Best Local Government Grants in Kentucky

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

South Arts, Inc. offers Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations to enhance the skills and knowledge of Southern arts entities. These grants aim to support operational stability and growth, focusing on organizations with budgets of $500,000 or less. Eligible applicants include a range of arts organizations within South Arts' nine-state service area. The program emphasizes first-time opportunities and requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match, ensuring a commitment to professional development in the arts.

The Civic Experiment Grant by the Trust for Civic Life supports innovative, community-driven projects aimed at enhancing civic engagement. It focuses on rural areas, empowering local leaders to tackle challenges collaboratively. Grants up to $25,000 are available for organizations that are non-partisan and primarily serve rural communities, emphasizing inclusivity and sustainable impact. The next nomination period begins in early 2026, following a closed cycle for 2025. This initiative fosters long-term civic infrastructure and community resilience.

The Kentucky Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD) aims to enhance digital inclusion by providing equitable access to high-speed internet across the state. By focusing on underserved and unserved areas, the program fosters community engagement and partnerships to improve broadband infrastructure and affordability. With funding opportunities available for Internet Service Providers, local governments, and non-profits, BEAD supports initiatives that empower Kentuckians, promote digital literacy, and stimulate economic growth through improved connectivity.

The Bishop Charitable Fund Grant, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support organizations that assist low-income individuals in Washington County. This initiative seeks to enhance community welfare by funding nonprofits that align with CKCF's mission. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) exempt organizations in good standing with the IRS and have at least one year of operational history in the region. This grant reflects a commitment to fostering local resources and addressing community challenges.

The Marvin and Joyce Benjamin Fund, established by a Jewish-Catholic couple from Elizabethtown, empowers local nonprofits to foster kindness and inclusivity. With a legacy of $2 million, the fund combats hatred and promotes understanding through initiatives like the "Never Again" event. Organizations eligible for grants must align with CKCF’s mission and operate within specified Kentucky counties, ensuring impactful community service. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing lives and addressing evolving community needs.

The Southern Circuit Screening Partner Grant invites nonprofit, educational, or governmental organizations in the South Arts region to host screenings of independent documentaries. This initiative promotes diverse filmmakers, including those from historically marginalized communities. Partners engage audiences through strategic marketing and provide logistical support for filmmakers. The program emphasizes collaboration during film selection and aims to foster meaningful conversations about the art of filmmaking while making the events accessible to all community members.

The Community Health Investments Grant Program by Owensboro Health supports eligible nonprofits and public entities addressing health issues in Kentucky and Indiana. Grants up to $50,000 are available for programs promoting health equity and addressing social determinants of health. Applicants must demonstrate a 100% tobacco-free policy and show clear connections between their projects and community health needs. This initiative fosters partnerships to improve health outcomes and is open for annual applications.

Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives

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.

Conferences Grant

Grant funds will support Kentucky public library staff in attending library and job-related conferences that foster professional growth, keep them current on national trends, and equip them to implement new services and technologies that benefit their communities. The application will remain open until grant funds are exhausted.

This grant aligns with KDLA's 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.

Community Development Block Grant

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department for Local Government (DLG) administers approximately $26 million annually from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. With the participation of their citizens, communities can devote these funds to a wide range of activities that best serve their own particular development priorities.

All project activities must meet at least one of three national objectives:

• Benefit to low and moderate income persons
• Prevention or elimination of slums or blight
• Meeting particularly urgent community development needs​

For the 2026 funding cycle, DLG will receive $25,988,523​ for distribution. Funds are designated for various program areas including Community Projects, Community Emergency Relief Fund, Economic Development, Housing, Public Facilities Public Services (Recovery Kentucky).​

Community Projects

​The Community program is designed to provide funds for community development projects that address human service needs, such as senior centers, crisis centers, fire stations and facilities that provide services to low-income persons. As part of the Commonwealth's allocation from the CDBG program, these projects have been allocated with the maximum amount of $8​50,000 of CDBG funding per community.

South Arts, Inc. is offering Accessibility Grants of up to $2,500 to nonprofit organizations in the Southeast to enhance accessibility in arts programs for individuals with disabilities. The grants aim to foster inclusivity by supporting projects that engage disabled artists and audiences. Organizations must be located within the South Arts Service region and focus on the arts. Priority will be given to new applicants and those serving BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, with a commitment to rural areas.

The Dow Promise Grant empowers communities by addressing the unique barriers faced by Black youth and adults in the U.S. This program provides grants up to $10,000 for initiatives that promote social, economic, and environmental advancements. Since its inception in 2000, the Dow Promise Program has been committed to fostering equitable opportunities and positive social change, ultimately contributing to long-term community success and a brighter future for all.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Kentucky aim to support organizations in facilitating local self-help housing projects. These grants enable very-low- and low-income families to construct their homes collaboratively, with guidance from the grant recipients. Eligible areas can be determined through the USDA Eligibility Site, and funds can be used for technical assistance, recruitment, and related activities that empower families in the construction process.

The Kentucky Oral History Commission (KOHC) provides grants to support oral history projects that preserve and document Kentucky's rich history. These grants include Project Grants for creating research projects, Transcription and Indexing Grants for existing interviews, and Presentation Grants for showcasing oral histories through various media. Funding amounts range from $2,500 to $7,500 depending on the grant type. These initiatives aim to foster participation and ensure the preservation of significant narratives across the state.

The Kentucky Appalachian Regional Commission Funding program aims to enhance economic development in the eastern and southcentral regions of Kentucky. By providing financial assistance for public infrastructure, workforce development, and business initiatives, the program addresses historical economic disparities. Eligible projects include water and sewer expansions, broadband deployment, and leadership development. Local governments and non-profits in the targeted counties can apply, ensuring a focus on community-driven growth and sustainability.

The NRA Foundation: Kentucky Grants provide funding to organizations that promote firearm safety, education, and marksmanship in line with charitable purposes defined by the IRS. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized nonprofits, government entities, and state-recognized organizations. Ineligibility applies to labor organizations, private businesses, and individuals. The Foundation aims to foster educational and scientific initiatives within the shooting sports community, ensuring a commitment to safety and responsible firearm use.

Department for Local Government

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department for Local Government (DLG), under the Office of the Governor, provides financial help in the way of grant and loan assistance, as well as advising local governments in matters of budget, personnel and other issues relevant to those entities.​

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

The Department for Local Government (DLG) administers approximately $26 million annually from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. With the participation of their citizens, communities can devote these funds to a wide range of activities that best serve their own particular development priorities.

All project activities must meet at least one of three national objectives:

• Benefit to low and moderate income persons
• Prevention or elimination of slums or blight
• Meeting particularly urgent community development needs​

Funds are designated for various program areas including Community Projects, Community Emergency Relief Fund, Economic Development, Housing, Public Facilities, and Public Services (Recovery Kentucky).​

Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF)

​​​​​​Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) funds are provided to give communities a means to restore infrastructure or housing that severe weather or natural disasters have negatively impacted. As part of the Commonwealth's allocation from the CDBG program, these projects will be allocated an amount to be determined based on need.

Only communities that have experienced a disaster and have a Declaration of Emergency from the Governor may submit an application for these funds.

Community Development Block Grant

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department for Local Government (DLG) administers approximately $26 million annually from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. With the participation of their citizens, communities can devote these funds to a wide range of activities that best serve their own particular development priorities.

All project activities must meet at least one of three national objectives:

• Benefit to low and moderate income persons
• Prevention or elimination of slums or blight
• Meeting particularly urgent community development needs​

For the 2026 funding cycle, DLG will receive $25,988,523​ for distribution. Funds are designated for various program areas including Community Projects, Community Emergency Relief Fund, Economic Development, Housing, Public Facilities Public Services (Recovery Kentucky).​

Economic Development

The Economic Development Branch works to fund development activities that create or retain jobs principally benefiting low and moderate income (LMI) persons. Additional goals provide for the training and provision of human services that allow for the professional advancement of LMI persons. As part of the Commonwealth's allocation from the CDBG program, these projects have been allocated estimate with up to $1,000,000 of CDBG funding per community.

There are two areas of eligibility for CDBG Economic Development funding:

Traditional:

Provides grant assistance to communities for projects which specifically address the creation or retention of jobs through eligible activities. Funds can be provided to a community to use for specific business/industrial clients.

Non-Traditional:

Allows for the funding of eligible activities benefiting low and moderate income persons not directly related to job creation.

Department for Local Government

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department for Local Government (DLG), under the Office of the Governor, provides financial help in the way of grant and loan assistance, as well as advising local governments in matters of budget, personnel and other issues relevant to those entities.​

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

The Department for Local Government (DLG) administers approximately $26 million annually from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. With the participation of their citizens, communities can devote these funds to a wide range of activities that best serve their own particular development priorities.

All project activities must meet at least one of three national objectives:

• Benefit to low and moderate income persons
• Prevention or elimination of slums or blight
• Meeting particularly urgent community development needs​

Funds are designated for various program areas including Community Projects, Community Emergency Relief Fund, Economic Development, Housing, Public Facilities, and Public Services (Recovery Kentucky).​

Housing Program

​​​​​The Housing program works to fund projects designed to develop decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The Kentucky Arts Partnership Grant provides vital operating support to arts organizations in Kentucky, ensuring that residents have access to year-round arts programming. This grant is aimed at independent arts groups and local arts agencies, helping to foster strong community engagement and cultural diversity. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal responsibility and maintain IRS tax-exempt status to qualify. This initiative not only enhances art participation but also strengthens the overall arts delivery system across the state.

The Arts + Creative Industries External Agency Grant Program, initiated by the Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government, provides vital funding support to local arts and culture nonprofits. Aimed at enhancing community life through the arts, the program offers grants of $25,000 to $50,000 based on organizational budgets. This initiative fosters creativity, promotes cultural programming, and ensures equitable access to arts experiences for all residents, contributing to a vibrant and thriving Louisville.

The External Agency Fund: Resilience and Community Services Grant invites local non-profits to apply for funding to support programs that align with the mayor's strategic goals. Applications will be accepted starting January 31, 2025, for the fiscal year 2026. This grant focuses on providing essential services to homeless populations, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and young adults. The minimum funding request is $25,000, and agencies must demonstrate a measurable impact and good stewardship of funds.

The Source Water Protection Assistance Program (SWPAP) aims to enhance public health by safeguarding drinking water supplies. It emphasizes the importance of protecting existing water sources over costly treatment solutions. Eligible applicants include public water systems and nonprofit organizations, while projects must focus on effective source water protection measures. The program encourages collaboration among various stakeholders to prevent contamination and improve water quality. Funding is available for projects that meet specific criteria, including timely completion and demonstrable impact.

The Professional Development and Artistic Planning Grants, offered by South Arts, support the professional growth of presenters, programmers, and curators in the Southern U.S. These grants facilitate travel to conferences, workshops, and other opportunities to enhance organizational capacity and program design. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, South Arts encourages applications from organizations led by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled individuals. Funding covers travel, training, and related expenses, promoting equitable access to professional development.

The Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle, by Southern Partners Fund, aims to empower rural communities in the Southeastern U.S. through grassroots leadership and organizing. The fund provides support to nonprofit organizations focused on social, economic, and environmental justice. Eligible applicants are community-based organizations with budgets under $350,000. The initiative honors Hubert E. Sapp's legacy, promoting equitable relationships that drive real transformation and community decision-making.