Best Grants for Children in Kentucky

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.

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.

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.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

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.

About QuikTripQuikTrip believes in investing in the communities in which our employees live and work. Every year, QuikTrip donates 5% of our annual net profit to qualified 501c3 non-profit agencies, which includes our United Way campaign match, support for National Safe Place agencies, Folds of Honor scholarships and many other agencies that support at-risk youth and early childhood education.Mission: To wisely invest dollars in community efforts that will help impact (in measurable terms) individuals in our society who are dependent on the charitable support of others. We believe the most effective way to do that is to invest our contribution dollars and volunteers in strategic efforts that help those at risk reach their functional capacity as successful, independent citizens.About QuikTrip Charitable GrantsQuikTrip funds 501c3 agencies located in the cities in which we have stores and our employees live and work. Funding can include: “in-kind” products (coupons, gift cards or product donation), formal grants, fundraiser/event sponsorships and employee volunteer time.Focus Areas:

• Creating Safe Communities
  • First Responders: QuikTrip is proud to partner with law enforcement and first responders in every market we serve, making sure that they have the tools, training and support they need to keep our communities safe and to return home safely to their families after each shift.
  • Homeless Outreach & Alternatives to Police Response: To significantly reduce non-emergency calls and help people in crisis get back on their feet, QuikTrip funds dedicated homeless outreach teams across our communities. These teams engage individuals experiencing homelessness and living in encampments – connecting people to services, shelter, detox and long-term care.

• Creating Strong Communities
  • Ending Homelessness: We support emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing, diversion and prevention programs, and more.
  • Mental Health & Substance Abuse : We know that healthy communities are safe communities, which is why we invest in detox and substance abuse treatment centers, and behavioral health centers and services to end the perpetuation of cycles of trauma and addiction.
  • At-Risk Youth: We especially prioritize services for at-risk youth – those aging out of foster care, justice-involved or without stable support systems.
• Additional Community Commitments
  • United Way: Employee donation matching in all markets.
  • Folds of Honor: Scholarships for families of fallen or wounded service members and first responders.
  • National Safe Place: QT stores serve as Safe Place locations for youth in crisis, with trained staff ready to assist.

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.

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.

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.

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), 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 Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission

Kentucky regulation 40 KAR 9:010 defines the work of the Commission, including how grant applications are handled. Applications are to be accepted at least once per year for review and distribution of settlement funds. Notice of Fundings will be issued for each grant application opportunity. These notifications will detail the funding priorities set annually by the Commission and what is required in the application.

Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission (KYOAAC) grants are open to any registered entity in good standing with the Kentucky Secretary of State, whether non-profit or for-profit as well as local government entities.

KYOAAC Strengthening Kentucky's Youth Mentorship Infrastructure for Substance Use Prevention

Strengthening Kentucky’s Youth Mentorship Infrastructure for Substance Use Prevention, is to strengthen Kentucky’s capacity to prevent youth substance use by building the organizational, workforce, partnership, and community infrastructure necessary to ensure that young people have access to safe, supportive, and sustained relationships with caring adults. Using opioid settlement funds, the Commonwealth seeks to support innovative, evidence-informed approaches that:

• build mentoring capacity in communities where mentoring resources are limited or difficult to sustain;
• strengthen the ability of organizations and communities to recruit, prepare, support, and retain qualified mentors;
• develop shared infrastructure that can benefit multiple organizations or communities;
• establish stronger systems for identifying, engaging, and connecting youth with supportive adults;
• strengthen partnerships among schools, prevention providers, behavioral health organizations, youth-serving agencies, families, and communities;
• engage youth and families in the design of prevention and mentoring strategies;
• improve the quality, coordination, and sustainability of mentoring opportunities; and
• develop models, tools, and approaches that can inform implementation in other Kentucky communities. 

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.

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.

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 Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on inspiring youth through physical activity, literacy, and community engagement. With a mission to empower children in New England, the Foundation awards grants of up to $5,000 twice a year. Priority is given to programs serving individuals under 17, particularly in areas with low reading scores and high poverty. This initiative fosters self-confidence and community support, ensuring a brighter future for the youth it serves.

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 Best Buy Teen Tech Center is offering a Mini Tech Skills Workshop Grant to support local and national non-profits in providing STEAM skills workshops for youth aged 13-19. These workshops, which include topics such as coding, filmmaking, and robotics, aim to enhance technical skills and career exploration. Funding can reach up to $24,999, with a focus on hands-on, facilitator-led experiences, and additional programming opportunities may be considered.

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.

Mildred's Dream Foundation Grant provides vital support to community-based non-profit organizations focused on Education, Domestic Violence, and Physical or Mental Health Challenges. With grants up to $25,000, the foundation aims to honor Mildred's commitment to improving lives and creating a better world. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits providing direct services in these areas. Notably, the foundation excludes funding for certain institutions, ensuring resources are directed to those genuinely in need.

The Josh Dubin Fellowship, launched in January 2022 by the Shawn Carter Foundation, is a seven-week paid program designed for five exceptional students interested in the legal field. This immersive experience includes mentorship from legal professionals, direct involvement in case analysis, and off-site visits to courtrooms. Fellows not only gain invaluable insights into legal practices but also receive additional scholarship support for their educational pursuits, empowering them to overcome socio-economic barriers and achieve their dreams.

The Eleanor & Henry Jansen Foundation, established in 1998, supports nonprofit organizations in Whatcom County, focusing on youth programs. The foundation encourages proposals that directly impact the community and emphasizes the importance of a substantial volunteer base. Special consideration is given to projects that were significant to Eleanor and Henry Jansen. Applicants are encouraged to seek matching funds from multiple sources, with priority given to youth-serving initiatives.