Best Grants for Children in Kentucky

The C.E. & S. Foundation Grant primarily supports individuals and families in Louisville, Kentucky, focusing on caregiver engagement, social-emotional support for children, academic support, family stability, and postsecondary education success. The Foundation seeks to invest in impactful projects that enhance program quality, policy influence, and community investment, aiming to foster resilience and opportunity for those it serves.

The Charles H. Dater Foundation Grants support programs benefiting children in Greater Cincinnati. Established in 1985, the Foundation focuses on arts, education, healthcare, social services, and community needs. Grant applications require a pre-application summary for feedback. Funds are typically awarded within two weeks, following a thorough evaluation process. The Foundation encourages leveraging grants for additional funding and values effective use of volunteer resources, ensuring ongoing support for community enrichment.

The Community Grant Program, supported by the ARH Foundation, aims to enhance healthcare, education, and community involvement in Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia. This program invites non-profit organizations to apply for funding to implement projects that improve the quality of life, particularly for women and children. Eligible projects should address health education, improve health outcomes, and promote collaboration among organizations, thereby fostering a healthier community.

The Andrew Jergens Foundation Grant, administered by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, focuses on enhancing the health, education, cultural experiences, and social welfare of children in the Greater Cincinnati area. With a commitment to supporting programs for children through high school, the foundation seeks to foster vibrant communities by connecting with nonprofits dedicated to improving quality of life. The foundation emphasizes the importance of generous contributions to create lasting change in the region.

The CFSKY: Women's Fund - Impact Grant supports nonprofit organizations in South Central Kentucky that are dedicated to improving the lives of women and children. Annually, this grant funds significant projects that demonstrate sustainability, measurable goals, and a commitment to gender equity. Eligible organizations include those recognized as tax-exempt, and projects can range from capital improvements to educational initiatives. The fund emphasizes collaboration and innovative solutions to community challenges.

The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky offers grants aimed at projects focused on access to health care and children's health. Proposals should demonstrate potential impact, utilize best practices, and address health disparities. Nonprofits in Kentucky with 501c status are eligible, and projects must show commitment to diversity and evidence-based approaches. Grant recipients may receive full funding with no cost-sharing required, and all activities must adhere to agreed-upon timelines.

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.

The King’s Daughters and Sons Foundation of Kentucky supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, focusing on health, education, and general welfare. Last year, they awarded over $645,000 to various projects, emphasizing capital expansion and scholarships. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities, while ineligibilities include support for individuals, political entities, and annual operating costs. This foundation aims to address unmet community needs, particularly for at-risk youth and vulnerable populations throughout the Commonwealth.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation's Building Bright Futures: Education initiative aims to empower children and young adults by funding innovative programs that foster academic success. This inaugural grant cycle focuses on evidence-based solutions that enhance mentoring, tutoring, and socio-emotional development. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to high-quality education in the Greater Cincinnati region. Funding can support new initiatives, program expansions, or operational support, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

The Fifth Third Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area, focusing on education, arts, community development, and health services. It aims to enhance community vibrancy and provide opportunities, supporting various funding interests from several benefactors. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in Cincinnati, Dayton, or Northern Kentucky. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that empower women, support children, and promote environmental conservation, among other charitable purposes.

The JBF Do Good Grant, established by the Joe Burrow Foundation, aims to support innovative projects that assist underprivileged children, particularly those facing mental health challenges and food insecurity. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and public charities, with proposals up to $10,000 considered. The foundation encourages creative solutions that foster lasting impacts within communities in Greater Cincinnati and Baton Rouge. By fostering these initiatives, the foundation continues Joe Burrow's commitment to community service and social responsibility.

Impact100 Cincinnati empowers women to enhance lives in Greater Cincinnati by funding transformative grants focused on culture, education, environment, family, and health. They aim to address community needs with measurable goals, ensuring grants are utilized effectively over 1-3 years. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) charities and align projects with the mission of Impact100. The initiative fosters collaboration while prohibiting funding for operating costs, travel, and faith-based advancements.

The WHAS Crusade for Children Grant supports non-profit agencies, schools, and hospitals in Kentucky and southern Indiana that assist children with special needs. Since 1954, over $217 million has been awarded to improve the lives of these children. The grants focus on direct services and specific programs or equipment, excluding administrative costs and personal items. Eligible organizations must have IRS standing and county financial support before applying.

The WHAS Crusade for Children Grant supports organizations, schools, and hospitals that assist children with special needs up to age 18 in Kentucky and southern Indiana. Grants are aimed at direct services, specific programs, and equipment that benefit these children. Applicants must be in good IRS standing, and grants cannot fund administrative costs or be awarded to individuals. Since 1954, the Crusade has distributed over $217 million to further this mission.

The Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation, established in 1994, focuses on enhancing education, health, cultural experiences, and social welfare for youth with disabilities and economic challenges in the Greater Cincinnati area. It supports arts organizations and recreation initiatives, prioritizing programs that help young individuals realize their potential. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofits and demonstrate benefits to specific counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The Foundation encourages collaboration with other donors for project funding.

The Arnold Shultz Fund, established by the IBMA Foundation, aims to enhance diversity in bluegrass music by providing $30,000 annually in grants. This initiative supports individuals, schools, and organizations dedicated to inclusivity, particularly among underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. The fund honors Arnold Shultz, a pivotal African American musician who mentored Bill Monroe, and continues his legacy by funding educational opportunities for young musicians and promoting bluegrass music in diverse communities.

The External Agency Fund: Resilience and Community Services Grant invites local non-profits to apply for funding to support programs that align with the mayor's strategic goals. Applications will be accepted starting January 31, 2025, for the fiscal year 2026. This grant focuses on providing essential services to homeless populations, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and young adults. The minimum funding request is $25,000, and agencies must demonstrate a measurable impact and good stewardship of funds.

The Steele-Reese Foundation's Kentucky Grant Program prioritizes enhancing educational outcomes for children in Appalachian Kentucky. Focused on ensuring third-graders can read and write at grade level, the program supports initiatives like improving school libraries and providing supplemental learning materials. With a commitment to rural education, proposals must detail execution plans and measurable outcomes. The Foundation emphasizes projects that empower communities, demonstrating a strong leadership capacity and community support, while also defining clear eligibility and ineligibility criteria for applicants.

The Northern Kentucky Creative Placemaking Grant, provided by ArtsWave, aims to enhance arts and cultural heritage projects in Northern Kentucky. This grant supports programming that aligns with ArtsWave's Blueprint for Collective Action, fostering economic vitality and community connection. Eligible projects can receive up to $10,000, with a 1:1 match requirement. The focus is on increasing engagement in the arts, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and enhancing neighborhood vibrancy, particularly in underserved areas.

Impact100 Louisville empowers women through collective giving by awarding substantial grants to local nonprofits focused on transforming lives in Jefferson County, Kentucky. Grants, starting at $100,000, are awarded in key areas such as arts, education, environment, family, and health. The organization emphasizes collaboration and community visibility, ensuring that all finalists benefit from the exposure. Eligible nonprofits must demonstrate sustainability, community support, and have operated under a 501(c)(3) status for at least 24 months.

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Our mission is to be a diverse and inclusive organization providing programs, services and supports that protect and promote the health and well-being of all Kentuckians and their communities.

Rural Health Transformation Program Funding Opportunity For Public Health Dental Hygiene Teams in Local Health Departments 

About the Program

This project is 100% funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for a total of $212.9 million in budget year 1 with 100% by CMS/HHS. The RHTF grant spans five budget periods aligned with federal fiscal years (FY2026–FY2030). Funding is disbursed annually by CMS based on achievement of performance metrics.

The Commonwealth of Kentucky has been awarded funding through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Rural Health Transformation Fund (RHTF). This investment will empower Kentucky to launch and implement its Rural Health Transformation Plan (RHTP) — a community-driven strategy to expand access and improve health outcomes for rural residents across the Commonwealth.

Rooted in Health: Rural Dental Access

A key component of Kentucky’s Rooted in Health: Rural Dental Access initiative involves expansion of the PHDH teams that have been serving multiple counties in Kentucky since 2013. Through this grant opportunity, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is soliciting applications from qualified organizations to establish new or expand current PHDH teams to expand access to rural dental care. The newly created programs must demonstrate commitment to providing services including:

• Preventive dental hygiene services for children and adults
• Dental hygiene-focused oral health services for residents of long-term care settings as defined in Kentucky’s Dental Practice Act KRS 216B
• Teledentistry-enabled preventive care, education, triage, and care coordination

Program Objectives

Funded PHDH programs must demonstrate their willingness and ability to:

• Increase access to school-based preventive dental hygiene services for all students, regardless of ability to pay.
• Deliver dental hygiene services in long term care facilities through teledentistry consultation with university dentists.
• Utilize teledentistry to expand access to care, improve quality and continuity of care, and enable more rural residents to stay in region for dental care and specialty consultations.
• Integrate Community Health Workers (CHWs) and/or social determinants of health (SDOH) screenings to support patient navigation and continuity of care.
• Achieve measurable improvements in oral health outcomes and service utilization.
• Operate in a cost-effective, sustainable, and compliant manner. Compliance is defined as adherence to the provision of hygiene services to the aboveidentified populations within KRS 313. 

United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG)

United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG) is committed to fighting for the education, financial stability, and basic needs of everyone in Central Kentucky. Through the work of UWBG programs, grant-funded programming, and our nonprofit partners, we’re making great strides toward creating a thriving community where everyone can prosper.

Safety Net Grants

The safety net grant funding threshold will be $20,000 and will continue to provide essential support to individuals and families facing an immediate crisis. (The single county basic needs grant threshold was $10,000 previously.) The focus on safety net services is a more refined approach from the wide lens of basic needs. By eliminating regional basic need grants, funding becomes more targeted, ensuring equitable grant distribution across counties. (Six-month Single County Safety Net grant application available now)

2026 Safety Net Grants – Investment Focus

Food Access & Nutrition Support:

• Food Pantry - Provides groceries for home preparation, typically including canned goods, grains, and other basic staples, to address short-term food insecurity.
• Weekend/Backpack Programs for Youth - Distributes easy-to-prepare food to children who lack reliable meals outside school days.
• Senior Nutrition Programs - Home-delivered or congregate meals targeted to older adults to prevent hunger and isolation.
• Infant & Toddler Nutrition Support - Provides formula, baby food, and nutrition supplies for households with young children.
• Community Kitchens / Congregate Meals - On-site meals are served at faith-based or nonprofit facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty.

 Housing Stabilization & Eviction Prevention

• Provides short-term financial assistance and limited supportive services to clients to prevent eviction or quickly stabilize households at risk of homelessness (including domestic violence housing stabilization). Primary focus is rent payment assistance, with flexibility for related costs (utilities, deposits, arrears, application fees) when directly tied to maintaining or securing housing.

Background

As authorized under Title I, Part C of the Every Student Succeeds Act, the Office of Continuous Improvement and Support, Division of School and Program Improvement, is issuing a Request for Application (RFA) from local educational agencies,  educational cooperatives  or public universities/colleges to develop and implement technical assistance and professional learning programs that facilitate the educational and support services needed for identified migrant children and their families. 

Purpose

As stated in Section 1301 of the Every Student Succeeds Act, the purpose of the Migrant Education Program  (MEP) is to:

• Assist States in supporting high-quality and comprehensive educational programs and services during the school year and, as applicable, during summer or intersession periods, that address the unique educational needs of migratory children;
• To ensure that migratory children who move among the States are not penalized in any manner by disparities among the States in curriculum, graduation requirements, and challenging State academic standards;
• To ensure that migratory children receive full and appropriate opportunities to meet the same challenging State academic standards that all children are expected to meet;
• To help migratory children overcome educational disruption, cultural and language barriers, social isolation, various health-related problems, and other factors that inhibit the ability of such children to succeed in school; and
• To help migratory children benefit from State and local systemic reforms.

Funding

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) anticipates funding up to four migrant regional center programs at up to $325,000 per year per regional center. KDE reserves the right to negotiate annually the amount based on the regional center's sub-contracts with LEAs and any identified unanticipated needs within the region.  The funds generated by the LEA will be included in the negotiation for the regional center.

Upon expiration of the initial term, at KDE's discretion, the contract may be renewed for up to 2 additional 1-year periods if it is in the best interest of the Kentucky Migrant Education Program and its eligible students to do so.

The Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation, established in 2006, aims to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged students in the Greater Cincinnati area. With a focus on innovative programs and scholarships, the foundation supports initiatives in primary, secondary, and adult education. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000 annually, promoting sustainability and collaboration with other donors. Eligible applicants must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations, prioritizing local community impact.

The Impact100 Owensboro Residual Grant empowers women philanthropists by providing significant funding for transformative projects in the Greater Owensboro area. With a minimum grant size of $100,000, this grant supports initiatives in arts, education, family services, health, and environmental restoration. Organizations must demonstrate sustainability and community support while adhering to eligibility criteria, ensuring that funds are used effectively for community benefit. The residual grant amount varies yearly, allowing for flexible funding opportunities.

Impact100 Owensboro offers transformational grants of at least $100,000 to empower women in philanthropy and support local nonprofits. The grant focuses on five key areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Family, Health & Wellness, and Environment & Recreation. Organizations must document their 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate community support. Grants cannot fund operating expenses unrelated to new programs or projects already completed. This initiative aims to uplift the Greater Owensboro community through strategic philanthropic endeavors.

The United Way of the Bluegrass offers a Basic Needs Grant aimed at supporting low-income and underserved residents in Central Kentucky. This grant focuses on providing essential services such as food, health care, financial assistance, and more. With a funding ceiling of $10,000 per grant year, it ensures targeted support for programs serving single-county residents. This initiative highlights the commitment to fostering education, stability, and basic needs within the community.