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.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Eligible Kentucky educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives that strengthen local infrastructure and neighborhoods. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support projects like disaster preparedness, home and auto safety, affordable housing, job training, and financial literacy that may benefit public infrastructure efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky working on community development, housing, jobs, hunger, or related basic needs can seek sponsorship support for programs and events. Bank of America Foundation also considers initiatives in arts and culture, environment, workforce education, and diversity that strengthen public life and may complement local infrastructure and community assets.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

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.