Best Youth Sports Grants in Kentucky

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The Kentucky 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Grant aims to enhance student achievement and social development through effective out-of-school programs. Targeting high-poverty and low-performing schools, it provides academic, artistic, and cultural enrichment opportunities. Local school districts, community organizations, and other eligible agencies are invited to apply, with a maximum award of $150,000 available and no matching funds required, fostering collaboration for student success.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

South Arts Inc. is offering Literary Arts Grants to support writers, independent publishers, and literary organizations focusing on contemporary literature in the Southern U.S. Grants of up to $5,000 will fund projects in poetry, fiction, and other genres. Eligible applicants must be full-time residents of the South Arts region. The initiative aims to amplify the literary traditions of the American South, fostering creativity and community engagement through diverse literary projects.

Southern SARE offers Graduate Student Grants to support Master’s and PhD students engaged in sustainable agriculture research. This initiative encourages impactful research across various topics, including production, marketing, and social sciences. By providing funding opportunities, Southern SARE aims to foster the next generation of researchers committed to advancing sustainable agricultural practices throughout the Southern region.

The Emerging Traditional Artists Program (ETAP), presented by South Arts Inc., supports early-career traditional artists from Appalachian Regional Commission-designated counties. With a $5,000 award, artists can access training, networking, and mentorship opportunities to enhance their skills and community impact. This initiative aims to preserve traditional arts and culture while fostering a new generation of artists dedicated to their craft and cultural heritage.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in IDeA states, which historically receive low NIH funding. By providing critical support for early-career investigators and essential infrastructure, COBRE-D facilitates a long-term vision for institutions. This initiative not only supplements start-up packages for new hires but also establishes research facilities and improves administrative services, paving the way for less-resourced institutions to transition into the COBRE E/S program.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

Central Kentucky Community Foundation

Established in 1960 as North Central Education Foundation, Central Kentucky Community Foundation is one of more than 780 community foundations in the United States today. We serve the Lincoln Trail Region, offering our donors and partners a variety of ways to touch our community through philanthropic giving.

Dr. Linda Mayhew STEM Scholarship

The applicant must be a graduating senior in high school.

The Charles B. Keesee Educational Fund Scholarship offers financial support for students pursuing eligible Master's and Doctoral degrees at various Baptist seminaries. Grants range from $3,100 to $8,800 annually, depending on the program and applicant status. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and residents of specific states, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate intent to enter Baptist ministry. This fund has assisted thousands of students since its establishment in 1941.

Central Kentucky Community Foundation

Established in 1960 as North Central Education Foundation, Central Kentucky Community Foundation is one of more than 780 community foundations in the United States today. We serve the Lincoln Trail Region, offering our donors and partners a variety of ways to touch our community through philanthropic giving.

Dennis and Lisa Parrett Family Scholarship

The applicant must be a graduate of a high school in Hardin County, Kentucky.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service of Kentucky provides essential technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. By integrating conservation practices into their operations, participants can improve water and air quality, enhance soil health, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This program supports sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship, enabling producers to address natural resource concerns effectively.

Kentucky public libraries can use this funding to host teaching-artist residencies that engage youth and families through creative, public programs. Focused on arts education and access, the Kentucky Arts Council invites libraries to design residencies that may complement youth sports or recreation initiatives with dance, storytelling, visual arts, or writing activities.

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.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Kentucky

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

The Native Voices Endowment Grants, managed by the Endangered Language Fund, support the preservation of endangered languages associated with Native American tribes that interacted with the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1803-1806. Grants are available for language documentation, revitalization, and educational projects, fostering cultural heritage through various initiatives. Eligible applicants include tribal members and language programs, ensuring the continuation of linguistic traditions and community involvement in revitalizing native languages.

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TA) funded by the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments supports projects that enhance transportation options in the OKI region. Eligible activities include both infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects as outlined in the Ohio Metropolitan Transportation Plan. This funding aims to promote safer and more accessible transportation alternatives, contributing to the overall improvement of community mobility and connectivity.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The SESAPS Francis Slack Award, established by the Southeastern Section of the American Physical Society, honors individuals who have selflessly contributed to advancing physics in the Southeast. It recognizes efforts in enhancing research facilities, strengthening academic departments, and fostering regional physics organizations. Nominations remain active for three years, with a focus on encouraging women and minority candidates. This prestigious award commemorates the legacy of Francis G. Slack, a pivotal figure in the development of the Southeastern Section.

Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives

We envision a future in which Kentuckians value the importance of libraries and Kentucky government records and we are recognized for:

• Innovative and creative approaches for preserving and providing access to government records;
• Enabling libraries to be essential to their communities;
• Being a va​lued partner in the educational and economic development of the Commonwealth.

Conferences Grant

Grant funds will support Kentucky public library staff in attending library and job-related conferences that foster professional growth, keep them current on national trends, and equip them to implement new services and technologies that benefit their communities. The application will remain open until grant funds are exhausted.

This grant aligns with KDLA's five-year strategic plan to enhance Institutional Capacity to “enhance the knowledge and skills of public library and archival staff through professional development and training opportunities.

The Kentucky Pride Fund Recycling Grant aims to enhance Kentucky's recycling infrastructure through efficient projects leveraging limited funds. Established in 2006, this grant program requires a 25% match and prioritizes regional recycling and household hazardous waste management initiatives. By fostering public education and collaboration among local governments, it seeks to develop sustainable practices that address waste management challenges, ensuring a cleaner environment for future generations. This effort underscores the state's commitment to environmental stewardship.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

The Kentucky Pride Fund Composting Grant, established under Senate Bill 50, aims to support eligible applicants in diverting materials from landfills towards composting, reuse, or recycling. This initiative, part of the Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste Management Grants Program, encourages sustainable practices and environmental stewardship in Kentucky. By providing financial assistance, the grant fosters innovative solutions to waste management challenges, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable community.