Best Grants for Charities in Kentucky

Eligible 501(c)(3) charities and public entities in Kentucky within the AEP service territory can seek funding for education, basic needs, and social justice initiatives. Grants from American Electric Power Foundation help support STEM education, hunger and housing services, equity-focused programs, environmental stewardship, healthcare, safety, and arts and cultural projects that benefit the broader community.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs, including those in Kentucky, can seek support for new or unaddressed social issues. Creag Foundation considers invited proposals from smaller or evolving charities that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and demonstrate creative approaches to improving the human condition.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) charities, school districts, and eligible government entities can seek up to US $20,000 for workforce development, climate resiliency, and equity-focused community programs. Focused on vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and opportunity and inclusion, the Duke Energy Foundation invites organizations in eligible Kentucky counties it serves to apply year-round.

Charitable organizations and governmental units in Kentucky addressing community development, basic human needs, health, or the arts can seek project support through the Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant. Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation supports 501(c)(3) and eligible public entities providing services in its operating states, excluding operational costs and certain restricted activities.

Kentucky charities and other eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek funding for humanitarian, social, education, and community programs through the Amgen Foundation. Amgen provides support for U.S. organizations, including those in Kentucky, that are outside the healthcare community and may benefit charities focused on community services, human services, literacy, science, or disaster relief.

Kentucky charities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in early childhood education, food insecurity, or military and first responder family support can access funding through Lift A Life Foundation. Grants range from US $5,000 - US $50,000, with some multi-year awards up to three years for organizations demonstrating strong leadership and vision.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) charities and other eligible organizations improving community services can seek up to US $10,000 for projects serving the Tri-State area. The Foundation for the Tri-State Community prioritizes capacity-building and innovative approaches that enhance quality of life, with one application allowed per cycle and awards made twice yearly.

Interact For Health

Our organization started in 1997, when ChoiceCare sold its health maintenance organization to Humana for $221 million. The proceeds were invested and The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati was created, serving a 20-county region in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. The foundation was charged with changing the way health care was delivered—especially for under-resourced communities.

Our mission is to ensure people in our region have a just opportunity to live their healthiest lives. Our Vision is focused on people in our region being healthy and thriving, regardless of who they are or where they live.

Interact For Health: Event Sponsorship

Interact for Health provides sponsorships as a way to support organizations within Greater Cincinnati with funding beyond our grantmaking work. Sponsorships are a competitive process, and funding is limited. We prioritize sponsoring events that serve our priority populations, align with our strategic plan, and benefit (and are located in) our 20-county service area.

In general, sponsorship opportunities are meant to benefit organizations that are not current grantees of Interact for Health. 

Kentucky 501(c)(3) public charities working in arts and culture, education, social services, environmental conservation, or responsible alcohol use can seek operating, program, or event sponsorship support. With a mission to enrich community life, Brown-Forman Foundation prioritizes Louisville-based organizations while also considering projects in select surrounding counties.

Grants from Fifth Third Foundation help Kentucky charities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky region fund education, arts, community development, and human services programs. Organizations serving women and girls, children and youth, low-income residents, people with disabilities, or focused on environmental and historic preservation may be eligible through multiple affiliated foundations.

Nonprofit organizations and public charities in Kentucky serving Greater Cincinnati communities can apply for the Joe Burrow Foundation’s Do Good Grants, awarding up to US $10,000 for new, sustainable projects addressing children’s mental health and food insecurity. Eligible applicants must operate within the continental U.S. and propose initiatives with lasting impact for underserved youth.

Eligible 501(c)(3) and 509(a) public charities in the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State area, including Northern Kentucky counties, can apply for Impact 100’s US $100,000 grants to launch or expand capital, start-up, technology, or program projects. Funding supports culture, education, environment, family, and health and wellness initiatives serving Boone, Campbell, or Kenton counties.

Charitable 501(c)(3) and 170(c) public charities in Kentucky advancing healthcare, wellness, and safety projects over US $50,000 that benefit Grayson County can apply for Community Health Advancement Grants. Grayson County Healthcare Foundation supports programs expanding care access, promoting wellness, and providing health and safety education in the local community.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) public charities and other providers addressing unmet healthcare needs in Grayson County can seek up to US $50,000 for community health projects and programs. Focused on healthcare access, wellness, safety, and health education, the Grayson County Healthcare Foundation supports initiatives that improve health and wellbeing for local residents.

Nonprofits, schools, churches, and government units serving Muhlenberg County, Kentucky can access funding for civic, educational, or cultural projects, with awards up to US $20,000. The Felix E Martin Jr Foundation prioritizes initiatives in economic development, youth services, substance abuse services, and health and human services that benefit local residents.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) public charities running affordable housing, workforce, economic development, or financial empowerment programs in Old National Bank’s service counties can apply for grants of approximately US $15,000 to expand community impact. The Old National Bank Foundation prioritizes initiatives serving underrepresented and low- to moderate-income residents within its Kentucky banking footprint.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) charities and fiscally sponsored groups in Kentucky that focus on youth development in the greater Louisville area can seek project support from the Artemis Fund, a donor-advised fund of the Community Foundation of Louisville. Grants from Community Foundation of Louisville help youth-focused charities strengthen programs and services for local young people.

Public charities based in or serving low-income residents of Northern Kentucky can apply for Butler Foundation Charity Grants to support basic needs, education, and long-term poverty alleviation. Funding may cover start-up, operating, or program support, including services like shelter, food, legal aid, rehabilitation, therapy, substance abuse counseling, and child abuse prevention.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky’s BRADD counties can seek up to US $5,000 to support education, health and human services, arts, recreation, and community beautification projects. Kentucky charities can access funding through the Community Foundation of South Central Kentucky for programs with lasting community value in Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson, and Warren Counties.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) public charities and K–12 public schools, colleges, and universities can seek support for water and environment projects that improve watersheds, promote water conservation, or expand equitable water-based recreation. Focused on clean water and resource management, the American Water Charitable Foundation funds projects completed within 12 months in its Kentucky service areas.

Grants from Impact 100 Louisville help Kentucky charities undertake transformative projects in Jefferson County across arts and culture, education, environment and recreation, family, and health and wellness. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving Jefferson County can seek approximately US $100,000 for capacity building, program expansion, or innovative new initiatives with sustainable community impact.

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.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) charities in Kentucky and other Southeastern states can apply for Southern Partners Fund’s Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle to support grassroots organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice. Eligible groups may request general or project support, with budget-based limits and a required site visit or interview for new applicants.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored charitable projects in Kentucky’s Daviess, Hancock, McLean, Ohio, Union, and Webster counties can apply for Community Foundation of Louisville’s Green River Area Community Foundation Grant to support local charitable needs. Funding may benefit programs in youth services, health and dental care access, child welfare, and supportive housing and shelters.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) charities and other qualified organizations can seek up to US $2,000 for projects serving Carter County residents, including community development, innovation, and volunteerism efforts. Foundation for the Tri-State Community’s Carter County Community Fund supports initiatives that improve quality of life and strengthen local nonprofits rather than ongoing general operating expenses.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations, public entities, and youth-focused groups serving ages 19 and under can seek support for youth leadership development programs in Effingham County, Illinois, Christian County, Kentucky, and Dearborn County, Indiana. With a mission to build better communities, Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation backs initiatives that grow enterprise savvy, conscience, and collaborative communication in young people.