Best Youth Sports Grants in Kentucky

The Kentucky Arts Partnership Grant provides vital operating support to arts organizations in Kentucky, ensuring that residents have access to year-round arts programming. This grant is aimed at independent arts groups and local arts agencies, helping to foster strong community engagement and cultural diversity. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal responsibility and maintain IRS tax-exempt status to qualify. This initiative not only enhances art participation but also strengthens the overall arts delivery system across the state.

The Poetry Out Loud Grant, offered by the Kentucky Arts Council, supports high school students in grades 9-12 as they engage in poetry memorization and performance. This initiative promotes public speaking skills and self-confidence while celebrating America's literary heritage. Schools can apply for funding to bring teaching artists into their classrooms, enhancing students' appreciation for poetry through dynamic educational experiences. Eligibility extends to all Kentucky public and private high schools, encouraging broad participation across the state.

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 LGBTQ Grant from Just Fund KY aims to support antiracist projects that uplift LGBTQ individuals, especially those from marginalized communities in Kentucky. By promoting understanding, grassroots leadership, and inclusivity, this grant seeks to bridge gaps between LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ organizations. The initiative emphasizes that true freedom is collective, as noted by Emma Lazarus, and works towards creating a brighter future for all Kentuckians.

The Kentucky Civic Seal Mini-Grant Program aims to empower educators and students by funding civic engagement projects that align with the Civic Seal criteria. Offering grants ranging from $100 to $1000, this initiative supports planning, enacting, and showcasing civic action projects. Launched with the help of the CivXNow and community partners, it emphasizes diversity in applicant selection and encourages collaboration between students and adult sponsors to enhance civic learning and participation.

The Stephen L. Keller Scholarship, provided by the Blue Grass Community Foundation, supports exceptional students from Eastern Kentucky pursuing business-related majors. Eligible applicants must attend an accredited four-year institution in Kentucky and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. This scholarship awards $2,000 annually and is renewable for up to four years, fostering educational opportunities and community growth in the region.

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.

The Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Grant by the Kentucky Arts Council aims to preserve cultural heritage by funding mentor artists who teach essential skills to less experienced artists. This program supports partnerships between mentor and apprentice folk artists, fostering the continuation of traditional arts within communities. Eligible applicants must be Kentucky residents aged 21 and older for mentors and 16 and older for apprentices, with funding covering stipends, travel, and supplies for up to one year.

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 IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in underfunded states by fostering collaborations among research institutions. By supporting faculty research, mentoring, and student involvement, INBREs create pathways for undergraduate students to enter biomedical careers. This initiative not only promotes institutional partnerships but also strengthens research infrastructure, ultimately contributing to a more robust scientific community in IDeA states.

The HOKC Good Works Program offers small grants for newer nonprofit organizations in Kentucky. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for those with 1-5 years of existence, while requests under $2,499 qualify as small grants. Since 1951, the program has distributed over $68 million to support various categories, including community enhancement, education, and health services, benefiting millions of individuals across the state.

The HOKC Good Works Program provides medium grants ranging from $2,500 to $9,999 to support Kentucky nonprofits. With over $2.5 million distributed annually, the program aims to enhance community services in areas such as education, health, and support for low-income individuals. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating for at least five years within Kentucky. Ineligible entities include religious organizations and most government bodies. This grant initiative has a strong history of impactful contributions to local communities.

The HOKC Good Works Program provides over $2.5 million annually in grants to Kentucky nonprofits, aiding over 3.9 million individuals. Established in 1951, it has distributed $68 million through more than 8,900 grants, relying on the support of over 30,000 active Colonels globally. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) organizations based in Kentucky, operational for at least five years, and focused on tangible community benefits, aligning with the program's mission to foster community enhancement and support.

Casey’s Donation Requests support vital community needs in Education, Hunger, and Community Servants. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations within Casey’s communities can apply through the online Donation Request Form. Requests are reviewed continuously, with feedback provided via email within one month. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received donations in the current giving calendar year, which runs from May 1 to April 30.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

The Kentucky Conference Mission Grants provide financial support for mission work within the Kentucky Annual Conference and internationally. Grants of up to $2,000 are awarded to churches, institutions, and projects that align with the mission of the United Methodist Church, focusing on outreach in areas such as addiction, food insecurity, and support for refugees. This initiative aims to foster community transformation through various mission efforts across Kentucky.

The MFA Oil Foundation Grant offers cash support to nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing communities where MFA Oil operates. With a mission to bolster rural areas, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that develop youth leadership, agricultural education, and community problem-solving. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and accredited educational institutions. However, grants are not available for operating expenses, political lobbying, or individual support. This initiative seeks to empower organizations that create sustainable change in their communities.

About KHC

Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) invests in affordable housing solutions by offering programs and services designed to develop, preserve, and sustain affordable housing throughout the state.

Created by the 1972 General Assembly, KHC is a self-supporting, public corporation of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors. KHC is a quasi-government agency, which is administratively attached to the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, and a portion of KHC's funds are derived from the interest earned through the sale of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds. From these proceeds, KHC has made homeownership possible for more than 76​,000 Kentucky families.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

​The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program is designed to identify sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons, as well as those at risk of homelessness, and provide the services necessary to help them quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness.

The ESG Program provides funds to:​

• Engage homeless individuals and families living on the street.​
• Improve the number and quality of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families.
• Help operate these shelters.
• Provide essential services to shelter residents.
• Rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families.
• Prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless.

The program is also intended to lower the increase of homelessness through the funding of preventive programs and services.

Kentucky Department of Tourism

The Kentucky Department of Tourism is an agency within the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, which promotes the Commonwealth as a travel destination

The Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet (TAH) is dedicated to making Kentucky a welcoming place for everyone to visit, with a focus on tourism, the arts and sharing the commonwealth's unique heritage.​ TAH serves as Kentucky's top tourism agency, and collaborates with local tourism partners to coordinate tourism, arts and heritage efforts through legislation, tourism development and marketing outreach.

Regional Marketing and Matching Funds Program

The Matching Funds Program provides local non-profit tourism organizations with financial assistance to promote tourism in their areas. The program is administered by KDT staff in accordance with 300 KAR 1:010, Regional Marketing and Matching Funds Program.

Specific projects eligible for reimbursement include:

• Tourism publications, Videos, CDs and DVDs
• Media advertisements
• Billboards and Signage
• Brochure Distribution Services
• Consumer travel show expenses
• Group tour marketplace expenses
• Meeting/Convention & Sports marketing Trade Shows and Expo expenses
• Media Press Kits
• Sponsorship of Tourism Trade Shows and Events
• Bid Fees to Assist in Bringing Events to the State
• Web Site design expenses

Professional biologists conducting research and presenting at the Association of Southeastern Biologists annual meeting can apply for this US $1,000 research award. Eligible ASB members in Kentucky and other Southeastern states may benefit if their work in biology supports broader educational or youth-focused programming connected to their institutions or communities.

Context and Background

The Commonwealth of Kentucky has been awarded funding through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Rural Health Transformation Fund (RHTF). This investment will empower Kentucky to launch and implement its Rural Health Transformation Plan (RHTP), a community-driven strategy to expand access and improve health outcomes for rural residents across the Commonwealth1 .

Our Plan

Kentucky’s RHTP launches five interrelated initiatives designed to build rural health infrastructure and provide sustainable, long-term improvements. This plan directly supports Kentucky’s rural counties while advancing statewide impact through innovation, technology-enabled care and strengthened workforce recruitment pipelines for both clinical and non-clinical staff. This strategy will help build a resilient, integrated and technology-forward health system across the Commonwealth.

• Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care Innovation:
  • Establishes local “hub-and-spoke” collaboratives focused on obesity and diabetes prevention and management.
  • These hubs will integrate nutrition, physical activity programs, and digital self-management tools.
• PoWERing Maternal and Infant Health:
  • Expands timely prenatal and postpartum care by deploying telehealth-enabled maternal care teams who will serve maternity-care deserts and high-risk regions, to help mothers and infants receive seamless, high-quality support.
• Rapid Response to Recovery (EmPATH Model):
  • Deploys technology-enabled crisis stabilization and mobile behavioral health response teams to connect individuals with community-based treatment and recovery supports.
• Rooted in Health:
  • Rural Dental Access: Increases access to preventive oral health services through expanded dental hygiene training programs, externships, and investment in Public Health Dental Hygiene (PHDH) teams in Local Health Districts (LHDs).
• Crisis to Care:
  • Integrated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Response and Coordination: Enhances pre-hospital capacity and trauma coordination through treat-in-place protocols, improved data connectivity and workforce training for rural EMS providers. 

The First Financial Foundation, established in 2017, aims to enhance local communities through targeted grants. With a focus on neighborhood development, workforce education, and cultural initiatives, the foundation supports organizations creating affordable housing, enhancing financial literacy, and promoting the arts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving specific counties and must align with the foundation's mission. The foundation seeks to foster community growth and diversity while ensuring impactful contributions.

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 Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

The Arts Access Assistance program, run by the Kentucky Arts Council, provides funding between $2,500 and $5,000 to 501(c)(3) nonprofits for innovative arts programming aimed at underserved communities. This initiative fosters creativity and well-being by utilizing arts-based strategies that evolve with each grant cycle. The program seeks to enhance cultural engagement, promote lifelong learning, and increase participation in the arts across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.