Search Through Grants for Community Service Projects in Kentucky in the U.S.

What does this program do?

This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings.

How may funds be used?

Funds can be used to purchase, construct, and / or improve essential community facilities, purchase equipment and pay related project expenses.

Examples of essential community facilities include:

• Health care facilities such as hospitals, medical clinics, dental clinics, nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
• Public facilities such as town halls, courthouses, airport hangars or street improvements.
• Community support services such as child care centers, community centers, fairgrounds or transitional housing.
• Public safety services such as fire departments, police stations, prisons, police vehicles, fire trucks, public works vehicles or equipment.
• Educational services such as museums, libraries or private schools.
• Utility services such as telemedicine or distance learning equipment.
• Local food systems such as community gardens, food pantries, community kitchens, food banks, food hubs or greenhouses.

What kinds of funding are available?

• Low interest direct loans
• Grants
• A combination of the two above, as well as our loan guarantee program. These may be combined with commercial financing to finance one project if all eligibility and feasibility requirements are met.

What are the funding priorities?

• Priority point system based on population, median household income
• Small communities with a population of 5,500 or less
• Low-income communities having a median household income below 80% of the state nonmetropolitan median household income.

Grant Approval

Applicant must be eligible for grant assistance, which is provided on a graduated scale with smaller communities with the lowest median household income being eligible for projects with a higher proportion of grant funds. Grant assistance is limited to the following percentages of eligible project costs:

Maximum of 75 percent when the proposed project is:

• Located in a rural community having a population of 5,000 or fewer; and
• The median household income of the proposed service area is below the higher of the poverty line or 60 percent of the State nonmetropolitan median household income.

Maximum of 55 percent when the proposed project is:

• Located in a rural community having a population of 12,000 or fewer; and
• The median household income of the proposed service area is below the higher of the poverty line or 70 percent of the State nonmetropolitan median household income.

Maximum of 35 percent when the proposed project is:

• Located in a rural community having a population of 20,000 or fewer; and
• The median household income of the proposed service area is below the higher of the poverty line or 80 percent of the State nonmetropolitan median household income.

Maximum of 15 percent when the proposed project is:

• Located in a rural community having a population of 20,000 or fewer; and
• The median household income of the proposed service area is below the higher of the poverty line or 90 percent of the State nonmetropolitan median household income. The proposed project must meet both percentage criteria. Grants are further limited.

Our Mission

The Old National Bank Foundation believes that social responsibility is essential to fostering vibrant, sustainable communities. We realize this belief through strategic partnerships with charitable organizations addressing defined community needs.

Old National Bank Foundation

The Old National Bank Foundation makes contributions to nonprofit organizations to fund widespread community impact programs and/or projects. The Foundation is part of Old National's overall charitable giving initiative, which enables us to support programs that improve quality of life in areas of Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin where our clients, associates and shareholders live and work.

Invested in our communities

Caring for our clients means being an active and dynamic partner in the cities and towns we serve. Through sponsorships, Old National helps organizations improve the quality of life in the areas where our clients, associates and shareholders live and work.

Old National Bank Foundation Sponsorships

Old National sponsorships provide monetary support for events or activities, while enabling us to partner with many community organizations. Typically such sponsorships are in exchange for advertising and/or publicity that directly benefits Old National. Our goal is to make meaningful contributions, measure the results of our sponsorships, and work closely with the organizations we support.

Here are examples of the types of activities we sponsor:

• One-time events
• Fundraisers
• Golf tournaments/scrambles
• Corporate tables at galas
• Sporting events
• Special events (telethons, marathons, races or benefits)

Our Mission

R.C. Durr (1919-2007) was a successful entrepreneur, a life-long resident of Northern Kentucky, and a generous, though quiet philanthropist who had an abiding compassion for the less fortunate. In keeping with his legacy of commitment and caring, the R.C. Durr Foundation is dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of its benefactor by providing philanthropic support to improve the quality of life of the larger Northern Kentucky region and its people, with a particular emphasis on education, social services and community development.

R. C. Durr Foundation Grant

Requests are accepted year round. Response is normally within 90 days. 

Grant Priorities

• Priority is given to those qualifying organizations that focus on education, social services and community development activities which are likely to increase the quality of life in the larger Northern Kentucky region.
• Secondary consideration is given to health care, particularly to public health care, in the same geographic area.
• Priority is also given to new or innovative projects and programs:
  • that make the larger Northern Kentucky community a better place to live, learn and work;
  • that are measurable with stated goals and objectives;
  • that demonstrate effectiveness and innovation, or great potential for such;
  • that are models for others;
  • that demonstrate collaboration;
  • that can eventually be self-supporting or show evidence of long-term viability and impact.

In Our Community

Republic Bank recognizes the importance of making a lasting IMPACT, and that starts by strengthening the communities in which we live and work. We believe Republic Bank not only serves the community but is also a part of the community.

Together, we can make an impact that goes beyond banking. Bank with us, and let’s strengthen our community – together.

Generally, organizations and activities meeting the established criteria will fall into one of the following categories:

• Education and Youth Programs
• Family and Community Welfare
• Civic Projects
• Healthcare and Human Services
• Performing Arts and Cultural Activities
• Recreation and Preservation Programs

In-Kind Donations

Republic Bank occasionally donates used computer equipment, office equipment, and furniture to community organizations. 

Brown-Forman Grants

To Brown‑Forman, being a responsible and caring corporate citizen is more than an investment; it embodies our company’s purpose of enriching life. After 150 years in the business of spirits, we understand that our best spirit is the community we call home. As a company and individually as employees, we believe in donating time, talents, and resources to the vitality of the communities that sustain us. Our long history and deep roots in Louisville, Kentucky make our hometown city the focus of our efforts.

Funding Priorities 

The Foundation partners with organizations that are aligned with its strategic focus areas:

Enhance Arts and Cultural Living:

• Increase access to vibrant, diverse, and educational arts & cultural experiences.

Ensure Essential Living Standards

• Support social services that improve well-being and strengthen communities.
• Fund education initiatives that provide opportunities for lifelong success.

Empower Responsible and Sustainable Living

• Invest in initiatives that encourage moderation and reduce alcohol-related harm.
• Protect the environment and conserve natural resources vital to our communities and business.

Types of Requests

Charitable contributions are divided between the Brown‑Forman Foundation and the Corporation. Nonprofit organizations that meet the funding criteria below may apply one time per fiscal year (May 1- April 30). Separate grant applications are required for each entity (corporation/foundation).

The Corporation will consider:

• Unrestricted operating support
• Restricted program support
• Event or performance sponsorship with any material return benefits such as tickets, product promotion, etc.

Our Mission

To fulfill the wishes of Paul Ogle to give back to the community by strategically funding nonprofit organizations, activities and projects that directly improve the lives of the citizens in Southern Indiana.

Our Vision

There are four key areas of interest in grant funding that must be addressed in order to successfully accomplish the Mission:

• Economic: Promote the overall economic prosperity of Southern Indiana by investing in key infrastructural components like commerce, public works, and education along with other special projects that encourage community growth and can be sustained;
• Human Needs: Strengthen the physical and mental well-being of the citizens while assisting those in the greatest of need;
• Regionalism: Foster regional awareness and promote activities that accentuate cross-regional cooperation between the people, organizations and nonprofit entities;
• Preservation: Stress the importance of preserving the artistic, historical and cultural heritage of our community for future generations as long as such projects are manageable and financially sustainable.

Paul Ogle Foundation Grant

Four Common Decision Criteria for Successful Grant Requests

Over the years, we have observed some common decision criteria within many of the grants made by the Ogle Foundation. The following items are probably Ogle’s top characteristics that we have found in a successful grant request and of the organizations that apply for them:

• Fit & Focus – The very first thing that the Ogle Foundation looks at is the type of an organization applying, the purpose of the grant request and how its mission fits within our own mission, vision and core strategic values as set by our donor. Organizations must fit within Ogle’s Grantmaking Guidelines as an organization foremost as well as show how our funds are to be specifically used if given a grant. It must have a focus or impact upon Southern Indiana in some way or at least upon a minimum percentage of its overall clients from there. The Foundation’s Board does alter its priorities and direction from time to time as needs in the community change or if an opportunity to promote a specific issue takes precedent over others in their opinion. That’s why we always require an organization to call or email us first before going through a lot of effort in putting a proposal together, particularly if they are having a hard time decerning this crucial criteria and where you fit within it.
• Sound Financials – Organizations that clearly demonstrate they are good stewards of the funds they raise and spend are always the next key decision factor to the Foundation. We expect that a nonprofit’s request are not creating undue burdens or putting them at risk financially overall, to the point that a grant is the difference between keeping the doors open or not. The Ogle Foundation utilizes Guidestar.com to review an organization’s annual IRS 990 tax filings for overall health as well as request budgets and/or expense-revenue breakdowns for the specific programs or projects that are seeking grants. If your organization is currently in a state of severe financial distress, it is probably best to not apply for a grant as this is a key indicator to us on your ability to successfully implement your grant’s vision and still keep the lights on for years to come, serving your clients and end-users.
• Executive Leadership – We view an organization’s top personnel as very important to the success of its mission and their ability to do what they say they are doing. Executive Directors, Presidents or CEO’s along with their leadership teams should be professional in their works, show expertise in the areas in which their nonprofit operates and a clear vision on how to improve themselves and the community they serve. While longevity in a position(s) is not always indicative of success, it is always good to see a track record from these individuals or their teams, as this gives us a level of confidence in their ability to execute the plans for which they seek our funds.
• Board Oversight – Lastly, Ogle’s Board takes a close look at an organization’s board of directors because we believe that nonprofits need to must have the proper organizational structure and oversight in which survive long-term. A board needs to have the right mix of people with key professional backgrounds and/or expertise in which to help guide the strategic direction of the nonprofit. Professional backgrounds can consist of expertise in professional fields like legal, health, accounting or marketing to name a few along with possessing a strong common interest in the areas in which the nonprofit operates. Also, if you are a Kentucky 501c3, how many of your board reside in Southern Indiana, an area that makes up at least 20% of the Louisville MSA? Ogle believes that the best nonprofits are those that reflect the community in which is serves, with active and engaged boards, ones that have a strong working relationship in its supervisory role with the organizational leadership versus none whatsoever.

While we are sure your organization or cause is worthy of funding, the question for you is “How does it compare in light of what you’ve just read above?”   

Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank

The Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank is committed to creating a greater impact on programs and initiatives that create strong, vibrant communities and provide pathways to opportunity.  Grants for programming in education, the arts, community development, and health and human services in the Greater Cincinnati area are considered, in addition to the specific funding interests originally identified by each of the individual benefactors. 

Cincinnati, OH - (Cincinnati, Dayton and Northern Kentucky) Foundations 

• Charles Moerlein Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Supports charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes.
• Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Fund, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Supports initiatives that empower and assist women and girls in achieving self–sufficiency
• Eleanora C.U. Alms Trust, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Supports charitable and educational purposes for the City of Cincinnati, with a focus on the arts.
• H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Supports mainly environmental and historical preservation, and educational and arts organizations in the greater Cincinnati area, as well as named preferred organizations named in the trust document.
• Helen G., Henry F., & Louise Tuechter Dornette Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Supports nature and the conservation of nature’s beauty, as well as organizations that are beneficial to children, with a preference to organizations that Miss Dornette identified during her lifetime
• Louis & Melba Schott Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Supports assistance to youth, with emphasis on youth of primary school through junior high school age, who are disadvantaged because of medical conditions, economic status, family background or for other similar reasons. 
• Patricia Kisker Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Supports organizations that benefit or serve children and educational, musical or arts organizations, as well as organizations which Patricia Kisker supported during her lifetime.
• Jacob G. Schmidlapp Fund, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Supports charitable or educational purposes; for relief in sickness, suffering and distress; for the care of young children, the aged or the helpless or afflicted; for the promotion of education and to improve living conditions.
• Stillson Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Helps children and provides assistance to those charities the Stillsons supported during their lifetime.
• Ohio Valley Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Agent: Funds small equipment, technology and capital improvement projects in the Ohio Valley.
• Frank J. Kloenne & Jacqueline Dawson Kloenne Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Promote, encourage or aid religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational activities.
• Mary Martha McGee Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: To support community outreach activities of non–profit, religious organizations and churches that serve the low–income population in Greater Cincinnati
• Harold Schilling Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: To support organizations, preferably located in Hamilton County, that aid persons who are hearing or visually impaired or who are developmentally disabled. 
• Lawrence J. Mayer Trust, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee: Supports Catholic or religious order of men or women, which serves or caters to the poor in Greater Cincinnati.

James Graham Brown Foundation

The James Graham Brown Foundation is dedicated to making transformative philanthropic investments in Louisville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky that build on its strengths to continually advance our city and state.

Our Vision

Louisville and Kentucky are recognized as prosperous and vibrant communities for all.

Our Mission

The James Graham Brown Foundation cultivates progress and civic pride through philanthropic investments that promote the image of Kentucky and Louisville and the well‐being of its citizens.

Area of Impact: Education & Workforce Readiness

The James Graham Brown Foundation (JGBF) believes that equitable educational attainment and aligned workforce systems will increase economic and social mobility for all citizens of Louisville and Kentucky, improving prosperity of the Commonwealth. JGBF makes education grants within three primary focus areas.

• K-12 Grantmaking
• Postsecondary Grantmaking
• Place-Based Education Grantmaking

K-12 Grantmaking

JGBF makes grants with the goal of increasing social and economic mobility for underrepresented students. JGBF prioritizes proposals that support efforts to:

• Build and expand access to coordinated wraparound services
• Create clear and equitable pathways from high school to college and to living-wage and high-wage jobs
• Reduce academic achievement gaps within JCPS
• Create greater alignment between K-12, postsecondary and workforce systems

Funding

With occasional exceptions, the Foundation does not generally make grants under $250,000.

Mission

The women of Impact 100 dramatically improve lives in our Greater Cincinnati community by collectively funding transformational grants that make a lasting impact.

Focus Areas

• Culture
  • Cultivate, develop, educate and improve the cultural climate.
• Education
  • Further the ability to educate and improve education.
• Environment Preservation, & Recreation
  • Preserve, enhance, revitalize or restore facilities and surroundings.
• Family
  • Strengthen and enhance the lives of children and families.
• Health & Wellness
  • Positively impact the mental or physical health and wellness of people.

About Us

We choose to live out our Kentucky Colonel commission through continued service and charitable contributions.

Mission

We support worthy nonprofits by:

• Actively engaging Colonels
• Fostering strong relationships
• Maintaining high grant vetting standards
• Being good stewards of our resources and traditions

… all with integrity and compassion.

Good Works Program

The Good Works Program annually provides over $2.5 million in grants to Kentucky nonprofits that together help over 3.9 million individuals.

Since 1951, the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels has granted $68 million through over 8,900 grants. These grants are entirely dependent on the support of over 30,000 active Colonels throughout the world, who have chosen to continue their charitable efforts through contributions to help Kentuckians.

Who We Support

Grants through the Good Works Program are focused on helping organizations that mainly fall within these categories:

• Community Enhancement
• Community Support
• Education
• Health, Rehabilitation, and Life Skills
• Historic Preservation
• Homeless, Low Income, and Those in Crisis
• Veterans Services and Military
• Youth Services

Large Grants

If your grant request exceeds $10,000.00.

The Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation

The Pfau Foundation was established in 1994 in Cincinnati by Daniel A. Pfau and Susan Laufer Pfau.

Mrs. Pfau, a community volunteer, and Mr. Pfau, a local businessman, have been actively involved in programs serving disabled and disadvantaged youth, and in organizations promoting the Greater Cincinnati area. The Foundation complements the Pfaus’ personal charitable efforts and will continue their support into the future.

Purpose of the Pfau Foundation

The Pfau Foundation’s primary focus is on the education, health, cultural experience and social welfare of children, adolescents, young adults (to age 30) with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities and their families. A secondary focus is on children, adolescents, young adults (to age 30) who face significant economic barriers to success and their families. There is a particular interest in programs that help clients realize their full potential. The Foundation also advocates and supports large regional arts and cultural organizations. Small and mid-size organizations that use the arts as a vehicle for achieving impact with successful shared outcomes will be considered. (These outcomes must be aligned with the first two priorities of the Foundation.) The fourth area of interest is recreation areas.

Martin Jr. Foundation Community Grant

The Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation welcomes grant applications from nonprofit organizations for the benefit of the residents of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. Grant proposals should support civic, educational or cultural projects in Muhlenberg County, with preference to those that relate to an aspect of the four key areas of need, Economic Development, Youth Services, Substance Abuse Services, and Health/Human Services. 

Funding

Grant applicants requesting in excess of $20,000 are likely to be considered outside of the Community Grants program and will likely require additional time for review and approval. 

About Us

We choose to live out our Kentucky Colonel commission through continued service and charitable contributions.

Mission

We support worthy nonprofits by:

• Actively engaging Colonels
• Fostering strong relationships
• Maintaining high grant vetting standards
• Being good stewards of our resources and traditions

… all with integrity and compassion.

Good Works Program

The Good Works Program annually provides over $2.5 million in grants to Kentucky nonprofits that together help over 3.9 million individuals.

Since 1951, the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels has granted $68 million through over 8,900 grants. These grants are entirely dependent on the support of over 30,000 active Colonels throughout the world, who have chosen to continue their charitable efforts through contributions to help Kentuckians.

Who We Support

Grants through the Good Works Program are focused on helping organizations that mainly fall within these categories:

• Community Enhancement
• Community Support
• Education
• Health, Rehabilitation, and Life Skills
• Historic Preservation
• Homeless, Low Income, and Those in Crisis
• Veterans Services and Military
• Youth Services

Medium Grants

If your grant request is between $2,500 and $9,999.00.

Our Commitment To Equity

Recent events have brought into full view the growing inequalities related to race and economic opportunity. If Northern Kentucky is to thrive, we cannot leave any groups behind. We recognize both nationally and locally, there are increasing gaps in three areas that are foundational for human progress: education, health, and employment.

Horizon Community Funds is committed to closing these gaps. We pledge to invest in innovative, collaborative, and sustainable interventions that address these gaps in order to significantly advance the lives of those whom we serve.

Our Focus

Poverty

We combine resources to help break the cycle of poverty all around the region.

Health and Wellness

Together, we work to improve the health and wellness of our community.

Education

It takes teamwork to enrich our children’s educations, neighborhood by neighborhood.

Arts & Innovation

We support the arts and spark development and innovation because it benefits all of us.

Guidelines

Grants from National Trust Preservation Funds (NTPF) are intended to encourage preservation at the local level by supporting on-going preservation work and by providing seed money for preservation projects. These grants help stimulate public discussion, enable local groups to gain the technical expertise needed for preservation projects, introduce the public to preservation concepts and techniques, and encourage financial participation by the private sector.

A small grant at the right time can go a long way and is often the catalyst that inspires a community to take action on a preservation project. Grants generally start at $2,500 and range up to $5,000. The selection process is very competitive.

Eligible Activities

National Trust Preservation Fund grants are awarded for planning activities and education efforts focused on preservation. Grant funds can be used to launch new initiatives or to provide additional support to on-going efforts.

Planning: Supporting existing staff (nonprofit applicants only) or obtaining professional expertise in areas such as architecture, archaeology, engineering, preservation planning, land-use planning, and law. Eligible planning activities include, but are not limited to:

• Hiring a preservation architect or landscape architect, or funding existing staff with expertise in these areas, to produce a historic structure report or historic landscape master plan.
• Hiring a preservation planner, or funding existing staff with expertise in this area, to produce design guidelines for a historic district.
• Hiring a real estate development consultant, or funding existing staff with expertise in this area, to produce an economic feasibility study for the reuse of a threatened structure.
• Sponsoring a community forum to develop a shared vision for the future of a historic neighborhood.
• Organizational capacity building activities such as hiring fundraising consultants, conducting board training, etc.

Education and Outreach: Support for preservation education activities aimed at the public. The National Trust is particularly interested in programs aimed at reaching new audiences. Funding will be provided to projects that employ innovative techniques and formats aimed at introducing new audiences to the preservation movement, whether that be through education programming or conference sessions.

About Us

We choose to live out our Kentucky Colonel commission through continued service and charitable contributions.

Mission

We support worthy nonprofits by:

• Actively engaging Colonels
• Fostering strong relationships
• Maintaining high grant vetting standards
• Being good stewards of our resources and traditions

… all with integrity and compassion.

Good Works Program

The Good Works Program annually provides over $2.5 million in grants to Kentucky nonprofits that together help over 3.9 million individuals.

Since 1951, the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels has granted $68 million through over 8,900 grants. These grants are entirely dependent on the support of over 30,000 active Colonels throughout the world, who have chosen to continue their charitable efforts through contributions to help Kentuckians.

Who We Support

Grants through the Good Works Program are focused on helping organizations that mainly fall within these categories:

• Community Enhancement
• Community Support
• Education
• Health, Rehabilitation, and Life Skills
• Historic Preservation
• Homeless, Low Income, and Those in Crisis
• Veterans Services and Military
• Youth Services

Small Grants

If your grant request is less than $2,499.00.

Newer Organizations

Organizations 1-5 Years in Existence: For organizations who have been in existence for at least one year but do not meet the five years in existence requirement. Grants are capped at $5,000.00.

Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation Grant

General Information

The Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation is an independent private Foundation philanthropic organization originally established in 2004 by Elsa M. Heisel Sule, a native of Northern Kentucky and businesswoman in the television industry.

The Foundation’s governing body meets three times during the year to review applications for grants during April, July and October. The Foundation staff maintains offices in Greater Cincinnati, a central point in the tri-state area it serves, of Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. 

Operations and Purpose

Grant Applications must be filed for each calendar year in which an organization desires a Grant of funds. Grants are usually awarded for one year unless specifically noted in writing as a multiyear grant or renewable. 

Program Priorities and Objective

The Trustee of the Foundation was originally instructed by Elsa Sule to make grants in the Greater Cincinnati and tri-state area with a focus on Education, Community, and the Arts with the following areas of interests:

• Education Success and Scholarships
• Health, Wellness and Scientific Research
• Children’s Welfare and Competitive Sports
• Fine and Performing Arts and Cultural Vibrancy
• Civic Public Affairs
• Animal Welfare and Preservation
• Environmental and Community Stewardship

Kentucky Fried Wishes

Non-profit organizations can apply for a $10,000 grant to fund an actionable project on their wish list.

The KFC Foundation will award a total of $1 million to 100 non-profit organizations to make their Kentucky Fried Wishes come true.

Twenty-five grants will be awarded per quarterly cycle.

Caring for the Environment, Animals

Examples:

• Permanent wildlife conservation exhibit
• New vehicle for mobile vet clinic
• Park improvements

Final determinations made within 60 days of submission deadline.

Steele-Reese Foundation

The Steele-Reese Foundation is a charitable trust committed to supporting rural communities and the nonprofit organizations that serve them in Idaho, Montana, and Appalachian Kentucky. Since its inception, the Foundation has maintained a focus on the unique challenges of rural living and on helping people build healthy, successful, and sustainable communities.

For Kentucky Applicants

The highest priority of the Appalachian Kentucky Grant Program is ensuring that children leave the third-grade able to read and write on grade level; and that children leaving middle school can perform mathematics on grade level.

Additional priorities include:

• improving school libraries, providing supplemental materials to aid learning;
• elementary, middle, and high school programs that improve outcomes for students;
• support of literacy programs and out-of-school services.

All proposals must be specific in identifying a rationale for funding, set out clear steps for execution of the work, and articulate measurable outcomes.

Criteria

The criteria that follow relate to each of the program areas listed above and offer guidance to prospective applicants. Proposed projects should:

• Serve rural areas
• Help people to help themselves
• Be modest and direct in aim
• Be narrow in function
• Be based on experience
• Demonstrate community financial, in-kind, or other support
• Be essential, rather than merely desirable
• Yield a direct and measurable, rather than a remote, benefit to people
• Be conducted by competent, practical organizations and managers and demonstrate strong leadership capacity at both the organizational and program level

Capital Improvements and Campaigns

In all program areas, the Foundation makes a limited number of grants for capital improvements, fixtures, and remodeling, retrofitting, and building new structures. In projects involving the building of a new facility or other large-scale capital endeavors, we typically make these grants only during the closing phases when a substantial portion of the required funds are already in hand.

Program Areas

Rural Education

In both the Appalachian Kentucky and Idaho and Montana Grant Programs, the Foundation focuses on early childhood to Grade 12 education programming.

Examples include

• funding for supplemental programs in early childhood education settings;
• elementary, middle, and high school programs that improve outcomes for students;
• support of literacy programs and out-of-school-time services; and
• charter schools and other model school programs that provide quality educational options for students and families.

We also provide assistance to small public libraries. The Foundation does not accept applications to directly fund higher education, though we will consider early childhood to Grade 12 programs operated by colleges or universities or state or local education districts.

The Foundation considers education projects that demonstrate a comprehensive level of engagement with participants that result in clear and measurable outcomes. 

Supporting Historic Sacred Places

A program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Fund for Sacred Places provides financial and technical support for community-serving historic houses of worship across America.

What We Offer

The National Fund for Sacred Places provides matching grants of $50,000 to $250,000 to congregations undertaking significant capital projects at historic houses of worship, along with wraparound services including training, technical assistance, and planning support.

What We’re Looking For

The National Fund for Sacred Places assesses applicant eligibility according to the core criteria shown below, while also striving to build a diverse participant pool that reflects a broad range of geographic, cultural, and religious identities.

Historic, Cultural, or Architectural Significance

We are looking for buildings that have historic, cultural, or architectural significance—and sites that have important and relevant stories to tell. Many of our participants are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the state register, or the local register. Your building does not have to be on one of these lists, but eligibility for one or more of these lists is a good benchmark for National Fund eligibility.

As part of the National Trust’s commitment to telling the full American story, we particularly encourage congregations to apply that illuminate a unique or overlooked aspect of American history and that expand our understanding of our shared national heritage. We encourage submissions related to historic sacred places of importance to historically and contemporaneously underrepresented communities including, but not limited to, women, immigrants, Asian Americans, Black Americans, Latinx Americans, Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and LGBTQIA communities.

Successful applicants are able to demonstrate their place in history by answering questions such as:

• Does the building tell a story relevant to our history—either cultural or religious?
• Does the history highlight previously underrecognized communities, stories, or locations?
• How has the building served the community over time? Does the building have a great physical presence in its community due to its location or programming?
• Is the building the work of a notable architect? If so, is it a high-quality example of their body of work?
• Is the building an exceptional example of its architectural style or building technology?
• Does the building embody the congregation’s resilience over time?

Community-Serving Congregations

We are looking for congregations that are engaged in their communities and that are serving others. Engaged congregations operate and host programming that serves vulnerable, at-risk, and diverse populations; share space with non-affiliated groups and organizations (often at subsidized rates); work with other congregations, faith-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, and/or municipalities; and have a widespread reputation for being a welcoming center of community life.

Project Scope and Need

We fund historic preservation projects addressing urgent repair needs and/or life safety. We also fund projects that increase congregations’ ability to open their buildings to new populations or to serve greater numbers of people. All projects must adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, which is a universally accepted framework for doing work to older and historic properties.

We prioritize congregations/projects where there is a demonstrated need (meaning that the congregation cannot raise the funds alone) or where it is clear that our grant will have a catalytic effect (meaning that our grant is likely to lead to additional monies being contributed to the project).

Readiness

Once-in-a-generation capital projects require a great deal of planning. We are looking for applicants that understand their buildings’ needs and that are ready to undertake a capital campaign. National Fund congregations typically have a history of successful capital campaigns, which demonstrate an ability to raise significant funds and complete a project.

Successful congregations come to us with a realistic fundraising goal, which has been generated with the help of qualified preservation professionals and is not too far beyond the congregation’s fundraising capacity.

Healthy Congregations

The National Fund prioritizes healthy, stable congregations so that our investment is truly impactful and lasting. We look for the following, although this is not an exhaustive list of characteristics that indicate healthy congregations: tenured, well-respected clergy; capable lay leadership; stable or growing membership; financial strength and stability; support of the judicatory or governing body, if applicable; and a history of weathering any congregational conflict or trauma with resilience.

The American Water Charitable Foundation is an independent, 501(c)(3) private foundation, supported by the shareholders of American Water. The Foundation’s Board of Trustees, composed of officers and leaders of American Water or its subsidiaries, review Foundation programs, guidelines, and distribution of funds.

Applications will be accepted in the following states served by American Water, in addition to its Military Service locations: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

The Water and Environment Grant Program will be awarded to help fund innovative, community-based projects that:

• improve, restore or protect the watersheds, surface water and/or groundwater supplies
• promote water conservation
• improve equitable access to water-based recreation in underserved communities 

Our Mission

Our mission: Impact100 Louisville empowers women to transform lives through collective giving.

What we do: We award large grants to Louisville and Jefferson County non-profits that work to transform lives.

Background

Impact100 Louisville is a community of women transforming lives through collective giving. We award grants in amounts of at least $100,000, possibly more. The exact amount of funds available for award in any given year depends upon the number of women who join the organization and will be announced at the end of our membership drive.

By providing high impact grants to local nonprofit organizations, Impact100 Louisville is able to expose our membership and our community to valuable services provided by different organizations. Because Impact100 Louisville selects its grant recipients through a collaborative process among its members, its grant process might differ from those of other organizations. Impact100 Louisville believes its grant process benefits nonprofits including the non-grant recipients by increasing the visibility in the community for all finalists, not just the recipients, by exposing their important work to a large and diverse group of charitable minded women, as well as to our community overall.

Focus Areas

Grants must be applied in one of the following Focus Areas:

• Arts & Culture:
  • Initiatives that cultivate, develop, and enhance the cultural and/or artistic climate of Jefferson County, Kentucky.
• Education:
  • Initiatives that further the educational process or improve access to education for children and/or adults in Jefferson County, Kentucky.
• Environmental, Preservation or Recreation:
  • Initiatives that will restore, preserve, revitalize or enhance the facilities, surroundings and/or recreational opportunities of Jefferson County, Kentucky.
  • This category includes housing, urban planning, and community spaces.
• Family:
  • Initiatives that strengthen and enhance the lives of children and families living in Jefferson County, Kentucky.
• Health & Wellness:
  • Initiatives that improve the mental and/or physical well-being of people living in Jefferson County, Kentucky.

Types of Grants

Grants funding will be considered for any of the following:

• Capacity Building:
  • Funding is typically a one-time expense that assists the mission of the organization.
    • Examples: technology upgrades, strategic planning
• Program Support:
  • Funding is given to expand or improve existing activities that support the organization's mission.
• Innovation:
  • Funding for a new idea, method, or improvement.

Kentucky Fried Wishes

Non-profit organizations can apply for a $10,000 grant to fund an actionable project on their wish list.

The KFC Foundation will award a total of $1 million to 100 non-profit organizations to make their Kentucky Fried Wishes come true.

Twenty-five grants will be awarded per quarterly cycle.

Improving Health & Wellbeing

Examples:

• Mobile health clinic creation
• Playground improvements
• Domestic violence shelter upgrades
• Accommodations for individuals with disabilities

Final determinations made within 60 days of submission deadline.

Kentucky Fried Wishes

Non-profit organizations can apply for a $10,000 grant to fund an actionable project on their wish list.

The KFC Foundation will award a total of $1 million to 100 non-profit organizations to make their Kentucky Fried Wishes come true.

Twenty-five grants will be awarded per quarterly cycle.

Expanding Access to Food & Shelter

Examples:

• Food pantry remodel
• Community garden creation
• Animal shelter upgrades
• Building repairs or renovations

Final determinations made within 60 days of submission deadline.

The Corrine and Henry Bower Memorial Foundation is a Pennsylvania-based private charitable trust with an annual giving amount around $35,000. The foundation primarily funds wellness, education (middle school electives), general support, and visual arts programs, making a few grants per year.

The foundation’s grants are administered through a Distribution Committee that pre-selects applicants to apply by directed invitation. Funding is regionally focused, serving the City of Philadelphia and selected surrounding counties in Pennsylvania, as well as some areas in Ohio, New Jersey, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, West Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC.

Detailed Program Description

Grants of up to $2,500 for organizations to make arts programs accessible to persons with disabilities.

The Southeast is home to some of the world’s more diverse and vibrant artistic communities. At South Arts, we believe that the arts are for everyone. The arts enrich the lives of people of all abilities and backgrounds. In our commitment to amplifying the success of the Southeast’s arts ecology, South Arts offers micro-funding to supplement the efforts of arts organizations throughout our service area.

Art making is for everyone too! South Arts encourages arts organizations to hire artistic personnel of all abilities at all levels; for these grants in particular, we encourage arts organizations to work directly with artists who identify as disabled. 

Through our partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, South Arts offers small grants that compliment existing efforts by arts organizations to include audiences and artists with disabilities. Accessibility micro-grants are available to support Nonprofit, 501c3, arts organizations located within the South Arts Service region states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This funding program is open to a wide variety of organizations, including community cultural organizations, museums, performing arts presenters, theatre companies, visual arts and music organizations. Priority funding will be given to new applicants to South Arts.

South Arts has prioritized the following:

• South Arts prioritizes applications from BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ identifying organizations.
• South Arts prioritizes applications from organizations led by persons with disabilities or organizations that provide significant programming to artists or audiences with disabilities.
• South Arts is committed to funding artists organizations in rural communities (with populations under 50,000).
• Primary consideration will be given to new applicants.

Usage of Funds

Grants awards may reimburse the applicant for any combination of qualifying expenses incurred during the grant period. Projects may include but are not limited to the following:

Programs

• Usage of large print or braille program materials for patrons/audiences with low vision
• Artist/consultant fees to provide accessibility training or audits
• Transportation of constituents or performers with disabilities
• Preparation for special exhibitions (i.e. space modifications or accessibility audit)
• Audio description
• Sign language interpretation
• Website accessibility
• Docent training for visual or audio enhancement
• Consultant fee to develop an overall accessibility plan for your organization
• Inclusive programming
• Staff training to learn about accessibility as it relates to programming, operations, or facilities modifications (i.e. travel to a workshop and/or training)
• Other accommodations that make programs accessible

Facilities Enhancements

• Accessibility signage for exterior and/or interior space
• Modification of restroom(s) signage
• Modification to drinking fountain(s) signage
• Installation of Braille plaques

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund is a private grantmaking foundation based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, established in 1992. It focuses primarily on philanthropy and voluntarism, with an emphasis on charitable and educational purposes.

The fund specifically supports K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations, aiming to improve educational opportunities in these communities.

The foundation administers grants primarily to select regions based on donor preferences, including Pittsburgh and various counties in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Washington DC, and West Virginia.