Best Library Grants in Kentucky

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Kentucky provides funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. It aims to improve access to health care, public safety, education, and local food systems by offering low-interest loans and grants. Eligible applicants include public bodies and non-profit organizations in rural communities with populations under 20,000. The program prioritizes projects in small, low-income areas, ensuring vital services are available to support community development.

The Poetry Out Loud Grant, offered by the Kentucky Arts Council, supports high school students in grades 9-12 as they engage in poetry memorization and performance. This initiative promotes public speaking skills and self-confidence while celebrating America's literary heritage. Schools can apply for funding to bring teaching artists into their classrooms, enhancing students' appreciation for poetry through dynamic educational experiences. Eligibility extends to all Kentucky public and private high schools, encouraging broad participation across the state.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Reading Diagnostic and Intervention Fund Mini Grant from the Kentucky Department of Education aims to enhance the reading skills of struggling readers in grades K-3. This initiative supports districts in acquiring high-quality instructional resources that foster structured literacy practices for tier 2 and tier 3 instruction, ensuring alignment with Kentucky Academic Standards. Eligible applicants include Kentucky public school districts and specialized schools, promoting equitable access to effective reading interventions.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The Fund for the Arts: Cultural Pass Partner program offers 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the arts and culture sector the opportunity to provide free access to local institutions for youth aged 0-21. Through collaboration with various libraries and cultural organizations, the program encourages participation while ensuring grant funding is specifically allocated for arts and culture programming. Eligible organizations can register to be part of this initiative and enhance community engagement through the arts.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Arnold Shultz Fund, established by the IBMA Foundation, aims to enhance diversity in bluegrass music by providing $30,000 annually in grants. This initiative supports individuals, schools, and organizations dedicated to inclusivity, particularly among underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. The fund honors Arnold Shultz, a pivotal African American musician who mentored Bill Monroe, and continues his legacy by funding educational opportunities for young musicians and promoting bluegrass music in diverse communities.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Steele-Reese Foundation's Kentucky Grant Program prioritizes enhancing educational outcomes for children in Appalachian Kentucky. Focused on ensuring third-graders can read and write at grade level, the program supports initiatives like improving school libraries and providing supplemental learning materials. With a commitment to rural education, proposals must detail execution plans and measurable outcomes. The Foundation emphasizes projects that empower communities, demonstrating a strong leadership capacity and community support, while also defining clear eligibility and ineligibility criteria for applicants.

The Kentucky Touring Grant is a matching grant designed to enhance public access to quality performances in the commonwealth. It supports presenters in booking artists from the Kentucky Arts Council's Performing Artists Directory, with applicants able to request up to $5,000 for fees and marketing. A 25% cash match is required, ensuring community involvement. This grant fosters cultural engagement through diverse artistic expressions, benefiting nonprofit organizations and public institutions within Kentucky.

The Artist Creative Practice Grant by South Arts supports individual artists in various disciplines by funding professional development opportunities. This grant ensures that artists can access vital experiences that enhance their careers, covering up to 2/3 of the total costs with awards ranging from $500 to $3,000. By promoting artistic growth, South Arts aims to elevate the cultural landscape of the Southern United States and foster meaningful connections within communities.

The Creative Chapters Public Library Program, funded by the Kentucky Arts Council, supports public libraries in hosting artist residencies. These residencies enhance community engagement through artistic disciplines intertwined with educational initiatives. Libraries can employ teaching artists from a designated directory, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility while adhering to safety protocols. This program fosters collaboration between artists and libraries, enriching the cultural landscape and providing diverse artistic experiences to audiences across Kentucky.

The J. D. Crowe Banjo Scholarship, established by the IBMA Foundation, honors the legacy of renowned bluegrass musician J. D. Crowe. Funded by a generous $20,000 donation from Arthur Hancock III, this scholarship aims to support aspiring banjo players pursuing their education at the collegiate level. Eligible candidates must showcase high performance skills on the banjo and demonstrate a commitment to the bluegrass music industry, ensuring Crowe's influence continues for future generations.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The 2027 Continuing Education Grant is made possible by funding from the Grants to States program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).  This grant aligns with Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives' (KDLA) five-year strategic plan to enhance Institutional Capacity to “enhance the knowledge and skills of public library and archival staff through professional development and training opportunities. This grant will only cover conferences taking place between October 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027.  The goal is to provide essential funding to Kentucky's public libraries, enabling them to expand and enhance their staff’s learning opportunities.

Awards shall be disbursed as follows-

• $5000 large libraries (40+ full-time staff)
• $4000 medium libraries (15 – 39 full-time staff)
• $3000 small libraries (6 – 14 full-time staff)
• $2000 very small libraries (1 – 5 full-time staff)

Organizational Information

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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 Pathways to Prevention: Community Health Engagement and Care Kit (CHECK) Grant

Overview:

This grant is made possible by funding from the Grants to States program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Catalyst Fund Grant provided by Lyrasis. This grant aligns with KDLA's Five-Year Plan (2023-2027) to enhance the knowledge and skills of public library staff and support the information needs of all Kentuckians by providing access to resources. 

Goal of the project:

To assist public libraries in supporting health programming and services in their communities. Grant funding can be used to create health kits, purchase technology for telehealth services, and for health-related programming.

Award Information

All grant recipients will receive a laptop for telehealth purposes. KDLA will purchase and deliver the computer to grant recipients. 

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.

Kentucky public libraries can access funding through the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives to support staff attendance at library and job-related conferences and trainings. Awards of US $2,000 - US $5,000 may cover webinars, online training, tuition, school fees, and training materials that build staff skills and enhance library services statewide.