Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Kentucky

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is announcing a funding opportunity to support the Exceptional Longevity Data Management and Coordinating Center (EL DMCC). This initiative aims to enhance the management of large, diverse datasets and facilitate collaborative research across NIA projects. Core functions include data integration, AI/ML infrastructure development, and maintaining the ELITE Portal for secure data access. This NOFO encourages innovative approaches to longevity research, though applications are not currently being solicited.

The NIJ FY 2026 Crime and Justice Research funding opportunity invites applications for innovative research aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the adult criminal justice system. It comprises two main categories: one focuses on new programs and strategies to improve workforce readiness, while the other assesses the impact of the COPS De-escalation Training Program. This initiative seeks to foster safety and operational improvements within law enforcement.

The Rea Charitable Trust, established in 2009 by Mrs. Isabel McClintic Rea, prioritizes support for charitable organizations that focus on the arts. Administered by Comerica Bank & Trust, the trust provides funding through structured application periods for organizations based on their names. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, limited to one application per year. The trust aims to uphold Mrs. Rea's legacy by fostering artistic endeavors within the community.

The SMART FY26 Support for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program aims to enhance sex offender registration and notification practices across jurisdictions in the U.S. By supporting the implementation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), this grant facilitates the establishment of comprehensive sex offender registries, ensuring that states, territories, and federally recognized tribes comply with federal standards. This initiative also promotes interjurisdictional information exchange and helps maintain public safety.

The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I program invites proposals for groundbreaking aerospace concepts, aiming to transform potential in aeronautics. This initiative supports innovative research through multiple award phases, focusing on Phase I requirements and evaluation criteria. A virtual forum will be held on October 7, 2026, to discuss the Appendix’s details and clarify submission guidelines. Additional information will be available on the NSPIRES page, ensuring participants are well-informed about the process.

The Makulinski Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofit and charity organizations, emphasizing sustainable community development. With a commitment to lasting change, MFF actively matches investments to amplify their impact, ranging from 10:1 to 1:2 based on beneficiary needs. The foundation welcomes proposals from various regions, including Ohio, Michigan, and South Carolina, and encourages applications that align with their mission. Interested parties can access the grant request form to submit their proposals.

The Air Force Basic Research Sciences Conference and Workshop Support program encourages proposals from U.S. institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations for conferences and workshops that promote research and technology interchange. These events are vital for sharing recent findings and educational techniques in key scientific areas. The program specifically invites Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority-serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges to participate, aiming to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers.

The NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) aims to support the development of independent scientists and enhance their research capabilities. This award offers salary support and protected time for three to five years, specifically for those leading independent clinical trials or feasibility studies. Applicants must demonstrate a need for focused research to advance their careers. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to February 2027, catering to various submission types including standard and AIDS-related grants.

The NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) supports the development of outstanding scientists by providing three to five years of salary support and protected time for newly independent researchers. This funding opportunity is specifically for applicants proposing research that does not involve leading an independent clinical trial, allowing them to gain experience in trials led by others. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to February 2027.

This funding opportunity invites applications for Testing Centers focused on evaluating somatic cell genome editing technologies for translational applications. These centers will provide essential resources and testing services to researchers, ensuring the efficacy and safety of novel genome editing methods. By developing innovative in vivo and in vitro models, the centers aim to enhance scientific rigor and reproducibility in biomedical research, ultimately supporting the advancement of therapeutics for human diseases.

FC Cincinnati Foundation

FC Cincinnati is committed to leaving a legacy, creating something bigger than ourselves, and being the embodiment of a rising Cincinnati. Through our own programs and initiatives, and the support of key partners, we aim to improve the lives of children through the game of soccer and will continue to do our part to create an inclusive community.

FC Cincinnati Foundation’s mission is accomplished primarily through five key programs: Club Ambassadorship through In-School and Out-of-School Programming, Mini Pitch Soccer Builds, West End Pride and Learning Is Cool. These programs help promote and encourage strong academic performance, and serve as catalysts to reinforce character values and improved health for children in the Greater Cincinnati region. The Foundation also serves as FC Cincinnati’s philanthropic arm, making donations and investments to Cincinnati-area organizations that have similar goals and ambitions for the area’s youth.

Donation Request

Donations are a way for FC Cincinnati to give back to local non-profit's as they are hosting fundraisers and events. These donations include, but are not limited to FCC signed merchandise items, FCC apparel items, and on special occasion, tickets to matches. Donations allow FC Cincinnati to show up across the city and support causes that are important to our fans, allowing us to connect with fans in a way that is meaningful to them. These items allow non-profits to use the donation for fundraising efforts and supporting their organization to raise money for a specific cause.

The Japanese-Language Education Project Grant supports initiatives that enhance Japanese language education across various regions. Offered by the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, this grant targets workshops, seminars, and original projects that connect language learning with Japan Studies. Eligible applicants include non-profit educational organizations in the U.S. Projects should benefit multiple programs, ensuring a broad impact on Japanese language education. The deadline for applications is two months before the project start date, which must be between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

The Young Faculty Award (YFA) 2027, sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), seeks to support emerging researchers in academia and non-profit research institutions. This program focuses on those without previous DARPA funding, aiming to align innovative research with national security needs. By providing significant funding, the YFA encourages the development of transformative capabilities for the Department of War, fostering the next generation of researchers dedicated to addressing critical national security challenges.

The NIH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (R13) grant aims to facilitate high-quality conferences that contribute to public health and the scientific missions of NIH Institutes and Centers. Key application deadlines range from April 2024 to January 2027, providing vital opportunities for researchers to gather and share knowledge. This grant is particularly focused on enhancing the impact of scientific dialogue in critical health areas.

The NIH Common Fund is planning to issue a NOFO to continue the Bridge2AI program, which aims to develop AI-ready datasets and best practices for biomedical research. This next stage will leverage these datasets to address significant health challenges and foster multidisciplinary collaboration. The initiative will support 3-5 Centers focused on trustworthy AI in biomedical research, creating frameworks for reproducibility, transparency, and advancing the AI workforce in health sciences.

The Zuckerman Postdoctoral Scholars Program fosters collaboration between leading scientific institutions in the U.S. and Israel by attracting top postdoctoral researchers. With a focus on STEM leadership, this program offers a unique two-year scholarship, allowing scholars to conduct research at participating Israeli universities and North American institutions. The initiative aims to strengthen academic ties, enhance research capabilities, and support the return of talented Israeli scholars to their home institutions, ultimately enriching the global scientific community.

The RTK Scholars Program, funded by RTK Environmental Group, provides a $1,500 scholarship to support students pursuing careers in science, particularly in environmental studies, biology, and engineering. This initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of experts in environmental testing and technology. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be enrolled in an accredited institution. The application deadline is May 31 each year, promoting academic excellence and dedication to environmental sciences.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Calvin H. & Elizabeth L. Topliff Scholarship

Georgia Mathews, mother to Marion Community Foundation board member, Spencer Mathews, created this endowed scholarship in 2023 in honor of her parents. The scholarship will be awarded to Marion County students who are pursuing a career in either education or engineering, with special consideration for students who will be attending Ohio Northern University, which is where Georgia’s parents met.

Betty Beatty Topliff was born in Pittsburgh but ended up in Marion after meeting Calvin at Ohio Northern and moving to his hometown of Marion. Betty (1928-2022) was a dedicated teacher for 30 years, most recently at Ridgedale High School. Calvin (1924-2009) was an Army veteran who served in Europe during WWII and was awarded the Bronze Star. Calvin retired from the marketing department of Ohio Edison Marion Division after 36 years of service.

Following retirement, Calvin and Betty were Florida snowbirds, but Betty returned to Marion after Calvin’s death to be with her beloved children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

The American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Research Fund Grant supports projects that enhance legal information services and law librarianship. With a funding cap of $5,000 per round, the grant encourages diverse scholarship in legal research. Eligibility includes individuals with relevant research experience, while preference is given to AALL members. Applications are reviewed biannually by a jury, ensuring that the most impactful projects receive support. This initiative aims to foster innovation and collaboration within the legal information community.

The Fiscal Year 2027 Department of War Multidisciplinary Research Program aims to fund innovative research teams from U.S. universities. Established in 1985, this initiative addresses complex challenges faced by the Department of War, fostering collaboration across various scientific disciplines. By integrating world-class faculty and graduate students, the program seeks to cultivate a skilled workforce poised to enhance the U.S. defense capabilities and contribute to the advancement of the defense industrial base.

The L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Fellowship empowers women postdoctoral scientists by providing annual grants to support their research in STEM fields. This initiative not only recognizes their contributions but also encourages them to serve as role models for future generations. With a long-standing partnership with the AAAS, the program has awarded over $5 million to 105 scientists, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing women's roles in science and technology.

The BJA FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Competitive Grants Program aims to enhance the capacity of state and local government crime laboratories for processing DNA samples. This program focuses on using DNA technology to improve forensic efficiency and implement Rapid DNA in booking stations. It targets jurisdictions with operational challenges, ensuring fair access to funding. Eligible agencies can apply for both competitive and formula CEBR funding.

The Foundations of Trusted Systems initiative seeks innovative research to develop secure, resilient, and affordable technologies for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) and Cyber systems. This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) aims to establish trusted foundations for hardware and software, building on previous work to enhance information processing systems. Researchers are encouraged to submit white papers for evaluation and potential funding.

The FY 2027 Department of War Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI) aims to fund U.S. academic teams conducting innovative research to tackle complex challenges for the Department of War. Established in 1985, MURI promotes collaboration among diverse scientific disciplines, enhancing the defense workforce and addressing critical areas of interest through multidisciplinary research efforts at U.S. universities.

The Kelley Foundation

The Kelley Foundation was established by Robert and Judy Kelley and their daughter Marla. The Kelleys are native Oklahomans and longtime residents of Southern Oklahoma.

The foundation is primarily focused on humanitarian projects in Oklahoma, with an emphasis on Southern Oklahoma. Our mission is to develop and strengthen our community, state, and nation by providing essential resources to those in need.

The Kelley Foundation Grant

The Kelley Foundation is a private, charitable foundation, incorporated under the laws of the State of Oklahoma and operated exclusively for providing support through its gifts and grants to religious, charitable, scientific, and educational institutions which are qualified under section 501(c)(3) and which are not private foundations within the meaning of section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.

The PLTW Gateway Program Expansion, in partnership with Lockheed Martin, aims to enhance STEM education in schools across the United States. With a total grant of $10,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year, this initiative focuses on expanding existing PLTW Gateway programs, allowing schools to introduce new units and train additional teachers. Since 2007, Lockheed Martin's support has enabled over 300 programs, providing critical skills to more than 77,000 students nationwide.

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.