Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Kentucky

Community Foundation of Louisville

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville mobilizes people, networks, and capital to spark meaningful change in and beyond Louisville. Just as our name signifies, here, community comes first. With over $874 million in assets, over 2,200 charitable funds, and collaborations with hundreds of local partners, we connect real investments with relevant causes. The Foundation has addressed and continues to address a wide range of community needs. The key priorities of the Foundation’s mission are to remove barriers to accessing capital and resources and to open opportunities for all. Working with neighbors, changemakers, and community investors, we’re inspiring greater generosity to move us all forward.

Scholarships

Since 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville has provided tens of millions of dollars in scholarships to support students with their educational goals. We assist donors in establishing scholarship funds so that a quality education can be available for everyone.

William J. Kircher Memorial Scholarship

The William J. Kircher Scholarship was established to provide scholarship assistance in the form of grants to help defray college or university expenses to students who are graduating from a Jefferson County Public School and plan to attend Bellarmine University, Transylvania University, University of Kentucky, or the University of Louisville.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

The Methodist Education Fund Grant, supported by the Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, provides essential financial assistance for seminary students and local pastors. Since 1968, it has funded scholarships and educational programs, ensuring candidates pursuing ordained ministry receive the necessary support. Eligible seminary students receive $325 per credit hour, while local pastors attending the Course of Study program receive $250 per course. This initiative fosters leadership within the United Methodist community.

The Asian Cultural Council's Graduate Fellowship provides financial support for travel and living expenses to graduate students from Asia studying in the U.S. It offers $15,000 for one academic year, potentially renewable for another year, covering essential costs while pursuing full-time coursework. This initiative fosters international cultural exchange and enhances academic training in the arts. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited graduate programs and commit to at least two consecutive semesters of study.

The WHAS Crusade for Children Grant supports organizations, schools, and hospitals that assist children with special needs up to age 18 in Kentucky and southern Indiana. Grants are aimed at direct services, specific programs, and equipment that benefit these children. Applicants must be in good IRS standing, and grants cannot fund administrative costs or be awarded to individuals. Since 1954, the Crusade has distributed over $217 million to further this mission.

The WHAS Crusade for Children Grant supports non-profit agencies, schools, and hospitals in Kentucky and southern Indiana that assist children with special needs. Since 1954, over $217 million has been awarded to improve the lives of these children. The grants focus on direct services and specific programs or equipment, excluding administrative costs and personal items. Eligible organizations must have IRS standing and county financial support before applying.

The Stephen L. Keller Scholarship, provided by the Blue Grass Community Foundation, supports exceptional students from Eastern Kentucky pursuing business-related majors. Eligible applicants must attend an accredited four-year institution in Kentucky and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. This scholarship awards $2,000 annually and is renewable for up to four years, fostering educational opportunities and community growth in the region.

The Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship (WRKS) provides financial assistance to Kentucky residents who have not earned an associate’s degree, enabling them to pursue industry-recognized certificates or diplomas. This scholarship is aimed at supporting students in high-demand fields such as healthcare, construction, and manufacturing, ensuring they have the opportunity to gain valuable qualifications. With a focus on accessibility, WRKS helps alleviate the financial burden of education for eligible students across the state.

The Loren Richards Elder Care Scholarship, funded by the Blue Grass Community Foundation, provides a $2,000 annual award for third or fourth year undergraduate students in Kentucky. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing degrees that directly impact the elderly population. Recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and remain full-time students to qualify for renewal. Established to enhance community life, it reflects the foundation's commitment to education and charitable giving.

Community Foundation of Louisville

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville mobilizes people, networks, and capital to spark meaningful change in and beyond Louisville. Just as our name signifies, here, community comes first. With over $874 million in assets, over 2,200 charitable funds, and collaborations with hundreds of local partners, we connect real investments with relevant causes. The Foundation has addressed and continues to address a wide range of community needs. The key priorities of the Foundation’s mission are to remove barriers to accessing capital and resources and to open opportunities for all. Working with neighbors, changemakers, and community investors, we’re inspiring greater generosity to move us all forward.

Scholarships

Since 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville has provided tens of millions of dollars in scholarships to support students with their educational goals. We assist donors in establishing scholarship funds so that a quality education can be available for everyone.

National Lincoln Institute Alumni Scholarship

The National Lincoln Institute Alumni Scholarship, established with the Community Foundation of Louisville, provides scholarship assistance in the form of grants to help defray African-American students' college, university, or vocational school expenses. Preference is given to students who are family members of Lincoln Institute Alumni.

The Lincoln Institute, or the Lincoln Ridge Kentucky Historical High School Institution for African Americans, was a school in Simpsonville, Kentucky, that operated from 1912-1966. Its alum created and administered the predecessor to this scholarship, enabling scores of young people to pursue higher education before ultimately establishing this Scholarship Fund with the Community Foundation of Louisville. Please be aware that this Fund is not connected with or controlled by Lincoln Foundation.

The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky offers grants aimed at projects focused on access to health care and children's health. Proposals should demonstrate potential impact, utilize best practices, and address health disparities. Nonprofits in Kentucky with 501c status are eligible, and projects must show commitment to diversity and evidence-based approaches. Grant recipients may receive full funding with no cost-sharing required, and all activities must adhere to agreed-upon timelines.

With support from Toyota Motor North America, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce $250,000 in grant funding to make public lands more accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities. The 2026 grant program will focus on communities near Toyota Motor North America facilities and is restricted to 16 communities, as detailed below. 

Overview

Through the 2026 Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands grant, NEEF aims to:

• Increase the capacity of local organizations and government agencies to address mobility and accessibility considerations on public lands; and
• Improve the level of access, comfort, and enjoyment experienced by public lands visitors of all abilities, together with their families and friends.

The grant will provide up to $20,000 per grantee to increase physical or digital access, provide adaptive recreation equipment or programming, or perform accessibility assessments on public lands in communities near 16 Toyota Motor North America facilities.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants Scholarship Fund

The Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants created this scholarship fund to award to a qualified individual majoring in an agricultural field.

Southern SARE offers Graduate Student Grants to support Master’s and PhD students engaged in sustainable agriculture research. This initiative encourages impactful research across various topics, including production, marketing, and social sciences. By providing funding opportunities, Southern SARE aims to foster the next generation of researchers committed to advancing sustainable agricultural practices throughout the Southern region.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

The Performing Artists Directory Grants, offered by the Kentucky Arts Council, aim to support professional performing artists in dance, music, theater, and storytelling. This program provides artists with marketing opportunities, professional development, and a platform for promoting their work. Eligible artists must be Kentucky residents and meet specific criteria, ensuring a diverse representation of talent. The directory serves as a valuable resource for booking performances, fostering connections between artists and venues.

Community Foundation of Louisville

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville mobilizes people, networks, and capital to spark meaningful change in and beyond Louisville. Just as our name signifies, here, community comes first. With over $874 million in assets, over 2,200 charitable funds, and collaborations with hundreds of local partners, we connect real investments with relevant causes. The Foundation has addressed and continues to address a wide range of community needs. The key priorities of the Foundation’s mission are to remove barriers to accessing capital and resources and to open opportunities for all. Working with neighbors, changemakers, and community investors, we’re inspiring greater generosity to move us all forward.

Scholarships

Since 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville has provided tens of millions of dollars in scholarships to support students with their educational goals. We assist donors in establishing scholarship funds so that a quality education can be available for everyone.

Harold & Mary Snook Scholarship

The Harold & Mary Snook Scholarship was established to provide scholarship assistance to help defray technical or trade school, college or university expenses of students in financial need who are pursuing studies in education or any medical field, with preference to those studying nursing. Students who do not have a GPA or test score that are believed to be reflective of their skills and ability are asked to provide an explanation in the form of an essay.

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.

Community Foundation of Louisville

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville mobilizes people, networks, and capital to spark meaningful change in and beyond Louisville. Just as our name signifies, here, community comes first. With over $874 million in assets, over 2,200 charitable funds, and collaborations with hundreds of local partners, we connect real investments with relevant causes. The Foundation has addressed and continues to address a wide range of community needs. The key priorities of the Foundation’s mission are to remove barriers to accessing capital and resources and to open opportunities for all. Working with neighbors, changemakers, and community investors, we’re inspiring greater generosity to move us all forward.

Scholarships

Since 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville has provided tens of millions of dollars in scholarships to support students with their educational goals. We assist donors in establishing scholarship funds so that a quality education can be available for everyone.

Harland Scholarship

The Harland Scholarship was established to provide scholarship assistance to help defray college or university expenses of Jefferson County, KY students from underserved populations and first-generation college students.

The Edith Schwab Memorial Scholarship, established by the Blue Grass Community Foundation in honor of Edith Schwab, aims to support graduate students in Kentucky pursuing careers in public service. This non-renewable scholarship offers at least $1,000 to candidates with excellent academic records and demonstrated financial need, focusing on fields such as public administration, teaching, public health, or social work. The foundation seeks to empower future leaders dedicated to community enhancement.

Norton Healthcare

For more than 130 years, Norton Healthcare’s faith heritage has guided its mission to provide quality health care to all those it serves. Today, Norton Healthcare is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients from throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond.

Norton Healthcare Foundation

The Norton Healthcare Foundation raises funds to purchase new equipment, provide programs and education, and fund research that makes a difference for the more than 400,000 patients and their families who come to us for help each year.

Scholarships

Norton Healthcare is proud to offer a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to support the academic and professional growth of students pursuing careers in health care. These programs reflect our commitment to investing in the next generation of skilled, compassionate health care professionals. Whether you are beginning your educational journey or advancing your career, Norton Healthcare scholarship opportunities provide valuable financial assistance and recognition for your dedication to excellence in patient care and community health.

Norton Healthcare Summer College Internship Program

Norton Healthcare invites you to apply for our summer internship program. The program runs from May to August and is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

In this immersive, 12-week, paid internship program, you will receive hands-on experience, explore many facets of our health care system and learn how we continuously strive to improve the quality of care for our patients, community and employees.

The Program Consists of Four Key Areas:

• Project work
• Professional development
• Community engagement
• Executive exposure

Kentucky Department of Tourism

The Kentucky Department of Tourism is an agency within the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, which promotes the Commonwealth as a travel destination

The Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet (TAH) is dedicated to making Kentucky a welcoming place for everyone to visit, with a focus on tourism, the arts and sharing the commonwealth's unique heritage.​ TAH serves as Kentucky's top tourism agency, and collaborates with local tourism partners to coordinate tourism, arts and heritage efforts through legislation, tourism development and marketing outreach.

Regional Marketing and Matching Funds Program

The Matching Funds Program provides local non-profit tourism organizations with financial assistance to promote tourism in their areas. The program is administered by KDT staff in accordance with 300 KAR 1:010, Regional Marketing and Matching Funds Program.

Specific projects eligible for reimbursement include:

• Tourism publications, Videos, CDs and DVDs
• Media advertisements
• Billboards and Signage
• Brochure Distribution Services
• Consumer travel show expenses
• Group tour marketplace expenses
• Meeting/Convention & Sports marketing Trade Shows and Expo expenses
• Media Press Kits
• Sponsorship of Tourism Trade Shows and Events
• Bid Fees to Assist in Bringing Events to the State
• Web Site design expenses

The Kentucky 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Grant aims to enhance student achievement and social development through effective out-of-school programs. Targeting high-poverty and low-performing schools, it provides academic, artistic, and cultural enrichment opportunities. Local school districts, community organizations, and other eligible agencies are invited to apply, with a maximum award of $150,000 available and no matching funds required, fostering collaboration for student success.

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

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.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.