Best Grants for Religious Nonprofits in Kentucky

Religious and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Kentucky and the broader Southern region can seek support for programs in poverty relief, children and families, education, medical assistance, disaster relief, and related services. Focused on tangible, meaningful impact, Robinson Foundation invites single-year project requests rather than capital or facilities funding.

The Alma Gibbs Donchian Foundation provides grants primarily to support institutions in Vermont, focusing on issues such as elderly welfare, educational assistance for learning disabilities, and community preservation. Emphasizing partnerships and innovative program models, the Foundation prefers applicants with a strong financial management background. Grants typically range from a few thousand dollars to $20,000, with larger amounts considered for significant impact projects. Eligibility is limited to tax-exempt organizations.

501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, health care, faith-based programs, poverty relief, arts, or environmental stewardship, including those in Kentucky, can apply for more than US $5,000 to support their programs. The James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation prioritizes organizations that use resources wisely, demonstrate strong leadership, and support family unity.

Media professionals and organizations in Kentucky creating secular content about religious issues, values, or themes can apply for the Wilbur Awards, honoring excellence in public communication. Grants from Religion Communicators Council help recognize outstanding audio, audiovisual, image, and written work on religion and spirituality in general-circulation outlets first published or broadcast in 2024.

Religious nonprofits in Kentucky seeking support for faith-based programs, education, or arts initiatives can apply for funding that may benefit their work. Focused on arts, education, and religion, Chisholm Foundation invites U.S. organizations to propose new or demonstration projects that can attract additional supporters and potentially be continued or expanded over time.

Kentucky religious congregations with historic houses of worship planning major capital projects can access funding through Partners for Sacred Places, receiving US $50,000 - US $500,000 in matching grants. Eligible projects include urgent structural repairs, building envelope preservation, accessibility upgrades, and renovations that make underused space available for community-serving outreach programs.

Junior humanities and humanistic social science faculty in Kentucky can receive sabbatical funding, research and travel support, and career development through the Career Enhancement Fellowship, with awards up to US $35,000. Institute for Citizens & Scholars prioritizes Mellon Mays alumni and scholars advancing racial equity, including work connected to religion and spirituality on U.S. campuses.

Doctoral candidates who are Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship alumni can receive up to US $30,000 to spend a year completing their dissertation through this nationwide program, including Kentucky. Grants from Institute for Citizens & Scholars help scholars in eligible humanities, social science, and physical science fields finish writing and advance academic careers, which may benefit religion and spirituality-focused departments.

Adjunct humanities and social science faculty who are Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship alumni in Kentucky can receive support to pursue research and scholarship that advance their academic careers. Institute for Citizens & Scholars provides U.S. religion and spirituality scholars with a six‑month Adjunct Faculty Fellowship, including up to US $10,000, mentoring, and conference funding.

Presbyterian women of color, clergywomen, college women, and other women in the U.S., including Kentucky, can receive up to US $3,000 for leadership and spiritual development events or college through this scholarship. The Katie Cannon Scholarship from Presbyterian Mission Agency supports women’s leadership within Presbyterian religious communities and ministries.

Religious 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky seeking support for faith-based or charitable programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Andrew Burgin Charitable Trust provides U.S. religious and other qualifying nonprofits with funding across areas like religion, education, health, environment, and human services, and Kentucky-based groups may be competitive applicants.

501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky that are significantly supported by religious institutions, care for the sick or aged, or provide education in South Florida can seek US $10,000 - US $25,000 for their work. The Harry Kramer Memorial Fund supports U.S. charities, including those aiding organizations and individuals in Israel and faith-related nonprofits.

Religious 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky seeking support for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational programs may be eligible for this national opportunity. Grants from Winter Clarence W Charitable Trust help U.S. nonprofits, with a preference for Bucks County, PA, access US $3,000 - US $5,000 in annual funding for their work.

Kentucky religious and spirituality-focused 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through the Tuttleman Foundation to support programs in spirituality, basic human services, health care access, and arts and museums. U.S.-based nonprofits may receive US $1,000 - US $250,000, with grant size reflecting organizational budget, program needs, and available foundation resources.

Kentucky religious congregations planning new sanctuary construction can access funding through the John C Lasko Foundation Trust for worship space capital projects. Eligible churches must own the land and cover at least 50% of project costs, with grants focused on the sanctuary portion and projects demonstrating compelling community need and broad social benefit nationwide.

Kentucky religious and spiritual 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Larry H Miller Family Foundation for general operating support in areas like health, food and shelter, education, jobs, and cultural or spiritual enrichment. Eligible U.S.-based organizations may receive up to US $10,000, with applications reviewed monthly for smaller or first-time applicants.

Kentucky religious and spiritual nonprofits can access funding through the Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation for faith-based and humanitarian programs, education, literacy, health, wellness, arts, and construction projects. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible, with a preference for work in Oklahoma, and must submit a Letter of Inquiry before being invited to apply.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) religious and ministry organizations in Kentucky with projects that equip or restore people may be eligible if their work directly benefits Montanans. Gianforte Family Charitable Trust provides faith-based and relationship-focused grants, so Kentucky religious nonprofits whose programs impact Montana communities can seek support for education, ministries, or relational restoration initiatives.

High school seniors from Troy-area high schools planning postsecondary study and active in church or school service, and of African American or African descent, can apply for the Michael Gregory Boyd Scholarship. With a mission to empower meaningful giving, the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region supports faith- and service-oriented students, which may interest Kentucky religious nonprofits guiding college-bound youth.

The Joe Booker Endowed Scholarship, administered by the Hamilton County Community Foundation, supports students in Indiana who advocate for limited government based on Judeo-Christian values. This scholarship aims to empower individuals to achieve their educational goals, promoting a community where everyone has equitable opportunities. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and preference is given to residents from Arcadia or Cicero, IN. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering civic responsibility and community engagement.

The Huston Foundation Grants support both Protestant Evangelical Christian and secular needs, emphasizing humanitarian efforts since 1957. Applicants must demonstrate evangelism and provide a doctrinal statement of faith for Christian grants, while secular projects must show unique community needs and measurable goals. All applicants must also possess 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This dual-focus ensures diverse community support, fostering personal development and innovative solutions to pressing issues.

The ACLS Graduate Internships on the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future program offers summer opportunities for current PhD students in the humanities and social sciences to engage with organizations addressing the evolving American religious landscape. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders by providing practical experiences that demonstrate the value of doctoral training beyond academia. Supported by the Templeton Religion Trust, the internships encourage collaboration between fellows and community organizations, fostering a deeper understanding of spiritual infrastructures.

The American Bible Society (ABS) Research Grant invites Christian higher education scholars to explore ways to enhance Bible engagement among young adults aged 18-35. With $50,000 in funding, this grant encourages innovative proposals that promote meaningful interactions with Scripture, evaluate engagement strategies, and cater to diverse Christian traditions. Research teams or individual faculty members with expertise in spiritual formation and discipleship are encouraged to apply, aiming for scalable solutions that positively impact spiritual well-being.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Luzerne County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Lackawanna County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a student matriculating at a college, university, or business in the year of the scholarship.

Innovation in Religion and Spirituality Seed Grants Call for Proposals

The Religion and the Public Sphere program at the Social Science Research Council aims to foster research on the wider implications of new forms of religious and spiritual life. This program is offered with the support of the Luce Foundation, the John Templeton Foundation, and the Templeton World Charity Foundation.

Overview

In recent years, scholars have noted that religious and spiritual life is being substantively reshaped. “Innovation” is one way of framing these changes, but it remains a partial and contested analytic lens, and is popularly associated with the sudden emergence of a “new” element introduced into an otherwise static tradition. Scholarship on religion and spirituality, however, points to a more complex set of processes. The essays in an ongoing forum for The Immanent Frame have set out some initial parameters of these dynamics: rather than invention ex nihilio, what we often see is the strategic recombination of existing elements within a broader context of social, political, and cultural change.

Research Themes

This request invites proposals that examine the dynamics of religious and spiritual change that fall within the frame of “innovation.” Possible topics include, but are not limited to: 

• Explorations of innovations within transnational or diasporic religious and/or spiritual communities within the United States, particularly related to the circulation of ideas and culture from or to the Global South.   
• Gendered knowledge of innovation. 
• Studies of the process by which an innovation attains—or does not attain—legitimacy, relevance, or authority within a given community or institution. 
• The relationship between contemporary economic conditions—poverty, economic insecurity, and competitive pressures for time and money—and innovations in religion and spirituality. 
• Historical studies of innovations in religion and spirituality; the creation, reception, transformation, and longevity of an innovation over time.  
• Civic participation and the social mobilization of new or innovative religious identities, as well as the reinterpretation of religious or spiritual traditions or ideas in the service of particular political or ideological projects.

Program Terms 

The program offers research support over a period of up to 6 months. The grant funds will be up to $10,000 per award.