Best Grants for Emergency Services in Kentucky

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Murray & Agnes Seasongood Good Government Foundation

Agnes and Murray Seasongood were philanthropists who promoted good government and civic reform. The Seasongood Foundation honors their legacy by fostering accountability, transparency, equity, and efficiency in local government through grants for 501(c)(3) community organizations and professional associations serving the Greater Cincinnati Region. The Foundation reviews proposals three times each year. Visit the grant applications page for deadlines and access to the online application form.

As champions of good government, the Trustees identified key investment areas to live out their mission with the community.

• Engagement in Democracy – projects and programs that actively and directly champion voter education, voting access, and equitable voting; projects and programs that address issues of redistricting, gerrymandering, and the rising threat of authoritarianism in America
• Public Service Professionalism – public service internships (especially for college students with local government offices), public/private collaborations, anti-corruption efforts, the protection of poll workers and election officials
• Combating Political Polarization – projects and programs that advance fair, balanced media and fact-based reporting; community efforts to cultivate civil discourse; projects and programs that advocate for transparency in government actions and policies

Seasongood Good Government Foundation Internship Program

Since 1975, The Seasongood Good Government Foundation Internship Program, offers a select group of college juniors, seniors, and graduate students insights into the realities of the day-to-day operation of the government of the City of Cincinnati. Interns, working under the supervision of local government professionals, have a chance to contribute to the local government while they are learning about government. In 2020, the trustees updated the Seasongood Good Government Internship Program to include all government organizations in the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky region. A revised application and reporting process was been implemented for 2022.

The goal of the Seasongood Foundation internship program is to support the development of emerging professionals who want to work in the public realm, and who understand and practice good government principles.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Department for Local Government

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department for Local Government (DLG), under the Office of the Governor, provides financial help in the way of grant and loan assistance, as well as advising local governments in matters of budget, personnel and other issues relevant to those entities.​

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

The Department for Local Government (DLG) administers approximately $26 million annually from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. With the participation of their citizens, communities can devote these funds to a wide range of activities that best serve their own particular development priorities.

All project activities must meet at least one of three national objectives:

• Benefit to low and moderate income persons
• Prevention or elimination of slums or blight
• Meeting particularly urgent community development needs​

Funds are designated for various program areas including Community Projects, Community Emergency Relief Fund, Economic Development, Housing, Public Facilities, and Public Services (Recovery Kentucky).​

Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF)

​​​​​​Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) funds are provided to give communities a means to restore infrastructure or housing that severe weather or natural disasters have negatively impacted. As part of the Commonwealth's allocation from the CDBG program, these projects will be allocated an amount to be determined based on need.

Only communities that have experienced a disaster and have a Declaration of Emergency from the Governor may submit an application for these funds.

Community Development Block Grant

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department for Local Government (DLG) administers approximately $26 million annually from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. With the participation of their citizens, communities can devote these funds to a wide range of activities that best serve their own particular development priorities.

All project activities must meet at least one of three national objectives:

• Benefit to low and moderate income persons
• Prevention or elimination of slums or blight
• Meeting particularly urgent community development needs​

For the 2026 funding cycle, DLG will receive $25,988,523​ for distribution. Funds are designated for various program areas including Community Projects, Community Emergency Relief Fund, Economic Development, Housing, Public Facilities Public Services (Recovery Kentucky).​

Economic Development

The Economic Development Branch works to fund development activities that create or retain jobs principally benefiting low and moderate income (LMI) persons. Additional goals provide for the training and provision of human services that allow for the professional advancement of LMI persons. As part of the Commonwealth's allocation from the CDBG program, these projects have been allocated estimate with up to $1,000,000 of CDBG funding per community.

There are two areas of eligibility for CDBG Economic Development funding:

Traditional:

Provides grant assistance to communities for projects which specifically address the creation or retention of jobs through eligible activities. Funds can be provided to a community to use for specific business/industrial clients.

Non-Traditional:

Allows for the funding of eligible activities benefiting low and moderate income persons not directly related to job creation.

Department for Local Government

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department for Local Government (DLG), under the Office of the Governor, provides financial help in the way of grant and loan assistance, as well as advising local governments in matters of budget, personnel and other issues relevant to those entities.​

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

The Department for Local Government (DLG) administers approximately $26 million annually from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. With the participation of their citizens, communities can devote these funds to a wide range of activities that best serve their own particular development priorities.

All project activities must meet at least one of three national objectives:

• Benefit to low and moderate income persons
• Prevention or elimination of slums or blight
• Meeting particularly urgent community development needs​

Funds are designated for various program areas including Community Projects, Community Emergency Relief Fund, Economic Development, Housing, Public Facilities, and Public Services (Recovery Kentucky).​

Housing Program

​​​​​The Housing program works to fund projects designed to develop decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing.

Department for Local Government

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department for Local Government (DLG), under the Office of the Governor, provides financial help in the way of grant and loan assistance, as well as advising local governments in matters of budget, personnel and other issues relevant to those entities.​

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

The Department for Local Government (DLG) administers approximately $26 million annually from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. With the participation of their citizens, communities can devote these funds to a wide range of activities that best serve their own particular development priorities.

All project activities must meet at least one of three national objectives:

• Benefit to low and moderate income persons
• Prevention or elimination of slums or blight
• Meeting particularly urgent community development needs​

Funds are designated for various program areas including Community Projects, Community Emergency Relief Fund, Economic Development, Housing, Public Facilities, and Public Services (Recovery Kentucky).​

Public Services (Recovery Kentucky)

​​​​​CDBG Public Services funds, in the form of operational costs to support the Recovery Kentucky Program, will be made available in 2026 to existing Recovery Kentucky Substance Abuse Centers. These centers serve individuals who have a history of substance abuse, with an emphasis on the homeless, those at risk of becoming homeless and those referred by the judicial system.

The Community Partners Grant Program, led by the Humana Foundation, aims to enhance community health by addressing social barriers and promoting equitable health outcomes. With a focus on Kentucky, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, the program fosters connections through emotional support and nutritional education. It also provides disaster relief funding to ensure long-term recovery and preparedness. By collaborating with local organizations, this initiative helps individuals access essential services and resources, thereby improving their overall well-being.

The Arts + Creative Industries External Agency Grant Program, initiated by the Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government, provides vital funding support to local arts and culture nonprofits. Aimed at enhancing community life through the arts, the program offers grants of $25,000 to $50,000 based on organizational budgets. This initiative fosters creativity, promotes cultural programming, and ensures equitable access to arts experiences for all residents, contributing to a vibrant and thriving Louisville.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Thompson Charitable Foundation, established in 1987, aims to enhance the quality of life for communities in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. It focuses on funding nonprofit projects in health services, education, and community development. Grants are available for matching funds and capital projects but do not support endowments or religious activities. Preference is given to applicants previously funded by TCF. Interested organizations must submit a Letter of Inquiry before the application deadline.

About KHC

Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) invests in affordable housing solutions by offering programs and services designed to develop, preserve, and sustain affordable housing throughout the state.

Created by the 1972 General Assembly, KHC is a self-supporting, public corporation of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors. KHC is a quasi-government agency, which is administratively attached to the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, and a portion of KHC's funds are derived from the interest earned through the sale of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds. From these proceeds, KHC has made homeownership possible for more than 76​,000 Kentucky families.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

​The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program is designed to identify sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons, as well as those at risk of homelessness, and provide the services necessary to help them quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness.

The ESG Program provides funds to:​

• Engage homeless individuals and families living on the street.​
• Improve the number and quality of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families.
• Help operate these shelters.
• Provide essential services to shelter residents.
• Rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families.
• Prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless.

The program is also intended to lower the increase of homelessness through the funding of preventive programs and services.

Context and Background

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 Commonwealth1 .

Our Plan

Kentucky’s RHTP launches five interrelated initiatives designed to build rural health infrastructure and provide sustainable, long-term improvements. This plan directly supports Kentucky’s rural counties while advancing statewide impact through innovation, technology-enabled care and strengthened workforce recruitment pipelines for both clinical and non-clinical staff. This strategy will help build a resilient, integrated and technology-forward health system across the Commonwealth.

• Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care Innovation:
  • Establishes local “hub-and-spoke” collaboratives focused on obesity and diabetes prevention and management.
  • These hubs will integrate nutrition, physical activity programs, and digital self-management tools.
• PoWERing Maternal and Infant Health:
  • Expands timely prenatal and postpartum care by deploying telehealth-enabled maternal care teams who will serve maternity-care deserts and high-risk regions, to help mothers and infants receive seamless, high-quality support.
• Rapid Response to Recovery (EmPATH Model):
  • Deploys technology-enabled crisis stabilization and mobile behavioral health response teams to connect individuals with community-based treatment and recovery supports.
• Rooted in Health:
  • Rural Dental Access: Increases access to preventive oral health services through expanded dental hygiene training programs, externships, and investment in Public Health Dental Hygiene (PHDH) teams in Local Health Districts (LHDs).
• Crisis to Care:
  • Integrated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Response and Coordination: Enhances pre-hospital capacity and trauma coordination through treat-in-place protocols, improved data connectivity and workforce training for rural EMS providers. 

Emergency medical services and related providers in Kentucky can seek funding to establish or expand community paramedicine programs, including low-acuity, preventive, and high-utilization patient care. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services offers up to US $20,000,000 to support early program development, reduce unnecessary emergency department use, and strengthen rural health partnerships.

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.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Kentucky aim to provide essential technical assistance and training to small rural businesses, defined as those with fewer than 50 employees and under $1 million in gross revenue. Funding is prioritized for smaller requests, and grants must support projects that benefit rural communities outside urban areas. Eligible recipients include public entities, nonprofit corporations, and institutions of higher education, among others, focusing on fostering economic development and job training.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

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.

Community Development Block Grant

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department for Local Government (DLG) administers approximately $26 million annually from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. With the participation of their citizens, communities can devote these funds to a wide range of activities that best serve their own particular development priorities.

All project activities must meet at least one of three national objectives:

• Benefit to low and moderate income persons
• Prevention or elimination of slums or blight
• Meeting particularly urgent community development needs​

For the 2026 funding cycle, DLG will receive $25,988,523​ for distribution. Funds are designated for various program areas including Community Projects, Community Emergency Relief Fund, Economic Development, Housing, Public Facilities Public Services (Recovery Kentucky).​

Community Projects

​The Community program is designed to provide funds for community development projects that address human service needs, such as senior centers, crisis centers, fire stations and facilities that provide services to low-income persons. As part of the Commonwealth's allocation from the CDBG program, these projects have been allocated with the maximum amount of $8​50,000 of CDBG funding per community.

Department for Local Government

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department for Local Government (DLG), under the Office of the Governor, provides financial help in the way of grant and loan assistance, as well as advising local governments in matters of budget, personnel and other issues relevant to those entities.​

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

The Department for Local Government (DLG) administers approximately $26 million annually from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. With the participation of their citizens, communities can devote these funds to a wide range of activities that best serve their own particular development priorities.

All project activities must meet at least one of three national objectives:

• Benefit to low and moderate income persons
• Prevention or elimination of slums or blight
• Meeting particularly urgent community development needs​

Funds are designated for various program areas including Community Projects, Community Emergency Relief Fund, Economic Development, Housing, Public Facilities, and Public Services (Recovery Kentucky).​

Public Facilities

​​​​​The Public Facilities Branch provides funding to primarily develop Kentucky's water and wastewater systems. As part of the Commonwealth's allocations from the CDBG program, these projects have been allocated an estimate of $8,834,662 with designated maximum amounts for treatment plants and lines/pumps and tanks of CDBG funding per community. Self-help grants (maximum amount of $300,000 per project) are funded under this branch.