Best Job Creation Grants in Kentucky

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on job creation, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank Of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program to build organizational capacity. Selected organizations join a two-year leadership development program while advancing income creation, financial resilience, and stable housing for local communities in eligible markets.

501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, income creation, and job creation in Kentucky can apply for local funding to support low- and moderate-income communities. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help organizations provide shelter, food, health services, workforce development, small business resiliency, and community development programs that build long-term economic mobility.

Nonprofit organizations building pathways out of poverty through job creation, workforce preparation, or related services in Kentucky can apply for multi-year, unrestricted support and intensive capacity-building consulting; awards range from US $125,000 - US $175,000 per year. Arbor Brothers supports 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored, second-stage organizations across the U.S., prioritizing under-resourced communities.

Nonprofit organizations in Kentucky working on economic and community development, workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. Eligible 501(c) or 170(c) organizations within the Regions footprint may receive matched donations that can support job creation and related community initiatives.

Adam R Scripps Foundation

Adam Scripps lived a life of humble generosity, helping to improve the lives of others without seeking recognition or fanfare for himself. The family-run Adam R. Scripps Foundation, established posthumously in 2023, allocates millions annually to his cherished causes like animal welfare and community development, with grants overseen by his relatives to honor his legacy.

Honoring Adam’s legacy, we make grants to collaborate, provide support and build resources that create opportunities and transformative pathways. For generations to come, we will improve lives and transform communities because we are a leader in family philanthropy. We value helping communities create lasting change. We do this through compassion, love of neighbor, humility, and generosity.

Self-Sufficiency Grant

Self-sufficiency is not just crucial for individuals; it’s also vital to the communities in which they live. As Adam did in his lifetime, his foundation will focus on initiatives to address employment, food insecurity, housing/homelessness, and critical human needs.

• Housing Access
  • Housing instability can negatively affect job security, academic performance, and physical and mental health.
  • Programs designed to help keep people in stable homes, including emergency shelter, rental assistance programs, transitional housing, and subsidized housing units, can help combat housing instability and promote self-sufficiency. 
• Food Insecurity
  • Persistent poverty in communities increases food insecurity and threatens child welfare.
  • Children deserve full plates and a system (beyond the child welfare bureaucracy) that will fight for them. Recognizing their importance to stability and eventually mobility, we support programs that meet the unique needs of children in vulnerable situations, address the needs of their caregivers and provide consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. 
• Employment Barriers
  • Barriers to employment have detrimental impacts on individuals and families.
  • Economic development programming focused on business growth, job creation, entrepreneurship, financial well-being, job readiness, and stable employment will be embraced by the foundation because of their lasting benefits to individuals, families and communities.

Local governments in Kentucky seeking to create or retain jobs for low- and moderate-income residents can access funding for economic development projects, including support for specific business or industrial clients and related services. Grants from the Kentucky Department for Local Government, via the CDBG Economic Development program, offer up to US $1,000,000 per community.

Tribal governments and Alaska Native villages seeking to develop housing, community facilities, or economic opportunities in Kentucky and beyond can access funding through the Indian Community Development Block Grant program, with awards from US $500,000 - US $2,000,000. Grants from US HUD Office of Public and Indian Housing support projects that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income tribal residents and can include job creation and business development efforts.

Kentucky nonprofits and public agencies planning senior volunteer programs that support job readiness, housing, or economic stability can access funding through Volunteer Mississippi’s AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Opportunity. Grants up to Up to US $75,000 support engaging volunteers 55+ in activities like workforce preparation, reducing homelessness, supporting older adults and caregivers, and behavioral health initiatives that may strengthen local job creation efforts.

City governments working on municipal workforce and job creation initiatives in Kentucky and nationwide can apply for the Municipal Workforce Learning Lab, an intensive 8‑month action planning program. Focused on workforce preparation and public-sector job readiness, Georgia Municipal Association and partners provide coaching, technical assistance, and peer connections to help cities strengthen recruitment, training, and retention strategies.

Nonprofit institutions that establish and operate rural cooperative development centers to foster job creation in Kentucky and other rural areas can apply for USDA NIFA’s Rural Cooperative Development Grants, with awards up to US $1,000,000. Funding supports technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned rural businesses that strengthen local economies.

Nonprofit organizations supporting people living with paralysis through job creation, workforce readiness, transportation, or related services in Kentucky and other rural U.S. communities can apply for Priority Impact Tier 3 grants up to US $40,000. With a mission to improve quality of life, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation provides funding for projects enhancing access, independence, and community participation.

Nonprofit-led community partnerships implementing publicly funded infrastructure projects in Kentucky can seek US $45,000 - US $120,000 to support job creation, workforce development, and inclusive economic strategies. Grants from Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities back human infrastructure like collaboration, community engagement, and access to technical expertise for water-related and other infrastructure efforts.

Kentucky job creation organizations can access funding through the H Hovnanian Family Foundation for projects in education, entrepreneurship, youth and community development, public health, and emergency response. U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least one year of outcomes may receive up to US $10,000, with preference for work substantially carried out in New Jersey’s Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Nonprofit and other mission-driven leaders working on job creation and economic mobility in Kentucky and across the U.S. can access the Rockefeller Foundation’s Big Bets Fellowship, a five-month leadership development program. Fellows receive US $5,000 and intensive support to advance solutions connecting displaced workers to jobs and building resilient, inclusive economies.

Dental students, residents, and early-career dentists working to expand oral health education, employment, and care access can receive US $5,000 for leadership training costs, including tuition and travel. With a mission to recognize emerging oral health leaders, ADA Foundation provides Kentucky job creation advocates in dental health with support for approved leadership programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky with audited expenses over $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for social service programs that advance job creation and economic independence. Funding can support program, capital, or general operations for scalable, proven initiatives serving large U.S. populations.

Kentucky organizations in eligible Appalachian counties working on job creation, workforce development, or economic diversification can access funding through the Appalachian Regional Commission’s POWER Initiative, with awards up to US $2,500,000. Grants support coal-impacted communities through entrepreneurial development, industry clusters, workforce training, and broadband projects that align with state and regional economic development plans.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on job creation, workforce preparation, or related basic needs can access funding through Avion Solutions’ Avion Takes Action program. Grants of US $5,000 support community-based programs in counties where Avion employees live, including efforts in career readiness, family support, and improving overall quality of life.

Organizations creating jobs in impoverished communities, including those in Kentucky, can apply for Fish Family Foundation of Maine support to fund entrepreneurs starting small businesses. Faith-based groups, ministries, and nonprofits focused on employment creation may be eligible, alongside the foundation’s broader priorities in missions, education scholarships, independent churches, and medical research.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

The Sustainable Forests and Communities Grant aims to foster environmentally and economically sustainable forest communities in the U.S., particularly where the Weyerhaeuser Family has interests. It prioritizes projects enhancing the environment, economy, and community through sustainable practices. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities operating in forested areas, focusing on integrated approaches that value forest ecosystem services. This initiative encourages local job creation, sustainable economic activities, and innovative partnerships to achieve sustainability goals.