Best Social Justice Grants in Kentucky

The Abelard Foundation, established in 1958, supports progressive social change projects located east of the Mississippi River. With an average grant size of $12,000, they prioritize new initiatives with budgets under $350,000. The foundation emphasizes community organizing, civil rights, and empowering marginalized groups. Eligible applicants must be associated with a nonprofit organization and demonstrate a commitment to local leadership and broader policy connections. The board meets biannually to decide on approximately 15 grants per year, focusing mainly on general support.

Grassroots, rural community groups in Kentucky using community organizing for social, economic, or environmental justice can apply for up to US $3,500 to support organizing, capacity building, or travel. Grants from Southern Partners Fund help strengthen rural leadership, education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement across its 12-state Southern region.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky and other Southeastern states can apply for Southern Partners Fund’s Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle to support grassroots social, economic, and environmental justice organizing. Eligible groups may request general or project support, with a focus on building grassroots leadership, capacity, and community power rather than direct services.