Best Library Grants in Kentucky

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth with education, health, development, or welfare programs, including library-based initiatives in Kentucky, can seek funding for direct services and enrichment activities. The Dan Paul Foundation supports projects such as early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, environmental education, refugee enrichment, and scholarships with awards up to US $15,000.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

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.

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.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in early childhood education, community development, or related services can access funding through PNC Foundation to strengthen low- and moderate-income communities. Grants may support early learning programs, affordable housing and homeownership counseling, small business development, workforce readiness, arts and cultural enrichment, and neighborhood revitalization, including initiatives housed within or partnered with libraries.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services or fundraising events may be eligible for grants or event sponsorships that benefit areas where Insperity employees live and work. Insperity supports community-focused organizations through philanthropic contributions and sponsorships, which can include libraries that meet the stated eligibility and location criteria.

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.

Public libraries, public schools, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kentucky can apply for Lawrence Foundation’s unrestricted operating or program grants, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000, for environmental and human services work. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help library-related organizations cover general operating or project costs within these priority areas.

With a mission to strengthen early literacy, Kentucky Department of Education provides Kentucky school districts and eligible state schools with funding to purchase high-quality reading instructional resources. Grants support structured literacy practices and tier 2 or tier 3 reading interventions for struggling K–3 readers, including materials for teachers and library media specialists.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in Kentucky with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, which honors collaborative efforts addressing significant social issues. U.S. nonprofits, including those with library-based or library-serving initiatives, may be recognized for exemplary leadership in building cohesive, cross-sector community partnerships.