Best Preservation Grants in Kentucky

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.

The Charles H. Dater Foundation Grants support programs benefiting children in Greater Cincinnati. Established in 1985, the Foundation focuses on arts, education, healthcare, social services, and community needs. Grant applications require a pre-application summary for feedback. Funds are typically awarded within two weeks, following a thorough evaluation process. The Foundation encourages leveraging grants for additional funding and values effective use of volunteer resources, ensuring ongoing support for community enrichment.

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 KOHC: Oral History Grants - Technical Assistance Grants, administered by the Kentucky Historical Society, provide essential resources for local oral history projects. These grants offer audio recording equipment, training, and support to individuals and organizations with limited experience. Since 1976, KOHC has awarded over $1 million, facilitating the collection of 35,000 interviews that capture Kentucky’s rich history. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, with award notifications issued within 60 days.

The Republic Bank Grants program supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Florida that enhance community welfare through various initiatives such as education, healthcare, and civic projects. By providing financial and in-kind donations, Republic Bank aims to strengthen community ties and foster impactful change. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c) status and submit grant requests in writing at least two months in advance, ensuring timely support for their initiatives.

The Southern Partners Fund's Discretionary Fund Grant aims to support grassroots community organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice in the Southeastern United States. It provides financial resources and technical assistance to rural organizations and leaders focused on transformative change. Eligible applicants include self-governed rural groups engaging in advocacy and community development. The fund prioritizes education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement, allowing up to two requests per year, with a maximum award of $3,500.

Impact100 Louisville empowers women through collective giving by awarding substantial grants to local nonprofits focused on transforming lives in Jefferson County, Kentucky. Grants, starting at $100,000, are awarded in key areas such as arts, education, environment, family, and health. The organization emphasizes collaboration and community visibility, ensuring that all finalists benefit from the exposure. Eligible nonprofits must demonstrate sustainability, community support, and have operated under a 501(c)(3) status for at least 24 months.

The Paul Ogle Foundation Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations in Southern Indiana that demonstrate a strong community impact. By focusing on areas such as economic development, human needs, regionalism, and preservation, the Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life for residents. Organizations must fit specific eligibility criteria and show evidence of sound financial practices. This grant fosters collaborations to address community needs effectively and sustainably, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to strategic philanthropy.

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.

The In These Mountains: Infrastructure Grants, offered by South Arts, aim to preserve and promote the folk arts and traditional culture of Central Appalachia. This initiative supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee, focusing on enhancing the resources necessary for sustaining and advancing traditional arts. Grants of up to $30,000 are available to address non-programming expenses, ensuring the continuity of cultural practices while prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

The Linda and Jerry Bruckheimer Preservation Fund for Kentucky Grants supports the preservation of historic buildings, communities, and landscapes throughout Kentucky. It funds planning and education efforts aimed at revitalizing historical sites and engaging new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible projects include hiring consultants, developing design guidelines, and conducting community outreach. Applicants must match the grant amount on a one-to-one basis, ensuring a commitment to preserving Kentucky's cultural heritage.

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 Fifth Third Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area, focusing on education, arts, community development, and health services. It aims to enhance community vibrancy and provide opportunities, supporting various funding interests from several benefactors. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in Cincinnati, Dayton, or Northern Kentucky. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that empower women, support children, and promote environmental conservation, among other charitable purposes.

Impact100 Cincinnati empowers women to enhance lives in Greater Cincinnati by funding transformative grants focused on culture, education, environment, family, and health. They aim to address community needs with measurable goals, ensuring grants are utilized effectively over 1-3 years. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) charities and align projects with the mission of Impact100. The initiative fosters collaboration while prohibiting funding for operating costs, travel, and faith-based advancements.

The HOKC Good Works Program provides over $2.5 million annually in grants to Kentucky nonprofits, aiding over 3.9 million individuals. Established in 1951, it has distributed $68 million through more than 8,900 grants, relying on the support of over 30,000 active Colonels globally. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) organizations based in Kentucky, operational for at least five years, and focused on tangible community benefits, aligning with the program's mission to foster community enhancement and support.

The Arts Miles Directory Grant connects schools in Kentucky with artistic experiences through approved field trip destinations. Aimed at preschool to 12th-grade students, the grant enhances arts education by providing resources for teachers and fostering student engagement with the arts. Organizations seeking funding must ensure accessibility and demonstrate the ability to provide high-quality artistic experiences. This initiative supports the Kentucky Arts Council's mission to enrich the state's cultural landscape and promote community involvement in the arts.

The HOKC Good Works Program provides medium grants ranging from $2,500 to $9,999 to support Kentucky nonprofits. With over $2.5 million distributed annually, the program aims to enhance community services in areas such as education, health, and support for low-income individuals. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating for at least five years within Kentucky. Ineligible entities include religious organizations and most government bodies. This grant initiative has a strong history of impactful contributions to local communities.

The HOKC Good Works Program offers small grants for newer nonprofit organizations in Kentucky. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for those with 1-5 years of existence, while requests under $2,499 qualify as small grants. Since 1951, the program has distributed over $68 million to support various categories, including community enhancement, education, and health services, benefiting millions of individuals across the state.

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.

About KHC

Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) invests in affordable housing solutions by offering programs and services designed to develop, preserve, and sustain affordable housing throughout the state.

Created by the 1972 General Assembly, KHC is a self-supporting, public corporation of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors. KHC is a quasi-government agency, which is administratively attached to the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, and a portion of KHC's funds are derived from the interest earned through the sale of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds. From these proceeds, KHC has made homeownership possible for more than 76​,000 Kentucky families.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

​The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program is designed to identify sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons, as well as those at risk of homelessness, and provide the services necessary to help them quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness.

The ESG Program provides funds to:​

• Engage homeless individuals and families living on the street.​
• Improve the number and quality of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families.
• Help operate these shelters.
• Provide essential services to shelter residents.
• Rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families.
• Prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless.

The program is also intended to lower the increase of homelessness through the funding of preventive programs and services.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Impact100 Owensboro Residual Grant empowers women philanthropists by providing significant funding for transformative projects in the Greater Owensboro area. With a minimum grant size of $100,000, this grant supports initiatives in arts, education, family services, health, and environmental restoration. Organizations must demonstrate sustainability and community support while adhering to eligibility criteria, ensuring that funds are used effectively for community benefit. The residual grant amount varies yearly, allowing for flexible funding opportunities.

Impact100 Owensboro offers transformational grants of at least $100,000 to empower women in philanthropy and support local nonprofits. The grant focuses on five key areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Family, Health & Wellness, and Environment & Recreation. Organizations must document their 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate community support. Grants cannot fund operating expenses unrelated to new programs or projects already completed. This initiative aims to uplift the Greater Owensboro community through strategic philanthropic endeavors.