Best Grants for Children in Kentucky

Nonprofit organizations, schools, and colleges in Kentucky seeking up to US $2,000 for durable, reusable items that benefit youth and communities can apply for this grant. Mfa Oil Foundation supports youth services, education, and civic programs, especially those building rural youth leadership and addressing community needs where MFA Oil has members and employees.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kentucky can apply for Peoples Bank Foundation grants to support programs benefiting low- to moderate-income children and families. Funding may assist youth services, education, arts and culture, environment, economic development, and human and social services initiatives within the bank’s Kentucky service area.

Background

The Community Foundation of Louisville has opened the third round of funding from the Charles & Jack Fund for LGBTQ+ Advancement. This open grant opportunity supports organizations, projects, and programs committed to fostering supportive, inclusive, and affirming environments for LGBTQ+ youth – defined as those under the age of 24. Up to six (6) grants will be made for up to $20,000, which can be used for any purpose, including general operating expenses.

Through a permanent endowment fund at the Community Foundation created by the late Charles Gruenberger and Jack Kersey—two visionary advocates for queer rights and HIV/AIDS education—the Charles & Jack Fund for LGBTQ+ Advancement stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. This permanent endowment is more than just funding; it symbolizes a commitment to meet the unique needs of queer youth and to elevate the tireless efforts of organizations dedicated to their well-being.

Grants from Jack in the Box Foundation help Kentucky youth services and child-focused nonprofits feed, educate, and empower young people in communities near its restaurants. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations within 50 miles of a Jack in the Box location can apply for US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support local youth programs and opportunities.

Kentucky youth and family-serving 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for programs that improve communities and families, promote education, and encourage wellness. Kentucky children’s organizations can access funding through Encova Foundation of West Virginia, which prioritizes initiatives impacting health, education, safety, and children, especially where Encova associates are actively involved.

Kentucky school districts, community and faith-based organizations, and other qualifying agencies can receive up to US $150,000 to run out-of-school programs that boost student achievement and social development. The Kentucky Department of Education funds academic, artistic, and cultural enrichment for children in high-poverty, low-performing schools, including after-school, summer, tutoring, mentoring, and youth development activities.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and youth in Kentucky and other eligible regions can receive donated toys to distribute to the kids they serve. The Toy Foundation supports youth services by channeling toy industry donations through regional logistics partners, allowing approved member organizations to pick up toys quarterly from nearby facilities.

Kentucky 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(19) nonprofits serving children and youth can seek program support for education, youth services, family welfare, recreation, and related community initiatives. Republic Bank Foundation also occasionally offers in-kind donations of used computer, office equipment, and furniture to organizations within its Kentucky service area.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and youth can request up to US $5,000 for tangible items or projects that directly benefit clients. Kentucky youth services organizations can access funding through Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels for community support, education, health, life skills, crisis services, and related child-focused programs.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth and children can request $2,500 to $9,999 for tangible items or projects through the Good Works Medium Grants. Focused on community and youth services, historic preservation, health, crisis support, and related areas, the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels prioritizes projects that directly benefit large numbers of clients statewide.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kentucky can apply for Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Good Works large grants of more than US $10,000 to fund tangible items or projects that directly benefit many clients. Youth services, education, health, crisis support, and related children’s programs in Kentucky may be especially competitive for this funding.

Children’s hospitals and general hospitals with pediatric departments in Kentucky can receive US $20,000 - US $50,000 to host prom-like events for teen patients ages 13–19 who cannot attend their own prom due to illness. Joy in Childhood Foundation funds event space, food, entertainment, formal wear, and related prom-night experiences for hospitalized youth.

Children’s hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments, and nonprofits serving children battling illness in Kentucky can receive US $25,000 - US $65,000 annually to build or expand gaming programs for pediatric patients. Joy in Childhood Foundation supports equipment, staffing, connectivity, and virtual programming, with single- or multi-year grants of up to three years, emphasizing services for teens.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and families in Kentucky and the broader Southern region can seek support for youth services, education, poverty relief, and related programs. Focused on humanitarian and faith-informed efforts, Robinson Foundation invites established organizations to request single-year project funding that delivers tangible, meaningful impact and clear results for young people and their families.

501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and education in Kentucky can seek grants supporting arts, health care research and innovation, at-risk youth programs, and economic achievement initiatives. Hays Foundation funds projects that improve people’s lives through creative, educational, and health-focused programming that encourages discipline, ambition, and commitment to goals and principles; an LOI is required for all applicants.

Kentucky organizations serving children’s health, youth services, or child welfare can access funding through BioMarin to support patient care, healthcare access, advocacy, civic projects, disaster relief, and related programs. Eligible applicants include hospitals, community health centers, universities, medical or professional associations, patient advocacy groups, registered charities, and community projects in North America, including Kentucky.

Nonprofit organizations in Kentucky serving teens and young adults’ mental health and well-being can apply for AE Foundation Community Grants, with awards up to US $10,000. Grants from AE Foundation help U.S. and Canadian youth-focused charities fund programs that support authenticity, resilience, and healthier futures, with funds to be used within 12 months.

Nonprofit charitable organizations supporting children and young adults through direct services, education, housing, or health programs in the U.S. may be eligible for this funding, including groups serving Kentucky youth. With a mission to enhance quality of life, the Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation supports established organizations that can show immediate, measurable impact within nine months.

Kentucky youth-serving nonprofits, public schools, school districts, and Tribes can access funding through Newmans Own Foundation’s Hunger to Health Collaboratory Prizes for Innovation, awarding up to US $100,000. Support is for projects that help kids learn about healthy food, improve access to nutritious school meals, or advance Indigenous food justice, with potential state or national impact.

The Karen Colina Wilson Foundation Grant supports programs for children, youth, and women, enhancing their health and well-being through education, art, literature, and music. Established in 2006, the foundation aims to make a positive difference in their lives, particularly in Southern and Western Wayne County, Michigan. Grants typically range from $500 to $10,000, often as matching funds, fostering broader fundraising efforts by local nonprofit organizations.

Kentucky youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, state entities, and churches can access funding for education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, health, culture, and arts programs through the Joan M Wismer Foundation, with awards of US $2,500 - US $25,000. Organizations working with children and youth in Kentucky may be eligible if they meet governance and IRS requirements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting underserved youth, offenders or former offenders, and victims of crime may be eligible for program funding in Kentucky and nationwide. CoreCivic Foundation supports youth services, reentry services, and crime victim services in the U.S.; preference is given to organizations working within Tennessee or connected to CoreCivic’s mission.

The Earth Rising Foundation Grants provide financial support ranging from $200 to $20,000 for grassroots climate initiatives. The foundation emphasizes empowering Indigenous communities, advocating for sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing social justice issues linked to climate change. By fostering youth involvement and supporting innovative projects, the foundation aims to create a vision for a sustainable future that respects both people and the planet. Applications must be submitted through a US-based nonprofit organization.

The McMillen Foundation Grants Program supports research in cardiology, lipids, and organ transplant, along with educational initiatives and social services in Washington and Alaska. With a single grant cycle annually, nonprofits certified under 501(c)(3) can apply for funding, preferably those benefiting children and promoting equity. The foundation emphasizes programs that leverage the arts to foster social change, impacting youth and disadvantaged communities. Applications must be submitted by July 31 to be considered for the current cycle.

The Edward and Wanda Jordan Family Foundation Grant aims to support education, scientific research, and spiritual ministries through voluntary grants. Focused on enhancing the welfare and quality of life for children and youth, this foundation perpetuates the charitable intentions of the Jordan family. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that align with these values and objectives, ensuring impactful contributions to the community.

The Rotary Works Foundation Grant supports charitable projects primarily focused on children, youth, and families, emphasizing active Rotarian involvement. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, awarded prior to events. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1) organizations. Preference is given to projects engaging Rotarians. The application deadline is the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and all grantees must report outcomes post-project.

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.