Best Grants for Community Centers in Kentucky

The Park Foundation Grants for Democracy aim to fortify democratic foundations and good governance. Grants support initiatives that promote inclusivity, sustainability, and participation for all demographics, especially underserved communities. Key priorities include combating gerrymandering, enhancing ballot access, and eliminating dark money in elections. The foundation seeks to empower a diverse range of emerging leaders to create a truly representative society, ensuring accountability and pushing for progressive reforms at all levels of government.

Service One Credit Union offers a Teacher Grant program providing 12 grants of $250 each for K-12 teachers who are members or family members of members. The initiative aims to support classroom supply needs, reflecting the credit union's commitment to community engagement and educational support. Applications open annually from August 15 to September 30, with notifications sent by October 15. This program exemplifies Service One's dedication to enhancing educational resources for local teachers.

Service One Credit Union offers annual scholarships aimed at high school seniors enrolling in South Central Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) or Western Kentucky University (WKU). With a total of $4,000 available, four scholarships will be awarded at $1,000 each. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and meet specific community membership criteria. Applications are accepted each spring, reflecting the credit union's commitment to supporting local education and community development.

Service One Credit Union offers the Returning Student Scholarships to support local students in their educational pursuits. With a commitment to community, they provide five $2,000 scholarships annually, totaling $10,000 for students who meet eligibility criteria, including a minimum GPA of 2.5. This initiative not only aids students financially but also strengthens community ties by investing in the future of local families. Applications are accepted each spring, reflecting their dedication to fostering academic success.

The Sarah Scaife Foundation Grant supports public policy initiatives that tackle significant domestic and international challenges. This grant is intended for publicly-supported non-profit organizations and does not extend to individuals or national fundraising groups. Proposals related to event sponsorships, capital campaigns, or organizations reliant on government funding are typically declined. The focus remains on impactful projects that align with the Foundation's mission.

The ASPCA is offering up to $14 million in Spay/Neuter Grants for shelters and clinics across the U.S. to enhance spay/neuter services for vulnerable animals. Proposals can address critical infrastructure needs and major capital projects to increase spay/neuter capacity. Only one application per organization is permitted, and applicants must choose one funding category. The focus is on compelling proposals that meet the most urgent needs.

2026 ASPCA Grants for Shelters and Spay/Neuter Clinics

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) is offering up to $14 million in grants to support shelters and spay/neuter clinics in meeting the needs of vulnerable animals throughout the United States, including addressing the shortfall in available spay/neuter surgeries. We will fund qualified proposals that support:

• Critical shelter infrastructure
• Strengthening shelter essentials
• Increasing the number of spay/neuter surgeries year-over-year 
• Major capital projects that increase spay/neuter capacity
• Special projects that increase spay/neuter capacity

Spay/Neuter Grants

Spay/Neuter Major Capital Projects

Only one application per agency/organization will be considered. 

Applicants may choose only one of the five funding categories. Our interest is in meeting your most pressing needs in one of the offered categories; we do not have our own preference for funding one category over another. We will fund the most compelling proposals, regardless of category chosen.

2026 ASPCA Grants for Shelters and Spay/Neuter Clinics

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) is offering up to $14 million in grants to support shelters and spay/neuter clinics in meeting the needs of vulnerable animals throughout the United States, including addressing the shortfall in available spay/neuter surgeries. We will fund qualified proposals that support:

• Critical shelter infrastructure
• Strengthening shelter essentials
• Increasing the number of spay/neuter surgeries year-over-year 
• Major capital projects that increase spay/neuter capacity
• Special projects that increase spay/neuter capacity

Spay/Neuter Grants

Increasing Spay/Neuter Surgeries

Only one application per agency/organization will be considered. 

Applicants may choose only one of the five funding categories. Our interest is in meeting your most pressing needs in one of the offered categories; we do not have our own preference for funding one category over another. We will fund the most compelling proposals, regardless of category chosen.

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma stems from the vision of Tom McCasland Jr., and Gene Rainbolt. Two decades ago, these gentlemen formed a shared vision to create a single philanthropic organization to serve the charitable needs to rural communities across the great state of Oklahoma. Today, CFO has grown to assist hundreds of efforts in more than 45 counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

CFO offers over 100 diverse scholarship opportunities, empowering students across the state to pursue their educational goals. Each scholarship is tailored to meet unique needs, making higher education more accessible for all.

Cindy's Angel Endowed Scholarship

Provides a renewable scholarship to students from Little Axe HS, Checotah HS, Seminole HS and Dallas Champions Academy. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0. 

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

Michael L. Lomax Endowed Scholarship

The Michael L. Lomax Endowed Scholarship program was established by Tench and Simone Coxe in honor of Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President, and CEO of UNCF, in partnership with UNCF. The scholarship program is designed to provide scholarship support to deserving students attending one of the 37 UNCF member institutions.

Michael L. Lomax Endowed Scholarship program is annually renewable based on availability of funds and provided students continue to meet the eligibility requirement.

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

Dr. Mable V. Jones Scholarship

The Dr. Mable V. Jones. Scholarship is a need-based OR merit-based scholarship for incoming freshmen who are enrolling at any accredited UNCF Member Institution or other accredited four-year HBCU.

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

NEESA Last Dollar Grant

NEESA Last Dollar Grants are designed to provide need-based, last-dollar gap scholarships for graduating high school seniors facing barriers to college enrollment. Students may receive up to $1,000.00 for their freshman year attendance.

David Webb Memorial Scholarship

To provide financial support for graduates of Cheyenne-Eagle Butte, Faith, Dupree, Timber Lake, Mc Laughlin and McIntosh High School.

Wayne Hawkins Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship benefits students who are children of employed or independent, exclusive sales representatives or insurance agents of Alfa Mutual Insurance Company or its insurance affiliates or subsidiaries. Awarding is based on academic achievement.

Application Requirements:

• High School Transcript

Charity League of MHC Scholarship

This Scholarship has an outside committee and is not affiliated with the Community Foundation.

• Must submit a recommendation form filled out by his/her guidance counselor.
• $1,000

Barry and Elaine Nocks Scholarship

Barry and Elaine Nocks established this scholarship fund to provide educational scholarships to first generation college students who reside in Greenville County, SC.

Amount

• Award amount and number of awards are determined annually based on the Community Foundation of Greenville’s Spending Policy for Endowment Funds.
• Scholarship funds are paid to an approved educational institution in the name of the student.
• Scholarship funds are awarded for one academic year and are not subject to automatic renewal.
• Prior recipients may apply for subsequent awards not to exceed four academic years.

Wyndall Ivey Scholarship

The scholarship has been established in memory of Attorney Wyndall Ivey, a 1992 graduate of Sidney Lanier High School (Lanier Academic Motivational Program), the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Washington and Lee University School of Law. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale and plan to attend an accredited two-year or four-year college or university. Two $500 scholarships will be awarded.

Application Requirements:

• High School Transcript, Essay and References

National Academy of Construction

Purpose: The purpose of the Academy is to establish a body of acknowledged construction industry leaders and to provide them recognition through election to the National Academy of Construction. It also offers their collective experience and expertise for the improvement of the industry. The Academy shows recognition to fresh and novel industry achievement with appropriate awards programs. Another important purpose of the Academy is to provide a network system of linkage between past and present participants in the construction industry.

NAC Scholarship

• Members of the National Academy of Construction (NAC) established this scholarship to provide funding for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in construction or a closely related field and who intend to pursue a career in the construction industry.
• NAC’s mission is to recognize and honor individuals from all disciplines in the industry for their distinguished contributions to the industry and to share this reservoir of expertise as a service to the nation, including service contributions. It is one of the nation’s esteemed construction industry institutions, characterized by its extensive and diverse expertise, proven leadership, and trusted judgment.
• NAC is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in the construction industry. The intent of this scholarship is to provide financial support for two semesters for deserving students who plan to pursue careers in the construction industry, thus giving back to the profession some of the benefits that its members have received.

Since the scholarship program’s inception in 2020, NAC has awarded 36 scholarships worth over $203,000 to students from across the country.

Only one applicant is permitted from each university. There are no exceptions to this requirement. If more than one application is received from a university, the university will be notified and asked to choose one applicant.

Scholarship recipients will be invited to attend the NAC Annual Meeting. NAC will cover registration for this event and work with the recipients, their universities and others to identify sources of funding to cover travel expenses to attend. Attendance at the Annual Meeting is not required.

John L. and Linda D. Bohnel Scholarship Fund

Must be attending a college or university that partners with Upswing.

Awards

• (5) $1,000.00

Brandon Wade Minier Memorial Scholarship

The Brandon Wade Minier Memorial Scholarship was established in 2012 to celebrate the life of Brandon Wade Minier. He was a young man of extraordinary talent and personality, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident on April 26, 2009.

Brandon’s future was full of promise and success due in great part to his training as a journeyman electrician and his position as an apprentice instructor with the joint apprenticeship and training committee of Local Union #305 IBEW and the Fort Wayne Division, Central Indiana, Chapter NECA (referred to in short as the Fort Wayne Electrical JATC).

This scholarship may be used towards tuition, books, supplies, or any other school related expense in relation to the awarded individuals educational needs.

This scholarship is available to an individual from Whitley County, who is continuing their education in a trade and vocational school, such as but not limited to electrical, plumbing, mechanical, beauty, and culinary arts school.

Bruce E. Hepke Memorial Scholarship

Mission Statement

The Bruce E. Hepke Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 to commemorate the life of a very special husband, father, and friend.

Devoted husband to wife Sue, and father to sons Darren and Connor, Bruce was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2016. He fought the disease bravely, until tragically, it took its final toll on February 18, 2021. The support that Bruce received from his family during this period, as well as his own personal courage and perseverance to live life to its fullest, were exceptionally inspirational.

A true gentleman, in every sense of the word, this memorial scholarship will be awarded each year to a college-bound candidate that demonstrates the characteristics that made Bruce such a remarkable and outstanding person-

Perseverance, Integrity, Leadership and Sportsmanship.

About the Scholarship

An avid golfer his entire life, Bruce loved the mental and physical challenges of the sport, the camaraderie, the competition, and the pure fun in traveling and playing on different courses. In 1998 he joined the West Chester Golf and Country Club, where he found a wonderful group of people with whom to socialize and play golf. Bruce was a true “renaissance man” with an incredibly wide range of interests but playing golf and being an active member of his Club were at the top of his list. This scholarship is intended to reflect his love for both the sport and his Club. It will be awarded annually to a high school senior and will be chosen from a candidate pool that includes the West Chester Golf and Country Club’s Ambassador Golf program as well as six surrounding high schools that have special meaning to the Hepke family. (The six high schools are Great Valley, Malvern Preparatory School, Marple Newtown, West Chester Bayard Rustin, West Chester East and West Chester Henderson.)

Coast Guard Foundation

Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes.

We’re there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. Every day, Coast Guard members risk their lives to protect our country. When we stand together and show them our appreciation, we can ensure they remain always ready—no matter what.

Coast Guard Foundation Captain Ernest W. Fox Perpetual Scholarship

Brief Description

This application is intended for qualified active duty Coast Guard, civil service employee personnel or their dependents (child or spouse) at the CG Aviation Logistic Center (ALC)

The scholarship will be used for preparatory, collegiate, postgraduate, professional and vocational education, formal or informal training which develops the talents and potential of the beneficiary.

The Fox family established this annual Perpetual Scholarship to honor the memory of their late son/brother Captain Ernest W. Fox, and as a means of expressing their appreciation to the men and women who work at the CG Aviation Logistic Center (previously Aircraft Repair & Supply Center).

Central Alabama Community Foundation

Established in 1987 by community leaders, the Central Alabama Community Foundation serves the River Region counties of Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery. CACF was created to provide a permanent charitable resource dedicated to strengthening nonprofits and meeting local needs in the Montgomery area.

Through a variety of funds, CACF supports projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation, and other civic concerns.

Every year, CACF awards grants to nonprofit projects and programs providing services in Lee, Macon, and Montgomery counties.

Kiwanis Club of Montgomery Scholarship

This renewable scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors in Montgomery County who are planning to attend an accredited college or university. Although there is no minimum ACT or SAT score, students must indicate by their academic performance the ability or motivation to graduate from college. Preference is given to students demonstrating financial need. Consideration is also given to students’ leadership, character, ability and participation in extracurricular activities. Scholarships will be awarded annually and are renewable for up to three years depending upon the student’s academic performance.

Central Alabama Community Foundation

Established in 1987 by community leaders, the Central Alabama Community Foundation serves the River Region counties of Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery. CACF was created to provide a permanent charitable resource dedicated to strengthening nonprofits and meeting local needs in the Montgomery area.

Through a variety of funds, CACF supports projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation, and other civic concerns.

Every year, CACF awards grants to nonprofit projects and programs providing services in Lee, Macon, and Montgomery counties.

Kyle Leonard Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Kyle Leonard, the fund will award a $1,500 scholarship to one graduate of any high school located within Houston County. The award will be based on academic achievement, as a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, as well as school and community involvement.

About 

The U.S.-Arab Frontiers 2026 symposium will be held in partnership with Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, and hosted in Kuwait City, Kuwait, October 25-27, 2026. The meeting will convene U.S. and Arab scientists, engineers, and medical professionals to discuss major scientific advances on a wide array of topics relevant to the MENA region and globally.

Description

Based on the success of NAS's Kavli Frontiers of Science Program and NAE's Frontiers of Engineering, the U.S.-Arab Frontiers of Science, Engineering, and Medicine program will initiate a series of symposia to bring together young scientists, engineers, and medical professionals from the United States and 22 Arab countries to discuss exciting advances and opportunities in their fields. The program will:

• Enhance the scientific exchange and dialogue among young researchers in Arab countries and the United States, including the Arab science diaspora, through the initial meeting and the consequent development of a strong and active alumni network (supported through an online portal);
• Encourage and strengthen scientific collaboration within and beyond the region (further encouraged through small seed grants); and
• Empower young scientists.

Drawing from the scientific, engineering, and medical resources in the Arab region, each symposium will be designed to discuss cutting-edge research but also research in areas of critical importance to the region (such as water resource management, renewable energies, food security, and sustainability), that will help build capacities in participating Arab countries.

Every Frontiers symposium will be hosted by organizations in Arab countries and the U.S. to ensure that it truly is a multilateral program. Science and engineering academies in the Arab world as well as other scientific organizations will be asked to identify possible attendees. The symposia will be independent of each other.

An ad-hoc oversight committee, consisting of well-recognized U.S. and Arab scientists and including the NAS, NAE, or NAM International Secretary depending on the topic, will provide overall guidance to the program staff; provide input on future session themes of critical relevance to the Arab region and the United States; and review all applicants and nominees for the symposia prior to selection by the organizing committee.

Each symposium will be evaluated by the organizers and participants. In addition, long-term impacts of the program (increased research cooperation resulting from the networking opportunities provided at the symposia) will be evaluated at the completion of five symposia.

U.S.-Arab Frontiers of Science, Engineering, and Medicine

Based on the success of NAS's Kavli Frontiers of Science Program and NAE's Frontiers of Engineering, the U.S-Arab Frontiers of Science, Engineering, and Medicine program will initiate a series of symposia to bring together young scientists (under the age of 45) from the United States and 22 Arab countries to discuss exciting advances and opportunities in their fields.

Award details

This symposium will explore plenary topics of:

• Bioinformatics
• Computational Methodologies for Scientific Discovery
• Metabolism–Immunity Interactions
• Water Security
• Space Technologies

Jerry Walker Memorial Scholarship

The Jerry Walker Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in Jerry’s honor, to partner with Whitley County young people whom Jerry cared deeply about. Jerry served on The Center’s Board of Directors for more than 6 years, and was a passionate volunteer, donor, and advocate for helping young people find hope and equipping them to thrive in life.

This scholarship is available to any person that has have been an active After-School SERVE participant for 2 or more semesters and will be attending any post-secondary schooling.

This Scholarship is due March 1st of each year.

The Paul Easterling Dixie Youth Scholarship, established by the Central Alabama Community Foundation in 1987, supports graduating seniors from any Autauga County school who have participated in Dixie Youth Baseball. This scholarship honors Paul Easterling's legacy by recognizing students exemplifying sportsmanship both on and off the field. The Central Alabama Community Foundation, dedicated to enhancing local nonprofit efforts, awards annual grants for various community needs, making a positive impact in the region.