Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Kentucky

Mission

The Foundation was established in December 2013 by Kathryn B. McQuade, after retiring from 33 years of working in the business community. I was blessed to have been born into a loving middle class family. My father worked very hard to insure that all of his children were given an opportunity for a good education and my mother, “a stay at home Mom’ was always there for us. My world was safe and comfortable. My life is in stark contrast to how much of the rest of the world lives. I continue to read of the terrible injustices waged against women and children globally and hope that this foundation can provide them the opportunity and resources to succeed. We will support organizations that help us achieve our goal of Striving to make sustainable improvements in women and children’s rights education and welfare.

Kathryn McQuade Foundation Grant

The Foundation will make timely decisions on your grant request and provide clear communications on our expectations of reporting progress.

Women

The Foundation’s goal is to provide women assistance and provide them an opportunity to succeed. Assistance can take many forms, however our goal is to help them become self sufficient and enable them to lift themselves out of poverty and provide for their children. Access to education, job training and professional skills, even access to capital in order to build a business are possible ways we will consider helping women to succeed. Grant requests should focus on enabling the women to sustain financial independence.

We look forward to hearing of the many creative ways organizations are working on helping women succeed through out the world. To help women is to help their children and the communities they live in.

Children

Too many children in the US and across the world live in poverty and lack the access to education. Education and/or appropriate skills training are necessary to break the cycle of poverty and crime. While the assistance to women may take many forms, the foundation’s focus for children will target education and/ or skills training. The Foundation is open to many ideas on how to accomplish this goal and look forward to receiving proposals to help all children achieve their potential.

The Medical Student Education Program (MSE) supports public medical schools in states facing primary care provider shortages, aiming to enhance medical education for future physicians. Eligible states include those in the top quartile projected to face shortages by 2038. Currently, 12 states such as Alabama and Texas are recognized, with 23 public medical schools identified as potential beneficiaries. Note that current MSE grantees are ineligible for the 2026 funding cycle.

The Kentucky Civic Seal Mini-Grant Program aims to empower educators and students by funding civic engagement projects that align with the Civic Seal criteria. Offering grants ranging from $100 to $1000, this initiative supports planning, enacting, and showcasing civic action projects. Launched with the help of the CivXNow and community partners, it emphasizes diversity in applicant selection and encourages collaboration between students and adult sponsors to enhance civic learning and participation.

The Bonnycastle Fellowship for Wetland and Waterfowl Research supports graduate students in advancing conservation efforts. Offered by Ducks Unlimited, this fellowship provides up to $17,000 annually for research and personal support. The fellowship emphasizes the importance of research originality, ecological contributions, and feasibility. It is open to all North American graduate students, with a preference for doctoral candidates. The award is renewable for PhD students up to two years, and once for Master's students, contingent on satisfactory progress.

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.

Edward E. & Beverley H. McDonald Scholarship

The Edward E. & Beverley H. McDonald Scholarship was established by Mrs. Beverley H. McDonald of Nicholasville, KY, to provide scholarship assistance to graduating seniors from Bryan Station High School, Lafayette High School, or Tates Creek High School in Lexington, KY, or any high school located in Jessamine County, KY.

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.

Ed & Debbie Galloway Scholarship

The Ed & Debbie Galloway Scholarship was established to provide grants to defray college or university expenses of students from Shelby County, KY, who demonstrate great promise and strong work ethic.

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.

BrightSpring Brighter Futures Scholarship

The BrightSpring Brighter Futures Scholarship was established to provide scholarship assistance in the form of grants to help defray college or university expenses of underserved student populations.

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.

Dunaway Scholarship

The Dunaway Scholarship was established in 2004 by Samuel M. Dunaway to provide educational grants to graduating seniors from any high school located in Breckinridge, Butler, Edmonson, Grayson, Hancock, and Ohio Counties in Kentucky. The scholarship is based on financial need and recipients will be selected on their determination and ability to successfully complete the degree and/or education program to which they are enrolled.

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.

Carolyn P. Bogan Scholarship

The Carolyn P. Bogan Scholarship is designed to provide scholarship assistance in the form of grants to help defray college, university, vocational, trade or professional certificate expenses of students graduating from a high school located in Eastern Kentucky or the Appalachia region of Kentucky. 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is funding pilot and feasibility studies aimed at preparing for substance use and HIV prevention research trials. The program encourages innovative interventions for substance use disorders and HIV eradication, focusing on stakeholder collaboration and practical application. Projects may include assessment of service models, intervention development, and community engagement. This initiative is designed to fill critical research gaps and enhance partnerships, although applications are not currently being accepted.

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.

Denise Fleck Memorial Scholarship

The Denise Fleck Memorial Scholarship was established by her family to honor a courageous woman dedicated to the prevention and intervention of tobacco use by teens. Denise was instrumental in the implementation of the “Teens Against Tobacco Use” program in Kentucky and worked extensively with many health-related organizations. This scholarship fund is designed to provide scholarship assistance in the form of grants to help defray college or university expenses of students who are actively involved in community service activities for the prevention and intervention of tobacco use by their peers.

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.

Donna Scholarship

The Donna Scholarship was established by Sam and Pat Kinnaird in honor of Pat's sister, Donna McHugh. Donna attended college while working and raising three children. She received a bachelor's degree from the University of Louisville in 2002 and a master's degree from Loyola University in 2010. The Donna Scholarship Fund is designed to provide scholarship assistance to help defray the cost of tuition, books, and fees of single, working mothers residing in Metro Louisville who demonstrate financial need.

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.

Doris F. Schneider Scholarship for Women

The Doris F. Schneider Scholarship for Women was established by Ellen Schneider in honor of her mother, Doris F. Schneider, a lifelong proponent of women’s education and reproductive rights. The fund is designed to provide scholarship assistance in the form of grants to help defray college or university expenses of women pursuing college educations.

The South Arts Southern Prize provides a unique opportunity for individual artists in the Southern region of the U.S. to showcase their scriptwriting talents. With a total of $35,000 in grants available, including a $25,000 Southern Prize and a $10,000 runner-up prize, this program supports artistic excellence and offers a two-week residency at The Hambidge Center. Eligible applicants must be legal residents of the Southern states and adhere to specific requirements. The program celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the American South.

The South Arts State Fellowship offers a $5,000 grant to artists reflecting the rich visual arts culture of the Southern U.S. It aims to support individual artists or collaborative teams creating original works. Each state will select one awardee based on artistic excellence. Applicants must be legal U.S. residents and provide proof of residency. The application deadline is December 10, 2025, and awardees must attend an awards ceremony in summer 2026.

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.

Dr. Lynn Wagner Scholarship

Dr. Lynn Koch Wagner's passion was history and teaching history. She was a Louisville native and Southern High School graduate, who went on to earn multiple degrees in history at Morehead State College and her Doctorate of Education at the University of Louisville. Dr. Wagner taught for more than thirty years at the University of Louisville, Bellarmine University, and Jefferson Community College. Her sister and brother-in-law, Elise and Dann Stevens, along with Dr. Wagner's brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews, are creating this scholarship to honor her lifetime commitment to education and in the hopes of assisting other promising students in Jefferson County, Kentucky. Specifically, this scholarship is designed to provide scholarship assistance in the form of grants to help defray college or university expenses of students pursuing a college education.

The Arts Access Assistance program, run by the Kentucky Arts Council, provides funding between $2,500 and $5,000 to 501(c)(3) nonprofits for innovative arts programming aimed at underserved communities. This initiative fosters creativity and well-being by utilizing arts-based strategies that evolve with each grant cycle. The program seeks to enhance cultural engagement, promote lifelong learning, and increase participation in the arts across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The Individual Artist Fellowship, offered by the Kentucky Arts Council, provides a competitive $7,500 award to professional artists in Kentucky. This fellowship recognizes creative excellence and is based on the quality of submitted work samples. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of achievement in their field and have been Kentucky residents for at least one year. The award is unrestricted, allowing artists to use the funds to enhance their careers in various ways.

The Emerging Traditional Artists Program (ETAP), presented by South Arts Inc., supports early-career traditional artists from Appalachian Regional Commission-designated counties. With a $5,000 award, artists can access training, networking, and mentorship opportunities to enhance their skills and community impact. This initiative aims to preserve traditional arts and culture while fostering a new generation of artists dedicated to their craft and cultural heritage.

The KOHC: Oral History Grants - Technical Assistance Grants, administered by the Kentucky Historical Society, provide essential resources for local oral history projects. These grants offer audio recording equipment, training, and support to individuals and organizations with limited experience. Since 1976, KOHC has awarded over $1 million, facilitating the collection of 35,000 interviews that capture Kentucky’s rich history. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, with award notifications issued within 60 days.

The Josephine Rudy Smith Scholarship Fund Grant, established in 1948 in memory of Josephine Rudy Smith, supports ministerial students in the Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Funded initially by a donation of $40,000 and ongoing contributions, it is administered by a committee of church leaders. Eligible candidates must be certified for ordained ministry, hold a bachelor's degree, and maintain a GPA of 3.0. Awards can reach up to $4,000, aiding students in their seminary journey.

Organizational Information

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Mi​ssio​n​

Uniting People and Information.

Visi​on

We envision a future in which Kentuckians value the importance of libraries and Kentucky government records and we are recognized for:

• Innovative and creative approaches for preserving and providing access to government records;
• Enabling libraries to be essential to their communities;
• Being a va​lued partner in the educational and economic development of the Commonwealth.

2027 Website and Technology Grant

Overview

This grant is made possible by KDLA’s funding from the Grants to States program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Projects must support the information needs of all Kentuckians by providing access to resources as identified in the 2023-2027 LSTA 5-Year Plan. 

Goals

To support initiatives to update library websites to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and offer current technology. All project activities and funds must be spent by August 31, 2027.

The Kentucky Oral History Commission (KOHC) provides grants to support oral history projects that preserve and document Kentucky's rich history. These grants include Project Grants for creating research projects, Transcription and Indexing Grants for existing interviews, and Presentation Grants for showcasing oral histories through various media. Funding amounts range from $2,500 to $7,500 depending on the grant type. These initiatives aim to foster participation and ensure the preservation of significant narratives across the state.

The F26AS00104 State ANS Management Plan 2026 aims to combat aquatic nuisance species through pre-proposals followed by full applications. Managed by the US Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, this initiative requires a 25% cost-share and limits administrative costs to 5%. Applications are due by October 14, 2026, though the funding opportunity closes on December 16, 2026. The plan is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting a coordinated national approach to invasive species management.

The Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation, established in 1994, focuses on enhancing education, health, cultural experiences, and social welfare for youth with disabilities and economic challenges in the Greater Cincinnati area. It supports arts organizations and recreation initiatives, prioritizing programs that help young individuals realize their potential. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofits and demonstrate benefits to specific counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The Foundation encourages collaboration with other donors for project funding.

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.

Robert E. Haire Scholarship

The Robert E. Haire Scholarship was established to honor Mr. Robert E. Haire, who taught Advanced Placement History at Eastern High School and Fern Creek High School in Louisville, KY. Specifically, the fund was designed to provide scholarship assistance in the form of grants to help defray college or university expenses for graduating seniors from Eastern High School and/or Fern Creek High School, who excelled in Advance Placement History class or/or on the Advanced Placement History Test.

The NRP Young Investigator Award is designed to support research on optimizing newborn care during delivery using Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) techniques. This grant encourages innovative projects addressing gaps in transitional physiology and resuscitation practices. Eligible applicants include researchers from Canadian and US institutions, particularly those in training or within four years of completing medical training. Awardees may receive up to $15,000 to enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately improving neonatal outcomes.