Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Kentucky

Incyte Corporation offers an Independent Medical Education Grant to support innovative educational initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes. This funding is available to organizations committed to delivering evidence-based education to healthcare professionals. Eligible activities may include live symposia, grand rounds, fellowships, and web-based programs. Organizations must enter into a written agreement with Incyte to receive funding. Note that new request submissions will be temporarily unavailable from November 21, 2025, to January 2026.

The Rural Summer Legal Corps (RSLC) addresses the legal service gap in rural U.S. communities by placing law students in civil legal aid organizations. This initiative, in partnership with Equal Justice Works and the Legal Services Corporation, allows 50 Student Fellows to engage in impactful projects, such as disaster response and housing issues, while gaining practical experience over eight to ten weeks. Participants receive a stipend of $7,000, enhancing their skills and supporting underserved populations.

The Regional Public Interest Awards recognize eight outstanding law students annually for their dedication to public interest law. Selected by the Equal Justice Works National Advisory Committee, each recipient demonstrates exceptional commitment through volunteer work, internships, and clinics. Awardees receive a $250 cash prize and a commemorative plaque, celebrating their significant contributions to their communities and the legal profession.

The Design-Your-Own Fellowship by Equal Justice Works allows lawyers to create personalized projects addressing critical legal needs in underserved communities. Participants collaborate with preferred organizations to develop innovative solutions while receiving substantial financial support, health benefits, and professional training. This program not only enhances access to justice but also promotes diversity within public interest careers, empowering candidates to make meaningful impacts in their chosen fields.

The Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize, established in 1975, awards $25,000 to the best book of poetry published in the U.S. the previous year. It includes a ten-day residency at Glen Hollow, New York, and distribution to Academy of American Poets members. Eligible poets must be U.S. citizens or residents and submit original works published in the prior year. Self-published books and translations are ineligible, promoting excellence in contemporary American poetry.

The Zimmer Biomet Foundation, established in 2018, supports health care professionals through fellowship funding aimed at enhancing education and clinical research. This private foundation focuses on improving community health and advancing STEM education, while also promoting diversity and inclusion. Importantly, funding decisions are made independently of any commercial interests in Zimmer Biomet's products, ensuring a commitment to quality education and patient care.

The ASPCA's Rescue Effect Campaign Grants provide $1.8 million to support animal welfare organizations in the U.S. during a crucial adoption initiative. Eligible non-profits can receive funding based on their intake of adoptable pets and commitment to hold fee-waived adoption days. The program aims to promote responsible pet adoption and community involvement, making a significant impact on animal welfare during the months of August to October.

The Tailored for Troops Grant Program, initiated by the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, provides essential business attire to veterans seeking employment. This initiative addresses the unique challenges veterans face in the job market, including unemployment and the need for proper attire. By partnering with organizations that offer employment services, the program ensures that veterans receive necessary support in their transition to civilian careers, ultimately aiding in reducing homelessness among veterans.

The Cambiar Catalyst Fellowship is a transformative year-long program designed for experienced educators and systems leaders. It offers intensive professional development through coaching, in-person and virtual learning experiences, and community building. Participants tackle real-world challenges in their districts using the CREATE framework, enhancing their leadership skills and impact. The fellowship aims to reimagine K-12 public education by supporting leaders in creating sustainable solutions for improved student outcomes.

The Families Invested in Reforming Education (FIRE) Fellowship is a six-week virtual training program designed to empower advocates committed to enhancing the education system for PreK-12 students in the U.S. Participants will engage in eight interactive sessions, focusing on advocacy skills and community networking. Graduates will benefit from ongoing support and training from the 50CAN team to further their advocacy efforts. This volunteer-only program does not offer stipends, emphasizing a commitment to educational reform.

The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation offers Kit Grants for teachers and community members to enhance materials science education through outreach projects. Applicants can request various science kits, including Materials Science Classroom Kits, Mini Kits, and Glass Kits, while adhering to specific limitations. The foundation aims to inspire the next generation of ceramic and glass professionals, ensuring all projects align with educational goals and promote student engagement with science.

Service One Credit Union offers annual scholarships aimed at high school seniors enrolling in South Central Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) or Western Kentucky University (WKU). With a total of $4,000 available, four scholarships will be awarded at $1,000 each. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and meet specific community membership criteria. Applications are accepted each spring, reflecting the credit union's commitment to supporting local education and community development.

Service One Credit Union offers the Returning Student Scholarships to support local students in their educational pursuits. With a commitment to community, they provide five $2,000 scholarships annually, totaling $10,000 for students who meet eligibility criteria, including a minimum GPA of 2.5. This initiative not only aids students financially but also strengthens community ties by investing in the future of local families. Applications are accepted each spring, reflecting their dedication to fostering academic success.

The Sarah Scaife Foundation Grant supports public policy initiatives that tackle significant domestic and international challenges. This grant is intended for publicly-supported non-profit organizations and does not extend to individuals or national fundraising groups. Proposals related to event sponsorships, capital campaigns, or organizations reliant on government funding are typically declined. The focus remains on impactful projects that align with the Foundation's mission.

The Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown offers a prestigious Writing Fellowship for emerging writers. This seven-month residency, running from October to April, provides a $1250 monthly stipend, private accommodations, and a $1000 exit stipend for relocation. With a legacy of supporting notable writers like Louise Glück and Jhumpa Lahiri, the fellowship emphasizes self-directed creative time. Application fees vary by date, starting at $40, to enhance accessibility for all applicants.

The Central Kentucky Community Foundation offers a Partnership Grant to support teachers in Hardin County Schools. Grants up to $500 are available for classroom enhancements, aiming to improve student engagement and learning experiences. Applications are accepted year-round, but teachers must obtain a code for access. This funding initiative allows faculty and staff to contribute directly to educational resources, ensuring that 100% of donations go towards enhancing classroom experiences.

The Robert B. Kyts & Jadwiga Roguska Kyts, M.D Scholarship, offered by the Kosciuszko Foundation, supports graduate students majoring in arts studies for two years, with a total funding of $60,000. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of Polish descent, enrolled full-time, and maintain a GPA of 3.7 or higher. The award is disbursed in four installments, contingent on meeting scholarship conditions. Deadline for recommendation letters is March 3, 2026.

The DAV Charitable Service Trust provides essential support to empower veterans in leading dignified lives. This private funder focuses on rehabilitation programs, mobility enhancements for veterans with disabilities, and assistance for aging and homeless veterans. Additionally, it addresses the needs of veterans affected by recent conflicts and supports their caregivers and families. Grants are available to eligible organizations recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt, ensuring that the trust's mission effectively reaches those who have served.

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 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 Jack and Jill of America Foundation offers STEM Grants aimed at supporting 501(c)(3) organizations that enhance opportunities for African American middle and high school students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The grants focus on creating a pipeline of talent for college readiness, aligning with the foundation's mission to invest in programs that benefit children and families. Eligible organizations must adhere to specific funding priorities and are encouraged to submit impactful proposals.

About Us

Our mission is to serve as a catalyst in maximizing the skills and creativity of educators at the K-12 levels and in cultivating pioneering approaches to teaching that result in dynamic student learning.

The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation sponsors proposals that enhance student learning and educational quality, paying particular attention to those that best serve the at-risk and under-funded, including:

• Curriculum that excites and challenges
• Inquiry projects that promote reflection and growth
• After-school programs that enrich and inspire

The Foundation partners with individuals to expand educational opportunities for America’s youth that inspire students by nurturing their curiosity about the world and their place in it. Funding includes scholarships that provide far more than just tuition and books; grants that benefit the lives of more than just those who receive them; and results that reach far beyond the classroom in which the projects are introduced.

Student Teaching Scholarships/Mentoring

Designed to instill a lifelong, passionate commitment to education and learning at the highest level, McCarthey Dressman scholarships offer financial and mentoring support to educators who will be student teaching in their final year of a qualified teacher education program. Foundation mentors offer one-on-one guidance and attention to nurture the next generation of teachers. Scholarship recipients acquire and strengthen exemplary teaching practices that promote learning by their own students.

The Foundation awards one-year scholarships in the amount of $6,000 each to college students enrolled in teacher education programs at New Mexico State University; the University of California, Santa Cruz; The University of Texas at Austin; and Stephen F. Austin State University.

Consider applying for this scholarship if... 

• you are interested in maximizing your student teaching experience
• you believe that working with a mentor would add to your training experience
• you can provide documentation of financial need for the year in which you will be student teaching

The Area Education Grants program, initiated by the Foundation for the Tri-State Community in 1983, empowers teachers in Boyd and Greenup Counties to enhance student learning through innovative projects. By providing financial resources, this initiative encourages creativity beyond the standard curriculum. Teachers can submit project proposals for funding, enabling them to engage students effectively. The program not only supports educational advancement but also fosters community involvement in the educational process.

The Lingnan W.T. Chan Fellowship Program provides transformative educational experiences for Chinese students in the U.S. through service learning and intercultural exchange. Inspired by Professor Wing-Tsit Chan, this program emphasizes a commitment to service, personal growth, and leadership development. Fellows engage with non-profit organizations, gaining practical experience while living with American families and participating in seminars and reflection meetings, fostering intercultural understanding and professional skills.

The ASPO Research Grant, offered by the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology, provides $20,000 for innovative research in pediatric otolaryngology. This non-renewable grant is available for projects completed within one year, with two grants awarded annually. Eligible applicants include researchers (MD, PhD, DMD) and institutions meeting 501(c)(3) status. Applications from ineligible principal investigators will not be reviewed, and funds cannot be used for travel or salaries.

The McElhattan Foundation focuses on innovative solutions to end workplace fatalities by 2050. It invites proposals that develop new technologies, particularly those that eliminate dangerous tasks at work. The foundation partners with the National Safety Council’s Work to Zero program to enhance safety practices. Organizations seeking funding should be established non-profits with a history of successful collaboration, and grants typically start at $50,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, fostering impactful initiatives.

The NAMA Memorial Fellowship, awarded by the Mycological Society of America, recognizes promising graduate students in mycology. Two fellowships are granted annually based on academic merit and research potential. Recipients must be student members of MSA and can use the funds to enhance their studies. Additionally, they are encouraged to contribute to McIlvainea and attend the annual meeting, fostering connections within the mycological community. This initiative supports diversity and inclusion in the field.