Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Kentucky

The Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in natural resources, including fisheries and wildlife. This scholarship is available for applicants attending any public or private college or university. The fund was established to honor community contributions towards environmental preservation and is awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Apply once for all scholarships you may qualify for to streamline your application process.

About CKCF

Our Mission

Central Kentucky Community Foundation is the philanthropic focal point in the region, serving as a resource, leader and catalyst to people who wish to improve life in their community.

Available Scholarships

2026 Kacy Lee Johnson Memorial Scholarship

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to bolster ethnic minority and gender representation in senior athletics administration roles. With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it supports up to 46 schools and conferences over five years. Eligible institutions must be active NCAA Division III members and meet various requirements. This grant encourages diversity in leadership, fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes.

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Jim Liles Student Award

 The Jim Liles Student Award is intended to assist students who want to make presentations at a CSA Southeastern Region symposium. These presentations may be on any costume-related topic. The work should be well researched and may or may not be thesis, dissertation, course research project, independent study research, or senior project related. Up to TWO students whose papers are accepted will receive up to $1,000 each to cover travel and other related expenses. The Registration fee will be waived for all student presenters, regardless of whether they receive this award.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Colleen Callahan Professional Development Award

Members are invited to apply for the Professional Development Grant offered by Southeastern Region of the Costume Society of America. Awards will be made at a minimum of $250 with the total award not to exceed $1000. Your project may be on any aspect of costume, any technical skill, or any administrative expertise which will further the mission and purposes of the Costume Society of America. The grant money may be applied to research, a course, workshop fees, or travel.

The Women's Mini Grant Application supports county Farm Bureaus in Kentucky by offering grants up to $500 for educational programs aimed at enhancing agricultural literacy among children and adults. Funded by a live auction, this initiative prioritizes programs demonstrating financial need. Six mini-grants will be awarded in 2025, encouraging innovative educational efforts in the community.

The Women's Educational Grant, funded by the Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance Foundation, offers a $2,500 award annually to a female non-traditional student in Kentucky. This grant supports women resuming their education after family or work-related responsibilities. Applicants must be Kentucky Farm Bureau members for at least a year, high school graduates, and submit a completed application including transcripts and an essay outlining their goals and experiences. The grant promotes educational advancement and community involvement.

The Kentucky Crafted Program supports Kentucky's visual and craft artists by offering marketing assistance, promotional opportunities, and arts business training. This program allows eligible artists to showcase their work at various events, including the Kentucky Crafted Market. Its goals include promoting high-quality craftsmanship and enhancing the state's reputation as a center for exceptional art. Participants benefit from a recognized logo, access to online directories, and professional development opportunities.

The Teaching Art Together Grant empowers Kentucky teachers to collaborate with professional artists, enhancing the educational experience through innovative residencies that last from one to four weeks. This program aims to integrate the arts into the curriculum, fostering creativity among students and teachers. By providing financial support for artist fees, the grant enables schools to enrich their teaching methods while ensuring that the arts remain a vital component of education beyond the residency period.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

The John Dink Memorial Scholarship, established by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support residents of Hardin County who plan to attend a Kentucky college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.8. Since its inception in 1960, this scholarship has provided valuable educational opportunities, encouraging local students to pursue higher education and contribute positively to their communities.

The Kentucky AED Grant aims to enhance the availability of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools across Kentucky, addressing the critical need for timely cardiac emergency responses. With a one-time funding of $2,000 per AED, this initiative supports the purchase of new devices, replacement of outdated ones, and the establishment of robust emergency response plans. By ensuring accessible AEDs, the grant seeks to improve survival rates during cardiac events on school properties.

The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund, managed by Refed Inc., supports innovative solutions to minimize food waste and reduce methane emissions, a cost-effective strategy for climate action. This fund prioritizes initiatives that enhance food recycling and improve supply chain efficiency in the beef and dairy sectors. By focusing on proven methods, the grant aims to accelerate impactful changes in the food system, ultimately fostering sustainable practices and collaborative efforts to combat food waste.

The King’s Daughters and Sons Foundation of Kentucky supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, focusing on health, education, and general welfare. Last year, they awarded over $645,000 to various projects, emphasizing capital expansion and scholarships. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities, while ineligibilities include support for individuals, political entities, and annual operating costs. This foundation aims to address unmet community needs, particularly for at-risk youth and vulnerable populations throughout the Commonwealth.

The Asian Cultural Council's Individual Fellowship provides artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the United States with opportunities for self-directed cultural exchange and research in unfamiliar regions. This program supports activities such as interviews, workshops, and archival research, fostering cultural immersion and collaboration. With a funding limit of $35,000, the fellowship encourages innovative proposals that enhance creative perspectives and relationships among peers, while also ensuring strong eligibility criteria for applicants.

The Asian Cultural Council's New York Fellowship offers a transformative six-month program for artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia. Participants engage deeply with New York City's vibrant cultural landscape, attending performances, exhibitions, and workshops while building networks with local communities. This unique opportunity fosters peer-learning and individual artistic development, encouraging fellows to incorporate their experiences into their practices and contribute to their home cultures. The fellowship emphasizes exploration, exchange, and support, culminating in a rich cultural immersion.

The Snowy Owl Foundation Grant, established in 2010, supports organizations focused on Land, Art, Education, and Human Need. With a mission to nourish good organizations, the Foundation prioritizes local community initiatives while also considering qualified regional projects. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) designated charities, while requests from religious organizations, individuals, and political entities are not reviewed. This grant aims to foster creativity and address critical community needs.

The North Central Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes one graduate student from each of the Entomological Society of America's six branches. This award promotes graduate-level entomology and encourages attendance at the ESA Annual Meeting. Benefits include an all-expense-paid trip to the national meeting, a $500 cash prize, and a certificate presented during the meeting. Eligibility includes current enrollment in a graduate entomology program or recent graduation.

Kosair Charities Grants aim to enhance the health and well-being of children by providing financial support for healthcare, research, education, and social services. Established in 1923, the organization envisions a world where all children can thrive, regardless of their circumstances. Through their Gifts & Grants Program, Kosair Charities proudly funds nonprofits addressing critical issues faced by children in the community, fostering trust, collaboration, and inclusion in every initiative.

The Essential Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in communities served by Aqua and Peoples, supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to environmental initiatives, education, and emergency services. With a strong commitment to corporate philanthropy and employee volunteerism, the foundation focuses on funding projects that promote community growth while ensuring compliance with nondiscrimination laws. This initiative reflects Essential Utilities' dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of over 5 million people across nine states.

The Corrine and Henry Bower Memorial Foundation Grant offers approximately $35,000 annually to support wellness, education, and visual arts programs in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The foundation prioritizes year-round programming, measurable outcomes, and collaboration with other organizations. However, it does not fund general operating costs, new programs, or for-profit entities. Eligible applicants must have a proven track record of service and demonstrate financial accountability.

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

Background

The Community Foundation of Louisville has opened the third round of funding from the Charles & Jack Fund for LGBTQ+ Advancement. This open grant opportunity supports organizations, projects, and programs committed to fostering supportive, inclusive, and affirming environments for LGBTQ+ youth – defined as those under the age of 24. Up to six (6) grants will be made for up to $20,000, which can be used for any purpose, including general operating expenses.

Through a permanent endowment fund at the Community Foundation created by the late Charles Gruenberger and Jack Kersey—two visionary advocates for queer rights and HIV/AIDS education—the Charles & Jack Fund for LGBTQ+ Advancement stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. This permanent endowment is more than just funding; it symbolizes a commitment to meet the unique needs of queer youth and to elevate the tireless efforts of organizations dedicated to their well-being.

The Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) offers a Production Grant aimed at supporting Southern documentary filmmakers. With funding made possible by the MacArthur Foundation, SDF prioritizes nonfiction projects in production that showcase the rich tapestry of Southern stories. Up to seven grants of $15,000 each will be awarded to help elevate underrepresented voices and narratives. Applicants must have ties to Southern states and meet specific eligibility criteria to apply.

The NRP Research Grant Program offers up to $50,000 for healthcare professionals to explore optimal neonatal resuscitation methods. It encourages innovative research addressing gaps in transitional physiology and effective teaching of resuscitation skills. Applications must focus on evidence-based practices and demonstrate potential for meaningful impact in delivery room care. Researchers from Canadian and US institutions are eligible, though applications primarily focused on quality improvement without a research emphasis will not be considered.

The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation, established in 2001, has awarded over $17.5 million to combat hunger in its operating areas. This foundation focuses on supporting children at risk of hunger and enhancing the capacity of feeding agencies to provide nutritious meals. They also emphasize nutrition education to mitigate health risks associated with hunger. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits located within 20 miles of a Food Lion store, with applications accepted annually.