Best Grants for Public Health in Kentucky

Nonprofit organizations improving public health and quality of life for women and children in Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia can seek up to US $5,000 for education, health, human services, disaster preparedness, and related projects. Appalachian Regional Healthcare supports programs within its listed service counties that demonstrate measurable outcomes and strong collaboration.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible governmental units in Kentucky can seek funding for community betterment, basic human needs, and health and wellness programs. Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation supports efforts such as affordable housing, food access, and disease prevention, which may benefit public health initiatives and related services across the state.

Kentucky public health and research-focused 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited schools can seek solution-focused research support to address epidemiology and public health challenges. Humana Foundation supports work on nutrition, healthy living, chronic illness, and health equity, including projects tied to Jefferson County and broader national health equity research; current opportunities are by invitation, with interested organizations encouraged to make contact.

Nonprofit and governmental organizations running humanitarian, social, education, or community programs in Kentucky may be eligible for funding to support charitable initiatives and events. The Amgen Foundation provides U.S. organizations, including those serving Louisville and statewide, with donations and sponsorships that can also benefit public health and community well-being efforts.

Kentucky public health and human services nonprofits serving Northern Kentucky counties can access funding for education, social services, community development, and public health projects. The R. C. Durr Foundation prioritizes innovative, collaborative, and measurable programs in Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Harrison, Kenton, Mason, Owen, Pendleton, and Robertson counties that demonstrate long-term viability and improve quality of life.

Focused on community and economic development, health, education, and civic assets, this program invites Louisville metro nonprofit organizations to seek project-based funding that catalyzes growth and new opportunities. Kentucky public health and wellness initiatives that improve well-being, civic engagement, or perceptions of Kentucky can apply for US $150,000 - US $500,000, with strong matching support expected.

Nonprofit organizations, government entities, and eligible 501(c)(4)s in Kentucky and nearby Indiana counties can receive up to US $50,000 to address community health needs and social determinants of health. Owensboro Health Foundation provides funding for programs serving its 11-county service area that improve health outcomes and promote health equity, requiring a 100 percent tobacco-free policy.

Interact For Health

Our organization started in 1997, when ChoiceCare sold its health maintenance organization to Humana for $221 million. The proceeds were invested and The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati was created, serving a 20-county region in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. The foundation was charged with changing the way health care was delivered—especially for under-resourced communities.

Our mission is to ensure people in our region have a just opportunity to live their healthiest lives. Our Vision is focused on people in our region being healthy and thriving, regardless of who they are or where they live.

Interact For Health: Event Sponsorship

Interact for Health provides sponsorships as a way to support organizations within Greater Cincinnati with funding beyond our grantmaking work. Sponsorships are a competitive process, and funding is limited. We prioritize sponsoring events that serve our priority populations, align with our strategic plan, and benefit (and are located in) our 20-county service area.

In general, sponsorship opportunities are meant to benefit organizations that are not current grantees of Interact for Health. 

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community health, hunger relief, education, environment, or public safety can receive up to US $1,000 for programs and events. The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports tax-exempt organizations in its operating states, with preference for communities near major facilities and those endorsed by Perdue associates.

Nonprofits and public charities serving Greater Cincinnati communities in Kentucky can apply for the Joe Burrow Foundation’s Do Good Grants, awarding up to US $10,000 for innovative projects addressing children’s mental health and food insecurity. Public health organizations with sustainable, high-impact proposals within these focus areas may be strong candidates.

Eligible 501(c)(3) and 509(a) public charities in the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State area, including Northern Kentucky counties, can apply for Impact 100’s US $100,000 grants to launch or expand capital, start-up, technology, or program projects in health and wellness, family services, or related focus areas. Projects must address a defined community need with measurable goals over 1–3 years.

Nonprofit public charities and other eligible healthcare providers serving Grayson County, Kentucky can seek more than US $50,000 for community health projects and programs. Grayson County Healthcare Foundation supports initiatives that expand healthcare access, promote wellness, provide health and safety education, and improve overall public health and safety for local residents.

Kentucky public health and community organizations improving healthcare, wellness, and safety in Grayson County can seek funding for local projects and programs. Focused on expanding access, promoting wellness, and providing health and safety education, the Grayson County Healthcare Foundation offers Community Health Improvement Grants up to US $50,000 for eligible 501(c)(3) and 170(c) public charities.

Public health and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky can apply for Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation’s corporate giving program; awards More than US $1,000 for programs in health, social services, public safety, education, agriculture, environment, and hunger and poverty. Eligible nonprofits must be endorsed by a Perdue associate and serve communities where Perdue associates live and work.

The KY Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) offers year-round applications to enhance conservation efforts for agricultural lands. This program supports producers in improving grazing conditions, increasing crop resilience, and developing wildlife habitats through tailored conservation plans. Participants benefit from annual payments for implementing sustainable practices while maintaining existing conservation efforts. With a commitment to conservation, CSP aids in achieving a healthier ecosystem and better agricultural operations, making it a vital resource for Kentucky farmers.

The Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation offers Community Grants to support nonprofit organizations serving Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. Grants prioritize projects in Economic Development, Youth Services, Substance Abuse Services, and Health/Human Services. Applications exceeding $20,000 may require additional review. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, churches, public schools, and government entities. The Foundation does not fund individual grants or projects that discriminate based on protected classifications, ensuring a commitment to community equity and support.

The Community Foundation of South Central Kentucky supports philanthropic initiatives aiming to enhance community welfare through grants. Focused on lasting impact, the foundation funds projects in five key areas: education, health and human services, the arts, public recreation, and beautification. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations within the BRADD area of Kentucky. The foundation prioritizes projects that address community needs while excluding funding for individuals, capital campaigns, endowments, and general operating expenses.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, libraries, and other eligible public agencies can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 for rural education and related services, including early childhood through Grade 12 programs. Steele-Reese Foundation prioritizes literacy, math proficiency, school libraries, and out-of-school supports, which may benefit public health-focused initiatives in rural Appalachian communities.

Nonprofits, Kentucky-based institutions, and qualified individuals in Kentucky can seek funding to create, transcribe, index, or present oral history projects documenting the state’s stories, with awards up to US $7,500. Kentucky Historical Society supports oral history work that may capture public health–related experiences and community well-being across the state.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Jefferson County, Kentucky can seek approximately US $100,000 to support health and wellness, family services, education, environment, or arts initiatives that transform lives. Grants from Impact100 Louisville help Kentucky public health and community-focused groups expand programs, build capacity, or launch innovative projects with sustainable, county-focused impact.

Local educational agencies, educational cooperatives, and public universities/colleges in Kentucky can seek funding to develop technical assistance and professional learning that support migrant children’s educational and support needs. Kentucky Department of Education offers up to US $325,000 per regional center, which may benefit public health–related education services for migrant families.

The Impact100 Owensboro Residual Grant empowers women philanthropists by providing significant funding for transformative projects in the Greater Owensboro area. With a minimum grant size of $100,000, this grant supports initiatives in arts, education, family services, health, and environmental restoration. Organizations must demonstrate sustainability and community support while adhering to eligibility criteria, ensuring that funds are used effectively for community benefit. The residual grant amount varies yearly, allowing for flexible funding opportunities.

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Our mission is to be a diverse and inclusive organization providing programs, services and supports that protect and promote the health and well-being of all Kentuckians and their communities.

Department for Public Health (DPH) - Rural Health Transformation Program Funding Opportunity to Establish or Expand Community Paramedicine Programming

About the Program

This project is 100% funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for a total of $212.9 million in budget year 1 with 100% by CMS/HHS. The RHTF grant spans five budget periods aligned with federal fiscal years (FY2026–FY2030). Funding is disbursed annually by CMS based on achievement of performance metrics.

Funding is designed to support early program development and scaling. Community paramedicine programs are not expected to be fully sustainable during initial funding periods. Awards may vary depending on the proposed budget provided by the applicant and additional funding will be provided in subsequent years.

Program Objectives

Funded programs must demonstrate their willingness and ability to:

• Design and deliver community paramedicine services that address low-acuity, preventative, and high-utilization patient needs in Kentucky’s rural communities.
• Reduce unnecessary emergency department utilization and repeat visits after discharge by supporting community members where they are.
• Strengthen partnerships with rural service sites such as Local Health Departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers, rural clinics, and behavioral health partners, including Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs).
• Connect community members to the right care before and after emergencies by repositioning EMS as a front-line connector to care.
• Operate in a cost-effective, sustainable, and compliant manner. Compliance is defined as adherence to KBEMS standards for EMS agencies. 

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies serving women and children in South Central Kentucky can seek funding for health, education, human services, and related projects. Focused on improving quality of life and gender equity, the Community Foundation of South Central Kentucky invites proposals with strong planning, measurable outcomes, and collaborative, preventative approaches.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts and cultural organizations in Kentucky can receive up to US $5,000 to deliver arts programming that enhances community health and well-being. Kentucky Arts Council supports arts-based strategies for underserved populations, which may benefit public health initiatives focused on improving overall quality of life and participation in the arts.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes in rural Kentucky can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities funding to develop essential community facilities and services. Support may include grants, low-interest loans, or combinations for health centers, public safety buildings, community centers, and other facilities that can strengthen local public health infrastructure.

Kentucky local governments, special districts, and nonprofit entities in 54 eastern and southcentral counties can seek funding to support economic and community development projects that may enhance public health. These Kentucky Appalachian Regional Commission funds, administered by the Kentucky Department for Local Government, can support infrastructure, broadband, workforce training, education, and leadership or civic capacity initiatives.