions within Kentucky.

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), managed by the Kentucky Department of Education, aims to enhance fresh produce consumption among elementary school students across the nation. This initiative targets schools with the highest rates of free and reduced-price meal enrollment, prioritizing those in need. By fostering healthy eating habits, the program aligns with federal nutrition assistance goals, supporting families and promoting well-being in educational settings.

The Kentucky Foundation for Women offers the Feminist Artist Career Development Mini Grant, providing up to $500 to support career advancement for feminist artists in Kentucky. This grant aims to enhance artistic impact and foster community engagement. Eligible applicants include current and past KFW grantees. The funding requires a 3:1 match and can be used for various activities that promote artistic growth and networking opportunities, prioritizing underrepresented artists.

The Kentucky Department of Education is offering the FY26 CTE Innovation and Support RFA to enhance public education through innovative projects in Career and Technical Education (CTE). The grant allocates $500,000 to fund up to five awards, each valued at $100,000, aimed at supporting new career paths in CTE schools and programs. All funds must be utilized by June 30, 2027, with local school districts acting as fiscal agents.

The Kentucky Foundation For Women offers the Art Meets Activism (AMA) Grant to support feminist artists and organizations in Kentucky. This grant encourages applicants to lead community members in participatory art-making activities that promote social change. Emphasizing active engagement in the arts, KFW seeks projects that demonstrate a commitment to feminism and a clear plan for positive social impact, ensuring accessibility for all regardless of background.

The Kentucky Read to Achieve Grant supports schools in enhancing reading skills for primary students (K-3) through evidence-based interventions. Schools receiving funding must implement a reading intervention program aligned with the Multi-Tiered System of Supports and a comprehensive reading program that meets state standards. This initiative emphasizes professional teacher training and ongoing assessment to address individual student needs, ensuring a robust educational framework for improving reading proficiency.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

Community Foundation of Louisville

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville mobilizes people, networks, and capital to spark meaningful change in and beyond Louisville. Just as our name signifies, here, community comes first. With over $874 million in assets, over 2,200 charitable funds, and collaborations with hundreds of local partners, we connect real investments with relevant causes. The Foundation has addressed and continues to address a wide range of community needs. The key priorities of the Foundation’s mission are to remove barriers to accessing capital and resources and to open opportunities for all. Working with neighbors, changemakers, and community investors, we’re inspiring greater generosity to move us all forward.

Scholarships

Since 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville has provided tens of millions of dollars in scholarships to support students with their educational goals. We assist donors in establishing scholarship funds so that a quality education can be available for everyone.

Harriet Poynter Musician Scholarship

The Harriet Poynter Musician Scholarship was established to provide scholarship assistance to help defray college or university expenses of a graduating senior from Shelby County, KY who has a passion for music.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

Community Foundation of Louisville

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville mobilizes people, networks, and capital to spark meaningful change in and beyond Louisville. Just as our name signifies, here, community comes first. With over $874 million in assets, over 2,200 charitable funds, and collaborations with hundreds of local partners, we connect real investments with relevant causes. The Foundation has addressed and continues to address a wide range of community needs. The key priorities of the Foundation’s mission are to remove barriers to accessing capital and resources and to open opportunities for all. Working with neighbors, changemakers, and community investors, we’re inspiring greater generosity to move us all forward.

Scholarships

Since 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville has provided tens of millions of dollars in scholarships to support students with their educational goals. We assist donors in establishing scholarship funds so that a quality education can be available for everyone.

BrightSpring Hospice Nursing Scholarship

BrightSpring Hospice Nursing Scholarship is intended to provide scholarship assistance in the form of grants to help defray college or university expenses of nursing students enrolled in an accredited nursing program or in an undergraduate program who have chosen hospice as their practice area after graduation.

Community Foundation of Louisville

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville mobilizes people, networks, and capital to spark meaningful change in and beyond Louisville. Just as our name signifies, here, community comes first. With over $874 million in assets, over 2,200 charitable funds, and collaborations with hundreds of local partners, we connect real investments with relevant causes. The Foundation has addressed and continues to address a wide range of community needs. The key priorities of the Foundation’s mission are to remove barriers to accessing capital and resources and to open opportunities for all. Working with neighbors, changemakers, and community investors, we’re inspiring greater generosity to move us all forward.

Scholarships

Since 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville has provided tens of millions of dollars in scholarships to support students with their educational goals. We assist donors in establishing scholarship funds so that a quality education can be available for everyone.

Antoinette & Phillip Schuwey Scholarship

The Antoinette & Phillip Schuwey Scholarship was established to provide scholarship assistance in the form of grants to help defray college or university expenses of first year nursing students who have excelled in academics and community involvement while overcoming adversities.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The Southern SARE: Producer Grant supports farmers in conducting their own research projects to develop sustainable agricultural practices. Established in 1994, the program aims to enhance farmer profitability, promote responsible land use, and improve community quality of life. By focusing on areas like organic agriculture, sustainable marketing, and alternative crops, the grant empowers farmers to address production challenges and share valuable insights with others in the farming community, fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation.

Central Kentucky Community Foundation

Established in 1960 as North Central Education Foundation, Central Kentucky Community Foundation is one of more than 780 community foundations in the United States today. We serve the Lincoln Trail Region, offering our donors and partners a variety of ways to touch our community through philanthropic giving.

Dennis and Lisa Parrett Family Scholarship

The applicant must be a graduate of a high school in Hardin County, Kentucky.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement-Focused Collaborations Program (RII-FEC) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by fostering partnerships among government, higher education, and industry. This program supports interdisciplinary teams of researchers to tackle significant challenges in STEM fields, promoting diversity and broadening participation. By integrating Minority-Serving Institutions and early-career faculty from underrepresented backgrounds, RII-FEC seeks to build sustainable STEM capacity and drive impactful discoveries across regions.

The Queer Mobilization Fund (QMF) supports community-led projects that advance Queer and Trans liberation, particularly for BIPOC individuals in the Southeastern US. Established in 2016, QMF prioritizes grassroots organizations with budgets under $300,000. The fund emphasizes rapid response funding and capacity building, aiming to empower marginalized communities often excluded from financial support. QMF does not fund groups outside the Southeast or for-profit activities, ensuring resources are directed towards those leading efforts for LGBTQ+ rights.

The Poetry Out Loud Grant, offered by the Kentucky Arts Council, supports high school students in grades 9-12 as they engage in poetry memorization and performance. This initiative promotes public speaking skills and self-confidence while celebrating America's literary heritage. Schools can apply for funding to bring teaching artists into their classrooms, enhancing students' appreciation for poetry through dynamic educational experiences. Eligibility extends to all Kentucky public and private high schools, encouraging broad participation across the state.

The Kentucky African American Heritage Commission Grant supports 501(c)3 organizations aiming to preserve and promote African American heritage in Kentucky. Established in 1994, the Commission recognizes significant contributions of African Americans to the state's history. Grants can fund various initiatives, including research, educational programs, and historic preservation projects, fostering awareness and appreciation of Kentucky's rich cultural legacy. This initiative aligns with the America 250-KY Preservation program, encouraging community engagement and heritage conservation.

The Reading Diagnostic and Intervention Fund Mini Grant from the Kentucky Department of Education aims to enhance the reading skills of struggling readers in grades K-3. This initiative supports districts in acquiring high-quality instructional resources that foster structured literacy practices for tier 2 and tier 3 instruction, ensuring alignment with Kentucky Academic Standards. Eligible applicants include Kentucky public school districts and specialized schools, promoting equitable access to effective reading interventions.

The FDC Foundation, established in 2008, is a private non-profit dedicated to providing grants to 501(c)(3) public charities across three main areas: Health & Nutrition, Education, and Housing. The foundation supports initiatives that improve nutrition, assist diabetic individuals, enhance early childhood development, and promote housing opportunities for those in need. However, it does not fund for-profit entities or international organizations, nor does it provide grants for specific excluded purposes.

The Ford Philanthropy Advanced Manufacturing & Trades SkillPointe Scholarship provides $5,000 scholarships for students pursuing high-demand skilled trades and technical careers. Sponsored by the SkillPointe Foundation, this initiative addresses the skills gap by funding scholarships for various fields, including manufacturing, energy, and construction. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution and reside in specific locations. The program aims to empower individuals with hands-on skills and industry-recognized credentials.