Best Grants for 501(c)(3) in Kentucky

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Kentucky can receive technical and financial assistance to implement conservation practices on working lands. Focused on sustainable agriculture and natural resource protection, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service supports projects improving soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1)/(2) organizations in the greater Chicago area can receive McGraw Foundation support for education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs. Kentucky-based nonprofits with Chicago-area operations may be eligible for US $2,000 - US $10,000 in general operating, project, or occasional capital support, typically for one-year grants.

Graduate students pursuing research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance actionable solutions for current water industry challenges. Focused on water-related research, the American Water Works Association invites students, including those studying in Kentucky, to apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kentucky can seek funding for economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts and culture projects. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple Work, Home, and Play pillars.

Agricultural producers, forest landowners, and eligible entities in Kentucky can receive US $4,000 from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to enhance conservation on working lands. With a mission to strengthen environmental stewardship, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance for sustainable agriculture, improved soil and water quality, and wildlife habitat, which 501(c)(3) conservation partners may help implement or support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky working to build self-sufficiency for women, children, and families can seek support from The Father's Table Foundation. Funding may assist programs in homelessness, education, employment readiness, child welfare, health care, microfinance, food security, disaster relief, and related humanitarian services, with awards up to US $750,000.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Kentucky that award baccalaureate science degrees and receive limited NIH funding can seek support for small-scale biomedical research projects. The US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health offers up to US $375,000 to enhance research environments and provide hands-on research experiences for undergraduate students across diverse biomedical fields.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on social mobility, economic opportunity, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Eligible organizations in designated Kentucky markets receive a two-year leadership development experience plus a capacity-building grant to strengthen workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, financial resilience, or equitable housing initiatives in their communities.

Faculty at Kentucky higher education institutions focused on undergraduate STEM and science education can seek up to US $5,000 for one-year research projects in fields from agriculture and health sciences to engineering and computer science. With a mission to foster scientific discovery, Kentucky Academy of Science provides Kentucky researchers with support for personnel, equipment, supplies, travel, and consultants.

Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help Kentucky 501(c)(3) organizations fund education, environmental, and healthy community projects in areas where the company operates. Eligible nonprofits must implement projects locally, with priorities including STEM and workforce education, land and water restoration, green spaces, public safety, health access, and services for underserved or minority populations.

Early-career medical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country institutions conducting clinical trials can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 in support. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help provide protected research time over three to five years; Kentucky 501(c)(3)s partnering with eligible LMIC institutions may benefit.

About CommonSpirit

A calling that defines and unites

At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, and other eligible agencies can receive up to US $150,000 to run out-of-school academic and enrichment programs through the Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC grant. Kentucky Department of Education funding supports after-school and summer learning, arts, STEM, tutoring, and social-emotional development for students in high-poverty, low-performing schools.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, which provides approximately US $140,000 for mentored health-related research and career development. Kentucky-based 501(c)(3) partners collaborating with LMIC investigators may benefit when supporting these international research projects.

Focused on education and related community programs, this grant invites Kentucky 501(c)(3) organizations to seek funding for scholarships, tutoring, literacy, youth initiatives, arts education, community services, environmental education, and historic preservation. The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust awards US $5,000 - US $20,000, with a required online Letter of Inquiry submitted between November 1 and February 1.

501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky can apply for Ensign-Bickford Industries’ Ensign-Bickford Foundation Grant, awarding up to US $5,000 for education, environmental, health, arts, civic, and community programs. Nonprofits in Muhlenberg County may be especially relevant, with priority given to education and environment initiatives connected to company communities.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) and other qualifying organizations can seek funding to host congresses, events, or initiatives in neuroscience and related disease areas, in exchange for tangible corporate benefits like exhibits or recognition. Biogen Foundation provides sponsorships nationally, considering disease focus, event details, and location; operating-cost-only and lobbying activities are not eligible.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky working on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. Nonprofits within the Regions footprint may receive matched donations when supported by full-time associates or recent retirees, helping deepen individual giving impact.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) organizations working in economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can benefit from Regions Bank’s retiree matching gifts program. Eligible nonprofits within the Regions footprint may receive up to US $1,000 per year in matched donations from recent Regions retirees.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) organizations working on regenerative agriculture, healthy food access, climate justice, or related environmental initiatives can receive general operating support, with awards of US $5,000 - US $50,000. Focused on grassroots, community-based efforts in the U.S., Clif Family Foundation prioritizes smaller nonprofits with strong local ties and underfunded, people-centered solutions.

The William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust provides funding to nonprofit organizations focused on education, environmental protection, medical research, and support for the underprivileged. This trust, based in Florida, primarily serves communities in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties, along with select areas in Appalachia. It seeks to assist public charities classified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring support for impactful charitable initiatives.

The Community Partners Grant Program, led by the Humana Foundation, aims to enhance community health by addressing social barriers and promoting equitable health outcomes. With a focus on Kentucky, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, the program fosters connections through emotional support and nutritional education. It also provides disaster relief funding to ensure long-term recovery and preparedness. By collaborating with local organizations, this initiative helps individuals access essential services and resources, thereby improving their overall well-being.

The First Financial Foundation, established in 2017, aims to enhance local communities through targeted grants. With a focus on neighborhood development, workforce education, and cultural initiatives, the foundation supports organizations creating affordable housing, enhancing financial literacy, and promoting the arts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving specific counties and must align with the foundation's mission. The foundation seeks to foster community growth and diversity while ensuring impactful contributions.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund

The NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund supports the launch or expansion of clinical programs and new service areas that increase access to care for underserved patients. This funding is designed to help NAFC members introduce new services or grow existing programs that address unmet community health needs and improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.

The RNRF Implementation/Collaboration Grants support innovative projects that enhance collaboration among stakeholders to address critical challenges in environmental, social, and economic systems. Offering up to $200,000 for initiatives lasting 12 months or more, these grants aim to implement evidence-based practices and facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork. Eligible applicants must be from 501c3 organizations in the U.S., ensuring alignment with RNRF's mission and focus areas, fostering sustainable and impactful outcomes.