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.

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.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) and equivalent charitable organizations working in health, education, or community services can apply for support to expand services and programs. Focus areas include food pantries, healthcare access for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives. Focused on public infrastructure, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites projects that strengthen community health and education systems.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and other organizations working on education, health, or family economic stability projects in Kentucky may be eligible for more than US $50,000 to support or scale their work. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports initiatives serving urban low-income children and youth in the U.S., India, and South Africa.

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.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

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.

U.S. IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations, including those in Kentucky, can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community programs such as arts, education, health facilities, environmental and wildlife protection, and services for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation favors projects where modest funding can make a significant impact.

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.

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.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

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.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving quality of life for underserved people, including those in Kentucky, can seek project, operating, or capital support for community-focused programs. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports efforts in economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief in communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates, which may include public infrastructure-related initiatives.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

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.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

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.