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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

Combined Pilot Research Grants: AAHS/PSF

Plastic Surgery Foundation
Private
Canada, United States
Up to US $15,000
The Combined Pilot Research Grants by the Plastic Surgery Foundation and the American Association for Hand Surgery aim to promote innovative research in hand surgery and related fields. Grants of up to $15,000 are available for one-year pilot projects to help develop surgeon scientists and advance clinical practices. Applicants must be affiliated with U.S. or Canadian institutions and hold relevant qualifications. The initiative emphasizes funding projects that contribute to the scientific knowledge of hand surgery.
Reconstructive Surgery Surgery

PSF: Research Fellowships

Plastic Surgery Foundation
Private
Canada, United States
Up to US $50,000
The PSF Research Fellowships aim to support early-career investigators in plastic surgery by providing salary support for residents or fellows to gain research training and experience. Applicants must present a structured research training plan and project, focusing on already funded research. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for one year, emphasizing the training experience, project quality, and mentor commitment.
Medical Education & Professional Training Reconstructive Surgery

Warren MacKenzie Advancement Award

Northern Clay Center
Private
United States
Up to US $2,000
The Warren MacKenzie Advancement Award supports students and emerging ceramic artists in the U.S. to enhance their skills and knowledge through research and education for up to twelve months. Eligible applicants include current students and recent graduates in ceramics. The award offers a maximum of $2,000 for travel, education, or research, enabling recipients to explore new techniques, collaborate with mentors, and attend workshops, thereby fostering professional growth in the field of ceramics.
Fine Art

Diversity Mentorship Grant Program - Pathways Medical Student Mentorship Program

American Academy of Dermatology
Association/Society
United States
US $500
The Diversity Mentorship Grant Program aims to enhance ethnic diversity in dermatology by providing mentorship to underrepresented medical students. Participants receive 160 hours of hands-on experience with a dermatologist, fostering a deeper understanding of the field. A stipend of $1,500 is available for travel and living expenses. Applications are open until November 1 for the upcoming year, encouraging students from diverse backgrounds, including Black, Hispanic, and Native American groups, to apply.
Skin Diseases & Dermatology Medical Education & Professional Training Asian / Pacific Island Culture & Heritage +3 more

AABCF Research Grants

American Association of Birth Centers Foundation (AABC)
Private
United States
Up to US $5,000
The AABCF Research Grants, offered by the American Association of Birth Centers Foundation, provide funding up to $5,000 for research projects focused on the birth center model of care. Open to individuals and organizations, these grants aim to enhance knowledge and practices in maternity and women's health care. Projects must demonstrate a clear plan and ability to complete the research on schedule, ensuring impactful contributions to the field.
Maternal And Perinatal Health

Changemaker Accreditation Grants

American Association of Birth Centers Foundation (AABC)
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Changemaker Accreditation Grants support birth centers in achieving and maintaining accreditation by covering up to 100% of the initial or annual fees required by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers. This initiative honors the pioneers of the birth center movement and aims to assist centers that demonstrate financial hardship and a commitment to serving low-income communities. Special consideration is given to those fostering public education and located in rural areas.
Maternal And Perinatal Health Health Facilities & Clinics

LexGive365 Grants

Blue Grass Community Foundation, Inc.
Private
Fayette County, Kentucky
US $5,000 - US $15,000
The BGCF365 Grants, initiated by the Blue Grass Community Foundation, empower emerging philanthropists to collectively fund nonprofit projects that dismantle barriers to employment, transportation, and housing for families in Fayette County. In 2024, grants will focus on enhancing resilience among youth aged 0-22. Members contribute $365 annually, pooling resources to award $30,000 to selected organizations. This initiative fosters community engagement and aims to improve living conditions for all in Lexington.
Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Adult Education Public Transportation & Mass Transit Systems +9 more

John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust Grant

John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust
Private
United States
Up to US $50,000
The John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust Grant aims to preserve the intercity rail passenger experience from 1920 to 1960. This private foundation supports projects that restore historic rail equipment and enhance passenger service. With an emphasis on operational railroads, the Trust encourages inclusive practices and the involvement of young people in rail heritage. Grant requests can reach up to $50,000, fostering opportunities for multiple annual awards to eligible organizations dedicated to rail heritage.
Historic Preservation

Community-Built Playspace Grants

KaBOOM!
Private
Arapahoe County, Colorado, Collin County, Texas +27 more
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
The Community-Built Playspace Grants, funded by KaBOOM!, aim to empower communities to create kid-designed playspaces that foster health and well-being. These grants address inequities in access to safe play areas, particularly in communities of color, ensuring that all children can benefit from spaces that promote social, emotional, and physical development. By supporting the construction of these playspaces, KaBOOM! works to enhance resilience and learning opportunities for children, transforming neighborhoods into vibrant, engaging environments.
Playgrounds

Tennant Foundation Equipment Donations

Tennant Company Foundation
Corporate
United States
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
The Tennant Foundation offers equipment donations to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that promote a cleaner, safer, and healthier world. Donations focus on organizations that are charitable, educational, scientific, or literary. However, certain groups such as political or religious organizations, social clubs, and private foundations are ineligible. The foundation also considers the impact of donations on its partners and distributors before making decisions.
Environmental Stewardship Environmental Conservation Sustainability

Syringe Service Program Grant

The Comer Family Foundation Inc
Private
District of Columbia, Puerto Rico +1 more
US $2,500 - US $20,000
The Syringe Service Program Grant, offered by The Comer Family Foundation, aims to enhance harm reduction initiatives by funding syringe access programs across the U.S. These programs provide sterile syringes, education, and support services to mitigate the risks associated with drug use, including HIV and hepatitis transmission. Priority is given to organizations in underserved areas and those led by marginalized communities. Grants are available for operational costs, program development, and staff training, with a focus on sustainability and local partnerships.
Drug Use Disorder

Bridge to Success Grant for Mid-Career/Senior Investigators

American Academy Of Sleep Medicine Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $100,000
The Bridge to Success Grant for Mid-Career/Senior Investigators, offered by the AASM Foundation, supports seasoned sleep and circadian science researchers seeking bridge funding while reapplying for larger grants. Eligible applicants include those with past NIH proposals that were not funded but scored. This initiative aims to retain experienced investigators in the field while ensuring a continued focus on vital research topics. The grant is a part of the AASM Foundation's commitment to advancing sleep research.
Sleep

Myocarditis, Heart Failure and Sudden Death Research Grant Program

Myocarditis Foundation
Private
Canada, United States
US $50,000
The Myocarditis Foundation offers research grants aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of myocarditis, a rare but serious disease. These grants provide $40,000 in seed funding for promising physician-scientists within ten years of their MD or PhD. Recipients are expected to conduct research in the U.S. or Canada, culminating in a final report. The goal is to support innovative research that can lead to significant breakthroughs and ultimately, a cure for myocarditis.
Cardiovascular Diseases & Systems

Skin Cancer Pilot Research Grants

Skin Cancer Foundation
Private
Canada, United States
US $25,000 - US $50,000
The Skin Cancer Pilot Research Grants, funded by the Skin Cancer Foundation, support innovative studies in skin cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. With over $2 million awarded since 1981, these grants are aimed at early career dermatology investigators. Each year, researchers can apply for one-year projects, with a total of $125,000 available through two $50,000 grants and one $25,000 grant. This initiative is vital for advancing research and improving patient outcomes.
Skin Diseases & Dermatology Skin Cancers

Urgent Action Fund

Resist.
Private
United States
US $5,000

Resist.

In 1967, Resist emerged out of the resistance to the Vietnam War and evolved to support the visionary frontline groups that are resisting, re-imagining, and transforming their communities for a more just and liberated world.

Resist is a foundation that supports people’s movements for justice and liberation. We redistribute resources back to frontline communities at the forefront of change while amplifying their stories of building a better world.

Our grant-making: Throughout this history, Resist has provided critical early funding to some of the most influential progressive organizations in the U.S. In total, Resist has granted more than $12 million to over 6,000 dedicated groups across the United States.

Urgent Action Fund

The 2026 Urgent Action Fund resources organizations with urgent projects or requests that include, but are not limited to, events, direct actions, accessibility, and mutual aid. Applications will open on the last Monday and close the following Friday of each month until cap has been reached. Projects that reflect escalated resistance, campaigns, events, projects or programmatic work will be prioritized.

Social Justice / Human Rights

ASTRO Medical Student Fellowship Award for Underrepresented Populations

American Society For Radiation Oncology
Association/Society
United States
US $6,000
The ASTRO Medical Student Fellowship Award for Underrepresented Populations aims to enhance diversity in radiation oncology by supporting medical students from underrepresented backgrounds. Awardees receive a $6,000 package, including a stipend for an eight-week training program, funds for travel expenses, and mentorship opportunities. This initiative is part of ASTRO's broader mission to advance patient care and professional development in the field of radiation oncology, fostering an inclusive environment in medical education.
Cancer / Oncology

James C. Stewart Charitable Foundation Grant

James C Stewart Charitable Foundation
Private
United States
Approximately US $10,000
The James C. Stewart Charitable Foundation Grant supports various charitable causes primarily in Tucson, Arizona, and Southern California. Founded by James Stewart, who was dedicated to uplifting the community and promoting the arts, the foundation provides an average grant of $10,000, awarding around five grants annually. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. The foundation emphasizes arts, education, environment, health, human services, and public benefit, continuing Stewart's legacy of generosity.
Art & Culture Humanities & Social Science Education +7 more

Senior Pet Adoption Assistance

Petfinder Foundation
Private
Canada, Mexico +1 more
Up to US $1,000
The Senior Pet Adoption Assistance Grant, offered by the Petfinder Foundation, provides financial support to adopters of senior pets or bonded pairs. This initiative aims to encourage the adoption of older pets by covering costs such as adoption fees and post-adoption expenses, including veterinary care and supplies. Grants, up to $1,000, are awarded monthly until funds are depleted, ensuring that senior pets find loving homes while alleviating some financial burdens for their new families.
Animal Welfare - Domestic Animals & Pets

Latham Foundation for the Promotion of Humane Education Grant

Latham Foundation for the Promotion of Humane Education
Private
United States
Up to US $10,000
The Latham Foundation for the Promotion of Humane Education, established in 1918, emphasizes humane education to foster kindness and respect for all living beings. With a focus on innovative programs for teenagers and animal-assisted activities, the foundation invites U.S. organizations, particularly nonprofits, to apply for grants. However, funding does not extend to capital projects, salaries, or conference travel. Latham aims to instill core values that promote compassion within communities and across nations.
Animal Welfare - General Human-Animal Interactions & Therapy Service Animals

Basil O'Connor Starter Scholar Research Awards

March Of Dimes Inc
Private
United States
US $150,000
The Basil O'Connor Starter Scholar Research Awards, offered by March of Dimes, support emerging researchers in maternal and child health. With a $150,000 grant over two years, the program prioritizes projects addressing preterm birth and health equity. Eligible applicants must be within four to nine years of completing their clinical training or terminal degree, holding a tenure-track position. This initiative aims to foster impactful research that enhances clinical treatments for serious maternal and newborn health conditions.
Developmental Biology / Embryology Obstetrics & Neonatal Care Genetic Conditions & Birth Defects +1 more

Utility Arborist Research Fund Grant Program

Tree Fund
Association/Society
United States
US $10,000 - US $50,000
The Utility Arborist Research Fund Grant Program, managed by the TREE Fund and UAA, offers $50,000 in funding for 2024 to support vital research in utility tree care. The program prioritizes proposals focusing on employee safety, service reliability, and regulatory compliance. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000, with the aim of addressing pressing issues in vegetation management. Applications are welcomed from those aligned with these priorities, promoting safety and efficiency in the utility industry.
Occupational Health & Safety Forestry

Safe Arborist Techniques Fund Grant Program

Tree Fund
Association/Society
United States
US $5,000 - US $15,000
The Safe Arborist Techniques Fund Grant Program, established by the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund and the International Society of Arboriculture, aims to enhance worker safety in arboriculture through research and development. Grants focus on biomechanics and tree failure mechanisms, supporting innovative practices that protect both workers and the community. Proposals are evaluated on their potential impact, scientific rigor, and the experience of the investigative team, ensuring they align with the mission of the TREE Fund.
Community / Public Safety Forestry

Bob Skiera Memorial Fund Building Bridges Initiative and John P. White Grant Program

Tree Fund
Association/Society
United States
US $5,000 - US $30,000
The Bob Skiera Memorial Fund Building Bridges Initiative Grant Program supports urban forestry research and collaboration. With a maximum award of $30,000, it aims to enhance communication between arborists, urban foresters, and various professionals. The program welcomes proposals that explore the benefits of urban forests, policy implementation, and ecosystem services. This initiative honors Bob Skiera's legacy, fostering trust and cooperation within the urban planning community for sustainable urban forestry practices.
Forestry

ArtsWave Pride Grant Program

ArtsWave (Cincinnati Institute of Fine Arts)
Private
Boone County, Kentucky, Bracken County, Kentucky +13 more
Up to US $10,000
The ArtsWave Pride Grant Program aims to foster inclusive arts experiences that resonate with the LGBTQIA community. By funding arts and cultural heritage projects, it seeks to enhance Cincinnati's reputation as an inclusive city. This program supports both the development of new creative initiatives and the operational needs of existing ones, encouraging projects that extend beyond traditional Pride celebrations. Applicants are urged to craft projects that align with these goals throughout the year.
Arts / Culture Access & Participation Art for Social Change Sexuality & LGBTQIA+ Rights +1 more

George Family Foundation: Spirituality & Inner Life Grants

George Family Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The George Family Foundation offers Spirituality & Inner Life Grants to empower organizations that foster mindfulness and personal healing. They seek to support programs that promote respect, empathy, and compassion, aiming to bridge divides and enhance individual well-being. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with their mission, particularly those addressing meaningful community needs. They focus on 501(c)(3) organizations primarily in Minnesota and select areas, emphasizing innovative spiritual and inner life endeavors.
Religion & Spirituality Mindfulness, Meditation & Yoga

Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program ( Winter )

Jean Griswold Foundation (Griswold Cares Foundation)
Private
Acadia Parish, Louisiana, Adams County, Colorado +385 more
US $500 - US $2,000

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

Caregiver Support / Respite Care

Putting Patients First Grant Program

The Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA)
Association/Society
United States
Up to US $20,000
The Putting Patients First Grant Program, supported by Canon Medical and managed by AHRA, aims to enhance patient care and safety in medical imaging. In 2024, five grants of up to $10,000 each will be awarded to hospitals developing training or programs in categories such as Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Safety. Recipients are also required to publish their findings in an AHRA publication, promoting shared best practices across institutions.
Biomedical Imaging

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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