Best Library Grants in Kentucky

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Kentucky libraries, educational institutions, government programs, and eligible nonprofits can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives that fit this national program’s priorities. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help strengthen communities through projects like disaster preparedness, financial literacy, STEM and academic success, workforce readiness, neighborhood revitalization, and related services that may be offered through library-based programs.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Organizations serving children and youth in education, health, or family economic stability in Kentucky may be eligible for project or scaling support of more than US $50,000. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds U.S.-based social enterprises and nonprofits with a TIN that improve outcomes for urban low-income children, within its defined focus areas and locations.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Kentucky public libraries seeking funding for staff professional development and training can apply for KDLA’s Continuing Education Grant, offering US $2,000 - US $5,000 for eligible learning expenses. This program supports webinars, online training, tuition, and training materials to build library staff skills across the state’s library services sector.

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.

Arts and culture 501(c)(3) organizations offering summer programming for youth in Kentucky’s Cultural Pass service region can receive reimbursement funding for arts and culture activities. Focused on youth access to arts and culture, Fund for the Arts invites eligible partners to support free admission programming that local libraries help promote and connect to families.

Eligible individuals, schools, groups, organizations, and government entities in Kentucky can apply for the Arnold Shultz Fund to support bluegrass music education and participation by people of color. This IBMA Foundation program may benefit libraries that offer inclusive bluegrass programming, workshops, performances, or other music initiatives serving diverse, underrepresented communities.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) organizations, public libraries, and eligible government entities can receive US $5,000 - US $50,000 to support rural education, literacy, and library services through the Appalachian Kentucky Grant Program. The Steele-Reese Foundation prioritizes rural K–12 literacy, school libraries, and supplemental learning programs in designated Appalachian counties, especially those recently declared disaster areas.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations in Kentucky can seek storytelling funding to showcase their impact across preservation, education, or wellness programs. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports projects such as environmental conservation, early childhood education, mental health, and related initiatives, with awards of more than US $50,000 that may help libraries and similar organizations share their stories.

Kentucky nonprofit presenters, libraries, schools, and community organizations can receive up to US $5,000 to support public dance, music, theatre, and storytelling performances. With a mission to expand access to the arts, Kentucky Arts Council provides Kentucky library and community arts programs with matching funds for artist fees, marketing, and promotion using its Performing Artists Directory.

Individual professional artists in disciplines like visual arts, music, theatre, literature, and more in Kentucky and the broader South Arts region can seek funding for career-building opportunities through South Arts’ Artist Creative Practice Grant, offering up to US $3,000. Focused on artist training and development, it supports residencies, apprenticeships, conferences, creative entrepreneurship, research, and presenting original work.

Kentucky public libraries can apply for the Creative Chapters Library Program, which provides up to US $2,400 to fund teaching-artist residencies and public arts programming. Grants from the Kentucky Arts Council support up to 30 in-person instructional hours, emphasizing accessible, community-focused arts experiences that can enhance library services across Kentucky.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky serving youth, families, or communities through education, housing, hunger relief, or environmental programs can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants from US $30,000 - US $350,000. Library organizations with youth development, academic enrichment, or community-focused initiatives may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations in Kentucky offering community-based programs, education, arts, environmental, or human services can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support their work. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation considers U.S. museums, libraries, cultural institutions, schools, hospitals, and other charities where modest funding can make a significant impact.

Individual banjo players planning college-level study or ensemble performance in bluegrass music can receive scholarship support, including those from Kentucky. Kentucky music students involved in library-affiliated ensembles or campus programs may be eligible. The IBMA Foundation’s J. D. Crowe Banjo Scholarship helps advanced five-string banjo players prepare for professional roles in the bluegrass music industry.

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.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes in rural Kentucky can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities funding to build, purchase, or improve essential community facilities and equipment. Eligible projects include libraries, museums, community centers, public safety buildings, and other critical services in communities of 20,000 or fewer residents, which may benefit library-related infrastructure and services.

Kentucky public and private high schools offering arts or library-related programming can receive support for Poetry Out Loud activities, including teaching artists and student participation. Kentucky Arts Council’s grant helps grades 9–12 students study and recite poetry, strengthening public speaking, confidence, and appreciation of literary heritage; homeschooled students may participate through eligible local partners.

Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits with support for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding initiatives. Library organizations offering community or educational programs may be eligible if they hold charitable status and align their projects with these focus areas.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public libraries, and other eligible public entities can seek funding for education, community enrichment, environment, entrepreneurship, and related community programs. Focused on strengthening communities, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites organizations located within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community to apply, which may include library services and literacy initiatives.