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Search Through Grants for New Nonprofits in Kentucky

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

The Amgen Foundation Inc focuses on non-healthcare donations and sponsorships that target humanitarian, social, educational, and community programs. They offer support to organizations outside the U.S. healthcare community, particularly those recognized as tax-exempt public charities. Eligible organizations must serve specific Amgen communities throughout the U.S. This initiative aims to enhance health outcomes and address critical societal needs, thereby reducing the burden of disease and improving lives.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations within specific states. They prioritize initiatives that enhance community welfare, especially in agriculture, education, health, and environmental sustainability. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status to apply, and preference is given to those involving Perdue associates. Ineligible requests include those from religious, political, or individual-focused groups. This program emphasizes broad community benefits over organizational affiliations.

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

The HCF Community Impact Fund Grant aims to address pressing inequalities in Northern Kentucky by supporting innovative and collaborative projects that enhance education, health, and employment opportunities. This year, the fund prioritizes larger-scale initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to equity and leverage community resources effectively. By fostering meaningful change, the grant seeks to uplift underserved populations, ensuring that all community members can thrive and contribute to a more equitable society.

Mission

Central Kentucky Community Foundation is the philanthropic focal point in the region, serving as a resource, leader and catalyst to people who wish to improve life in their community.

Central Kentucky Community Foundation Grant

CKCF strives to enhance communities by uniting people and investing resources through philanthropy. We are committed to building philanthropic resources that will enrich the lives of people who live in our nine-county region encompassing Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Hart, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, and Washington counties. One of the ways we carry out this work is through a meaningful and impactful grants program.

The nonprofit organizations serving our communities provide vital services and opportunities making this a great place to call home. Our nonprofits work to help fulfill their mission and bring new opportunities to our community, but serving a growing region comes with challenges. To meet the ever-changing needs of our community, CKCF’s Granted program offers funding opportunities to our local nonprofits.

This program offers grant funding in three categories:

• Capacity Building: funding organizational and financial stability, program quality, and growth, allowing nonprofits to carry out their mission more effectively.
• Capital Improvement: funding essential items to help organizations fulfill their mission. These grants are typically a one-time expense.
• Programming: funding ideas or expand existing programs that align with the mission of the organization.

Funding

Organizations may apply for funding in only one category for up to $7,500. Additionally, we will offer the opportunity for a “stretch” ask for up to $10,000 enabling nonprofits to receive additional funding to strengthen their project.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

The Linda and Jerry Bruckheimer Preservation Fund for Kentucky Grants supports the preservation of historic buildings, communities, and landscapes throughout Kentucky. It funds planning and education efforts aimed at revitalizing historical sites and engaging new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible projects include hiring consultants, developing design guidelines, and conducting community outreach. Applicants must match the grant amount on a one-to-one basis, ensuring a commitment to preserving Kentucky's cultural heritage.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

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

The Sundt Foundation, established in 1999, supports local communities by offering grants and volunteer opportunities for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Focused on youth development, hunger and nutrition, and veteran services, the Foundation prioritizes projects in regions such as the Southwest and Southeast United States. However, they do not fund requests exceeding $25,000 or support multi-year pledges, fundraising events, or political causes. Their mission continues to foster community connections and belonging.

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

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that enhance community welfare. Focus areas include agriculture, education, fighting hunger, and public safety. Eligible applicants must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and a Taxpayer Identification number. Requests are prioritized for programs directly benefiting communities near Perdue facilities across various states. The foundation emphasizes responsible stewardship and community engagement in all funding decisions.

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

The Teaching Art Together Grant empowers Kentucky teachers to collaborate with professional artists, enhancing the educational experience through innovative residencies that last from one to four weeks. This program aims to integrate the arts into the curriculum, fostering creativity among students and teachers. By providing financial support for artist fees, the grant enables schools to enrich their teaching methods while ensuring that the arts remain a vital component of education beyond the residency period.

The David C. Herriman Fund, established by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, aims to support regional performing arts organizations in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. This fund prioritizes proposals that enhance performances and foster youth education in the arts. Grants range from $200,000 to $350,000 for larger projects and $15,000 to $50,000 for smaller initiatives, with a total budget not exceeding $400,000. Eligible applicants include local 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to the arts.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation invites organizations to apply for the Vibrant Places: Community and Cultural Vibrancy grant, aimed at enhancing community well-being through equitable access to resources and cultural enrichment. With $500,000 available for the 2025 cycle, grants of up to $25,000 will support initiatives that strengthen community ties and promote safe public spaces. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal agents, focusing on measurable outcomes and collaboration.

South Arts, Inc. is offering Accessibility Grants of up to $2,500 to nonprofit organizations in the Southeast to enhance accessibility in arts programs for individuals with disabilities. The grants aim to foster inclusivity by supporting projects that engage disabled artists and audiences. Organizations must be located within the South Arts Service region and focus on the arts. Priority will be given to new applicants and those serving BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, with a commitment to rural areas.

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

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

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

The HOKC Good Works Program offers small grants for newer nonprofit organizations in Kentucky. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for those with 1-5 years of existence, while requests under $2,499 qualify as small grants. Since 1951, the program has distributed over $68 million to support various categories, including community enhancement, education, and health services, benefiting millions of individuals across the state.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

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

The Professional Development and Artistic Planning Grants, offered by South Arts, support the professional growth of presenters, programmers, and curators in the Southern U.S. These grants facilitate travel to conferences, workshops, and other opportunities to enhance organizational capacity and program design. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, South Arts encourages applications from organizations led by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled individuals. Funding covers travel, training, and related expenses, promoting equitable access to professional development.

The Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle, by Southern Partners Fund, aims to empower rural communities in the Southeastern U.S. through grassroots leadership and organizing. The fund provides support to nonprofit organizations focused on social, economic, and environmental justice. Eligible applicants are community-based organizations with budgets under $350,000. The initiative honors Hubert E. Sapp's legacy, promoting equitable relationships that drive real transformation and community decision-making.