Best Public Infrastructure Grants in Kentucky

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can seek funding that supports work, home, and play initiatives. Focused on equitable, high-impact community development, US Bancorp Foundation prioritizes organizations in its service areas, including those led by people of color and addressing multiple community needs.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in Kentucky tackling urgent social or environmental problems can seek up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. Focused on scalable solutions that benefit underserved communities, this support may help organizations advancing public infrastructure-related services as part of broader systems-change work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in select Kentucky counties can receive up to US $20,000 for workforce development, climate resiliency, and equity-focused community projects. Focused on public-serving systems and environments, the Duke Energy Foundation invites Kentucky applicants working on economic development, environmental resilience, and inclusive opportunity to apply year-round.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s culture grants, supporting program, capital, and limited general or endowment needs. Kentucky organizations offering arts, museums, or STEAM-focused public facilities and programs, especially those engaging youth or developing artists, may be competitive applicants for awards over US $100,000.

PNC Foundation provides Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for early childhood education and community economic development projects. Eligible activities include early learning programs for low- to moderate-income children, affordable housing and homeownership support, small business technical assistance, job training, arts and cultural enrichment, and neighborhood revitalization in communities where PNC has a significant presence.

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 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.

Public infrastructure and community development nonprofits serving Southern Indiana counties and Jefferson County, Kentucky can seek funding for capital projects, equipment, and related program costs that benefit local residents. The Paul Ogle Foundation prioritizes established, financially strong 501(c)(3) organizations with a clear Southern Indiana service focus and requires applicants to contact staff for pre-approval before submitting requests.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Public infrastructure and community-focused nonprofits in Kentucky located within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community can seek funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects. Focused on strengthening GP communities, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and eligible government entities to apply for initiatives that enhance long-term local well-being.

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.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Local government communities in Kentucky needing to restore public infrastructure or housing after severe weather or natural disasters can seek up to US $100,000 through the Community Emergency Relief Fund. Administered by the Kentucky Department for Local Government under the CDBG program, projects must address urgent community development needs and follow program-area application rules.

Kentucky local governments seeking economic development, infrastructure, or community facility projects can apply for up to US $1,000,000 through the Community Development Block Grant Economic Development program. Focused on job creation, human services, and benefits for low- and moderate-income residents, the Kentucky Department for Local Government supports projects that may also include public infrastructure components.

Local governments in Kentucky seeking to develop decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing can apply for up to US $1,000,000 through the Housing Program. With a mission to strengthen communities, the Kentucky Department for Local Government provides funding that can complement broader public infrastructure and community development efforts benefiting low- and moderate-income residents.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for education, social services, health care, civic, cultural, or environmental projects can access funding via Dr Scholl Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Eligible U.S. organizations planning public infrastructure–related or community-serving initiatives may request one year of project funding per grant cycle.

Kentucky Recovery Kentucky substance abuse centers providing homeless and supportive housing services can access funding through the Kentucky Department for Local Government to cover operational costs. Grants up to US $200,000 support centers serving individuals with substance use disorders, including people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, which may help sustain related public facilities and community infrastructure across Kentucky.

With a mission to conserve lands and waters, The Nature Conservancy provides Appalachians conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies with up to US $100,000 for fee and easement acquisition projects. Kentucky entities within the Appalachians Program boundary may be eligible to protect resilient, connected lands while delivering equitable community benefits and public access improvements.

Kentucky public entities and partners managing recycling or household hazardous waste in Kentucky can access funding through the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet to develop infrastructure and education programs. Grants support integrated recycling systems, HHW management, and public outreach, with priority for regional projects operating under state-approved inter-local cooperative agreements and a required 25% match.

Local governments and public entities in Kentucky seeking to build or improve recycling infrastructure and education programs can apply for the Kentucky Pride Fund Recycling Grant from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. With a mission to strengthen public infrastructure, this program supports regional recycling and household hazardous waste projects that include a required 25% match.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Eligible Kentucky institutions establishing or expanding accredited dental hygiene programs can apply for grants supporting rural oral health workforce development and training. Grants from Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services help Kentucky public infrastructure in rural health care by investing in dental hygiene education, externships, and Public Health Dental Hygiene teams within local health districts.

Local governments in Kentucky can seek funding for community development projects such as senior centers, crisis centers, fire stations, and facilities serving low-income residents. Focused on public infrastructure and human services, the Kentucky Department for Local Government offers Community Development Block Grant Community Projects awards up to Up to US $850,000 per community.

Local governments in Kentucky seeking to develop or improve water and wastewater infrastructure can apply for Kentucky Department for Local Government’s Community Development Block Grant Public Facilities funding; awards US $300,000 - US $3,000,000 for eligible projects. Projects must meet CDBG national objectives such as benefiting low- and moderate-income residents or addressing urgent community development needs.

Local governments, special districts, and nonprofit entities in eastern and southcentral Kentucky can access funding for public infrastructure and community development projects through the Kentucky Department for Local Government’s Appalachian Regional Commission program. Eligible projects include water and sewer extensions, broadband deployment, industrial site development, learning centers, workforce training, and leadership or civic capacity building in ARC-designated counties.