Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Kentucky

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Kentucky can receive technical and financial help to implement conservation practices on working lands. Focused on environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service invites applicants to improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience through EQIP.

New or established 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations, primarily in the greater Chicago area, can seek McGraw Foundation grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000 for education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs. Kentucky nonprofits may be eligible if they meet the location and mission criteria and are invited to apply.

Graduate students conducting research on drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related research, American Water Works Association invites applicants whose work may ultimately benefit communities and nonprofit efforts in Kentucky and beyond.

New and established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kentucky can seek funding for economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts and culture projects. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help organizations, especially those led by people of color, that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion and may benefit newer nonprofits building community programs.

Agricultural and forest producers in Kentucky can receive US $4,000 annually to enhance conservation practices and stewardship on working lands. With a mission to strengthen environmental stewardship, USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Kentucky provides technical and financial support for whole-operation conservation plans, including grazing improvements, crop resiliency, soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat enhancements.

New or established nonprofits in Kentucky working to build women’s and children’s self-sufficiency, provide humanitarian aid, or support education and employment can apply for funding from The Father's Table Foundation. U.S.-based organizations focused on areas like homelessness, food security, health care, disaster relief, or anti-trafficking may be eligible for awards up to US $750,000.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions conducting biomedical research in areas like public health, neuroscience, genetics, or HIV/AIDS in Kentucky can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards to support small-scale research projects and student research experiences. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health provides up to US $375,000, with eligibility limited to institutions below specified NIH funding thresholds in recent years.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on economic mobility, workforce readiness, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Selected organizations join a two-year leadership development program and receive capacity-building support, provided they meet revenue thresholds, operate in eligible markets, and have stable leadership and a three-year impact plan.

Faculty at Kentucky higher education institutions focused on undergraduate STEM and science education can seek support for one-year research projects across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, engineering, health sciences, and more. With a mission to foster scientific discovery, Kentucky Academy of Science provides Kentucky researchers with funding for personnel, equipment, supplies, travel, and consultants, which may benefit new nonprofit-affiliated programs.

New and established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kentucky and other Cleveland-Cliffs communities can seek funding for education, environment, and healthy community projects. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help organizations build workforce skills, restore land and water, expand green spaces, and improve health and vibrancy for underserved populations near company operations.

Early-career medical and health researchers at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries, including Kentucky-affiliated partners working abroad, can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support independent clinical trial research. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help fund three to five years of mentored career development and research support, with awards around Approximately US $140,000.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award from the National Institutes of Health, with approximately US $140,000 supporting mentored health research career development. New Kentucky-based nonprofits partnering with LMIC investigators may be involved as collaborators or mentors.

About CommonSpirit

A calling that defines and unites

At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

Kentucky education and community organizations can receive up to US $150,000 to create or expand out-of-school programs that boost student achievement and social development. Kentucky Department of Education funding supports academic, artistic, and cultural enrichment for students in high-poverty, low-performing schools, which may benefit new nonprofits focused on after-school and youth development services.

New or established 501(c)(3) organizations offering education-focused or youth-serving programs in Kentucky may be eligible for grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Focused on educational opportunity, the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust also considers arts education, community initiatives, youth programs, and limited environmental, disability access, and historic preservation projects with a strong educational component.

New 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kentucky can apply for Ensign-Bickford Industries’ Ensign-Bickford Foundation Grant, awarding up to US $5,000 for community-focused projects. Funding may support education, environmental conservation, health and welfare, arts and culture, civic improvement, or related programs, with priority given to education and environment initiatives in areas where the company operates.

Health-focused nonprofits and institutions in Kentucky can seek sponsorship funding for congresses, events, or initiatives that offer Biogen Foundation tangible benefits like exhibit space, banners, or marketing visibility. Eligible programs span areas such as neurological diseases, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and related conditions, with requests reviewed on a rolling basis and due 50 days before funding decisions.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working in areas like economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services in Kentucky can receive matched donations through Regions Bank’s program. Regions Bank provides Kentucky nonprofits with up to US $1,000 per recent retiree in matching gifts when supported by eligible Regions retirees.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Kentucky working on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services may benefit from Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program. Eligible organizations can receive matched donations when supported by full-time Regions associates or recent retirees within the bank’s footprint.

New or established 501(c)(3) nonprofits, or those with a fiscal sponsor, can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 in general operating support for grassroots work in areas like regenerative agriculture, healthy food access, and climate justice. Focused on environmental and food system change, Clif Family Foundation invites Kentucky organizations to apply to its twice-yearly open call.

The William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust provides funding to nonprofit organizations focused on education, environmental protection, medical research, and support for the underprivileged. This trust, based in Florida, primarily serves communities in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties, along with select areas in Appalachia. It seeks to assist public charities classified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring support for impactful charitable initiatives.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund

The NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund supports the launch or expansion of clinical programs and new service areas that increase access to care for underserved patients. This funding is designed to help NAFC members introduce new services or grow existing programs that address unmet community health needs and improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

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 Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.

The First Financial Foundation, established in 2017, aims to enhance local communities through targeted grants. With a focus on neighborhood development, workforce education, and cultural initiatives, the foundation supports organizations creating affordable housing, enhancing financial literacy, and promoting the arts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving specific counties and must align with the foundation's mission. The foundation seeks to foster community growth and diversity while ensuring impactful contributions.

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.

The RNRF Planning and Small Grants program provides funding up to $50,000 to support projects that enhance collaboration among community partners in addressing critical environmental issues. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary cooperation. Projects should align with RNRF's mission and focus areas, including air quality, biodiversity, and renewable energy. The initiative aims to create sustainable and impactful outcomes by bridging research and practical implementation.