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Best Kentucky Grants for Nonprofits

Find nonprofit grants in Kentucky, including opportunities in Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green. Updated listings for 501(c)(3) organizations statewide.

9,000+

Available grants

$2.62B

Total funding

$5K

Median grant

9,000+ grants
$2.62B total
$5K median

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9,454 Results based on applied filters

Peterson Foundation Grant

Hal And Charlie Peterson Foundation And Fd Mgmt Trust
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Peterson Foundation Grant, established in 1944 by Hal and Charlie Peterson, supports charitable organizations within Kerr, Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kimble, and Real Counties. The Foundation primarily funds health care and education initiatives, and applications are accepted year-round from §501(c)(3) organizations in the service area. Notably, grants are not available for religious purposes, political actions, or individuals, ensuring a focus on community enrichment.
Health Care Access & Delivery Education

Defending Basic Freedoms Grant

Herb Block Foundation
Private
United States
US $5,000 - US $25,000
The Herb Block Foundation's Defending Basic Freedoms Grant aims to uphold the essential freedoms outlined in the Bill of Rights. This initiative focuses on combating discrimination and prejudice while enhancing the lives of the underprivileged. It provides funding for charitable and educational programs that align with these values. Open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations nationwide, the grant encourages accountability among government agencies and supports relevant contemporary societal issues.
Government Accountability & Transparency Civil Rights

Encouraging Citizen Involvement Grant

Herb Block Foundation
Private
United States
US $5,000 - US $25,000
The Herb Block Foundation offers the Encouraging Citizen Involvement Grant to promote civic engagement and voter participation in a nonpartisan manner. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 are available for nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3). This initiative aims to strengthen democracy by fostering responsible citizen involvement without supporting partisan activities or lobbying efforts.
Voting & Elections Civic Engagement & Education

Kazanjian Economics Foundation Grant

Calvin K. Kazanjian Economics Foundation
Private
United States
US $10,000 - US $25,000
The Kazanjian Economics Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing economic literacy across various educational settings. With a history of over 70 years, the foundation supports projects that deliver economic education to youth, particularly in non-school environments. It emphasizes teacher training and initiatives for underserved communities, while also promoting behavioral economics and entrepreneurship. The foundation welcomes letters of interest year-round, with recommended deadlines of March 10th and September 10th for grant cycles.
Economics Financial Literacy

Ben May Charitable Trust Grant

Ben May Charitable Trust
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Ben May Charitable Trust, established in 1971 by Mr. Ben May, supports charitable, scientific, and educational initiatives. Notably, it has funded the Ben May Laboratory for Cancer Research at the University of Chicago, contributing to significant medical advancements. The Trust accepts funding requests from 501(c)(3) organizations. Mr. May's legacy includes support for renowned researchers and institutions, ensuring ongoing contributions to the field of medical science and education.
Health & Medicine Science Education +1 more

Cyrus M. Quigley Foundation Grant

Cyrus M. Quigley Foundation
Private
United States
US $1,000 - US $7,500
The Cyrus M. Quigley Foundation Grant supports tax-exempt organizations that empower young people through initiatives focusing on courage, self-reliance, and service. Since its inception in 1993, the foundation has awarded over $300,000 in grants, with amounts ranging from $1,000 to $7,500. The foundation emphasizes physical challenges and community service to help develop essential life skills. Grant proposals are accepted annually until the third Friday in April, with decisions communicated by May 31.
Wellness & Healthy Living Cross-Cultural Understanding & Exchanges Civic Leadership Development +3 more

Kathleen Patton Westby Foundation Grant

Kathleen Patton Westby Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Kathleen Patton Westby Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life by supporting the arts, arts education, and culture. Applicants must submit a letter of inquiry as the first step, as proposals are accepted only upon request. The foundation primarily funds tax-exempt organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and does not support deficit financing, individual grants, or research projects unless integral to broader programs.
Art Education Art & Culture

Goldman Fund: Education & Literacy

Lisa & Douglas Goldman Fund
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund, established in 1992, focuses on enhancing education and literacy in the San Francisco community. It supports organizations classified as public charities with 501(c)(3) status, prioritizing projects that strengthen public education and promote civic education for grades K-12. Grant requests are by invitation only and are considered quarterly. The fund seeks to make informed, flexible grants that align with its mission to support impactful charitable projects.
Education - K through 12 Civic Engagement & Education Teacher Development & Training

James McKeen Cattell Sabbatical Grant

James Mckeen Cattell Fund
Private
Canada, United States
Up to US $40,000
The James McKeen Cattell Sabbatical Grant, provided by the James McKeen Cattell Fund, offers supplementary financial support for psychologists' sabbaticals. This grant is designed for faculty members at U.S. and Canadian institutions who meet specific eligibility criteria, including tenure status and recent leave history. The maximum award is capped at $40,000 or half the recipient's salary, ensuring that recipients can extend their research time effectively.
Psychology

Covey Foundation: Bookmobile Grant

Lois Lenski Covey Foundation
Private
United States
US $500 - US $3,000
The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation offers the Bookmobile Grant to promote literacy among underserved children. Grants range from $500 to $3,000 specifically for purchasing books for youth from preschool to grade 8. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public libraries that operate lending bookmobiles. The Foundation aims to ensure access to quality literature, fostering a love of reading in disadvantaged communities while addressing their limited book budgets.
Education - Elementary School Education - Middle School Education - Preschool / Early Learning +1 more

Thomas H. & Mary Williams Shoemaker Fund Grant

Thomas H. & Mary Williams Shoemaker Fund
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Thomas H. & Mary Williams Shoemaker Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations aligned with the Religious Society of Friends' strategic goals, particularly innovative projects that enhance monthly meetings. Grants range from a few hundred to over $200,000, typically distributed over 1-3 years. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate a strong connection to the Fund's objectives. Preference is given to Quaker organizations, particularly those connected to the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.
Christianity

Enterprise Mobility™ Philanthropic Giving

Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Corporate
Canada, France +5 more
Unspecified amount
The Enterprise Mobility™ Philanthropic Giving program focuses on enhancing community engagement through grants aimed at supporting health, education, arts, and disaster relief initiatives. Only Enterprise Mobility team members and their spouses or domestic partners who volunteer with a nonprofit can apply for funding. The program prioritizes sustainable projects that uplift local communities and address pressing social issues, fostering a culture of responsibility and giving back to society.
Disaster Relief / Humanitarian Aid Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Economic Services & Development +4 more

Lingnan W.T. Chan Fellowship Program

Lingnan Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Lingnan W.T. Chan Fellowship Program provides transformative educational experiences for Chinese students in the U.S. through service learning and intercultural exchange. Inspired by Professor Wing-Tsit Chan, this program emphasizes a commitment to service, personal growth, and leadership development. Fellows engage with non-profit organizations, gaining practical experience while living with American families and participating in seminars and reflection meetings, fostering intercultural understanding and professional skills.
Cross-Cultural Understanding & Exchanges

Academic Enrichment Grants

McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $20,000
The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation offers Academic Enrichment Grants to support innovative educational programs that enhance student learning for low-income children. These grants, up to $10,000 per year for two years, aim to foster creativity and critical thinking in K-12 education. Applications are accepted from educators at nonprofit organizations who engage with students directly. The initiative emphasizes collaboration and seeks projects that enrich academic experiences and inspire student curiosity.
Academic Success & Enrichment After School / Summer Educational Programs Curriculum Development

Teacher Development Grants

McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $30,000
The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation offers Teacher Development Grants to support K-12 educators in enhancing their classroom instruction. With grants up to $10,000 per year, individuals or small teams can implement innovative teaching strategies that foster critical inquiry and improve student engagement. This initiative aims to boost educational experiences for diverse learners, encouraging teachers to document and share their methods, ultimately promoting a culture of continuous professional growth.
Teacher Development & Training Education - K through 12

Student Teaching Scholarships/Mentoring Grants

McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation
Private
United States
US $6,000

About Us

Our mission is to serve as a catalyst in maximizing the skills and creativity of educators at the K-12 levels and in cultivating pioneering approaches to teaching that result in dynamic student learning.

The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation sponsors proposals that enhance student learning and educational quality, paying particular attention to those that best serve the at-risk and under-funded, including:

  • Curriculum that excites and challenges
  • Inquiry projects that promote reflection and growth
  • After-school programs that enrich and inspire

The Foundation partners with individuals to expand educational opportunities for America’s youth that inspire students by nurturing their curiosity about the world and their place in it. Funding includes scholarships that provide far more than just tuition and books; grants that benefit the lives of more than just those who receive them; and results that reach far beyond the classroom in which the projects are introduced.

Student Teaching Scholarships/Mentoring

Designed to instill a lifelong, passionate commitment to education and learning at the highest level, McCarthey Dressman scholarships offer financial and mentoring support to educators who will be student teaching in their final year of a qualified teacher education program. Foundation mentors offer one-on-one guidance and attention to nurture the next generation of teachers. Scholarship recipients acquire and strengthen exemplary teaching practices that promote learning by their own students.

The Foundation awards one-year scholarships in the amount of $6,000 each to college students enrolled in teacher education programs at New Mexico State University; the University of California, Santa Cruz; The University of Texas at Austin; and Stephen F. Austin State University.

Consider applying for this scholarship if... 

  • you are interested in maximizing your student teaching experience
  • you believe that working with a mentor would add to your training experience
  • you can provide documentation of financial need for the year in which you will be student teaching
Education - K through 12

United States-Japan Foundation Grant Program

United States-Japan Foundation
Private
Japan, United States
Unspecified amount
The Pre-College Education Grant from the United States-Japan Foundation aims to foster mutual understanding between young Americans and Japanese through innovative educational projects. The Foundation supports K-12 initiatives that enhance teacher training, develop curriculum materials, and promote Japanese language instruction. With a focus on engaging underserved regions and utilizing technology, this grant encourages collaborative efforts to build networks among educators and students, ensuring a rich exchange of cultural knowledge and experiences.
Cross-Cultural Understanding & Exchanges Teacher Development & Training

Americana Foundation: American Heritage Grant

Americana Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Americana Foundation's American Heritage Grant aims to support projects that broaden inclusivity in early American art and narratives, especially for underrepresented groups. Recognizing the historical significance of Americana, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote understanding and appreciation of America's diverse heritage. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and municipal entities. The foundation encourages innovative projects that reinterpret early American material culture, fostering a deeper connection to the past for future generations.
Art Conservation Historic Preservation

Studebaker National Foundation Scholarship

Studebaker National Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $2,000
The Studebaker National Foundation Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in automotive studies. With over $20,000 awarded for technical and trade education in auto restoration, this scholarship encourages applicants to maintain the legacy of Studebaker. Eligible candidates include those studying automotive fields or those engaged with Studebaker as hobbyists. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required, and preference is given to members of Studebaker clubs or their relatives. Reapplications from previous recipients are allowed.
Vehicle Restoration Vocational & Trade Education

Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Foundation Grant

Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Foundation
Private
United States
US $10,000 - US $20,000
The Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Foundation provides financial support to non-profit organizations that promote American Indian self-sufficiency and culture. Grants are awarded quarterly, and applications must be submitted at least 30 days before meeting dates. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant, focusing on entrepreneurship, education, and cultural preservation. The Foundation, established in 1997, has funded various projects, ensuring that grant funds are utilized effectively for their intended purposes.
Indigenous Sovereignty & Rights Native American Culture & Heritage Native American Services

RFC Granting Programs

Rosenberg Fund for Children
Private
United States
Up to US $7,500
The Rosenberg Fund for Children supports the educational and emotional needs of children and youth up to age 24 who are linked to targeted progressive activists. Grants can cover tuition, counseling, and other essential services to help beneficiaries thrive despite the challenges faced by their families. The fund emphasizes direct support to programs and providers, ensuring that assistance reaches those most affected by activism-related adversities.
Social Justice / Human Rights

NFL Foundation Grassroots Program

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Private
Acadia Parish, Louisiana, Adams County, Mississippi +306 more
Up to US $250,000
The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.
Football

Fred J. Brunner Foundation Grant

Fred J. Brunner Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Fred J. Brunner Foundation Grant supports organizations that aid vulnerable populations, particularly the young and elderly, through education, shelter, and hunger initiatives. Established in 1956 by Fred J., the foundation distributes grants annually in the fall, focusing primarily on recipients in the greater Chicago area, although exceptions are made. The foundation operates without regard to race, creed, or ethnicity, allowing all recipients to reapply each year.
Education Youth Services Senior Services +2 more

Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize

Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance (PSSCRA)
Association/Society
United States
US $750,000
The Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize is awarded to early-career scientists in the New York area who are pursuing innovative cancer research. Established by the Pershing Square Foundation in partnership with The Sohn Conference Foundation, the prize offers $250,000 annually for up to three years. With a commitment of over $49 million since 2013, the Alliance aims to accelerate cancer cures by fostering collaborations between academia and industry, providing a unique network and access to vital resources for groundbreaking research.
Cancer / Oncology

DAV Charitable Service Trust Grants

Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The DAV Charitable Service Trust provides essential support to empower veterans in leading dignified lives. This private funder focuses on rehabilitation programs, mobility enhancements for veterans with disabilities, and assistance for aging and homeless veterans. Additionally, it addresses the needs of veterans affected by recent conflicts and supports their caregivers and families. Grants are available to eligible organizations recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt, ensuring that the trust's mission effectively reaches those who have served.
Military & Veterans Services

Annual Grants: Public Policy Requests

John William Pope Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The John William Pope Foundation offers annual grants to support public policy research promoting a free-market economy and individual liberty under the rule of law. Emphasizing the importance of property rights and personal initiative, the foundation welcomes proposals from tax-exempt organizations, particularly those impacting public policy in North Carolina. By focusing on long-term solutions rather than short-term aid, the foundation aims to empower communities and foster sustainable economic growth.
Governance & Democracy Public Policy

Carpenter Foundation - Asian Art Grant

E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation
Private
China, Taiwan, Republic Of China +1 more
Unspecified amount
The E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, established in 1975, supports public charities with a focus on Asian art, performing arts in Richmond, VA, and graduate theological education. The Foundation prioritizes requests from organizations with historical ties to the Carpenters and those promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion and community health. It aims to enhance cultural exchange through art exhibitions, particularly in the US and China, while excluding support for private education and large public charities.
Asian Art

Kentucky Grants for Nonprofits Highlights

Kentucky grants for nonprofits provide funding to support public health, education, and rural development projects. The following grants help organizations address state-specific challenges, promote equity, and improve the quality of life across Kentucky.


Search Instrumentl's Kentucky Grants Database


Explore 136 funding opportunities for nonprofits in Kentucky, with $57.7M in resources. Instrumentl streamlines the funding search with deadline notifications, customized filtering, and key insights to support impactful initiatives throughout Kentucky.

Last updated: October 5, 2026. Next update: November 1, 2026.

Grant Insights : Kentucky Grants for Nonprofits

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Common — grants in this category appear regularly across funding sources.

100+ Kentucky grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

30 Kentucky grants for nonprofits over $25K in average grant size

21 Kentucky grants for nonprofits over $50K in average grant size

22 Kentucky grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses

100+ Kentucky grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

3,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Education

2,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Human & Social Services

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Kentucky grants for Nonprofits?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
33.9%
Q2
21.2%
Q3
23.7%
Q4
21.2%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Kentucky Grants for Nonprofits?

Grants are most commonly $8,000.

$500 $500 Min.
$8,000 $8 K Median
$711,767 $711.8 K Average
$40,331,313 $40.3 M Max.

Frequently asked questions

A wide variety of funding sources for nonprofits are available in Kentucky. Over 100+ individual grants, totaling $57,653,111, are available. If you’re interested in applying for grant funding in Kentucky, know that the median grant size is $8,000. Grants for nonprofits in Kentucky provide funding to support areas like public health, education, and rural development initiatives.

In Kentucky, grants come from all different types of funders, including private foundations, federal government agencies, and corporations. Here’s a breakdown of where you’ll find available grants in Kentucky:

  • Private Foundations: Private foundations in Kentucky fund 81 grant opportunities. When filtering for these grants, you'll see that many focus on education, arts and culture, and more.
  • Federal Government Agencies: There are 14 grants available in Kentucky through federal government agencies. Many of these funding opportunities focus on initiatives like agriculture, rural development, and health care.
  • Corporations: There is a moderate amount of grants from corporations available in Kentucky. The 16 grants available focus on food access and hunger, community services, and more.

Whether you go after government grants or foundation grants depends on your grant readiness. Keep in mind that government grants often have large awards but equally large compliance requirements.

Based on the data we have now, the best time to apply for grants in Kentucky is in Q1, which is when 33.9% of grant deadlines fall. Of the available grants, 23.7% of deadlines fall in Q3 and 21.2% fall in Q2. Comparatively, Q4 is the grant period with the least activity, as only 21.2% of deadlines fall within this timeframe. To maximize your odds of receiving funding, be aware of the peak fundraising periods.

The nonprofit funding landscape throughout Kentucky has shown large activity across the past several years. Based on the funding reports sent to the IRS, overall grant funding reached up to ~$1.7 billion in 2021 and increased to ~$1.8 billion in 2022, a growth of nearly 6%. Among all of the grants awarded in Kentucky during this time, the most popular focus areas for funding were single-organization support from professional societies and associations and alliance/advocacy organizations. Likewise, the top counties receiving the most funding were Jefferson County, Kenton County, and Fayette County.

If you want to start finding more grants, Instrumentl simplifies the entire grant process. You can find grants within Kentucky for your nonprofit while also researching funders, managing deadlines, and keeping on top of everything in our all-in-one platform.

With Instrumentl, you'll get access to over 20,000 live grants and 400,000 funders beyond what you see here in Kentucky. Learn more about Instrumentl's platform.

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