Best Community Development Grants in Kentucky

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

Community development and revitalization nonprofits in Kentucky can seek funding for education, environmental improvement, and healthy, vibrant community initiatives. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help 501(c)(3) organizations deliver projects in communities where the company operates, including programs in workforce preparation, STEM education, environmental conservation, and services for underserved populations.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible governmental units providing community development, basic human needs, health, or arts programs in Kentucky can apply for Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation’s charitable grants. Applicants must serve communities in states where the company operates, including Kentucky, and submit an online application with proof of tax status and financial information.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and public or charter schools can seek project funding for community development, sustainability, workforce readiness, and basic needs initiatives near the Norfolk Southern network. Norfolk Southern Foundation’s Thriving Communities Grant typically awards US $1,000 - US $50,000 for specific programs that strengthen local safety, resilience, and economic vitality.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, affordable housing, financial education, workforce development, or arts and culture may be eligible for funding to strengthen local neighborhoods. Focused on neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, and cultural programs, First Financial Foundation supports organizations located in or serving counties within First Financial Bank’s assessment areas.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, arts and culture, education, health, or human services can access funding through Keeneland Foundation, with priority for Central Kentucky. Grants support causes related to the Thoroughbred industry as well as broader community, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the state.

Nonprofit organizations in Kentucky seeking program or event funding for community development and revitalization projects can apply for support from the LG&E and KU Foundation. The funder also backs efforts helping students succeed, providing essential services, protecting vulnerable children, and promoting arts and culture, with two grant cycles offered each year.

Small United Methodist churches in Kentucky planning building additions or improvements can apply for a matching grant from the Kentucky Annual Conference, with awards up to US $3,000. Eligible congregations have under 200 members or 100 in worship and must report fund use and include a district superintendent’s support letter.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with program beneficiaries within 60 miles of downtown Cincinnati can seek program or project funding of more than US $20,000 in Kentucky and nearby states. Elsa Heisel Sule Charitable Trust supports community development and related efforts for agencies with operating budgets under $10 million, excluding general operating-only requests and individuals.

501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, income creation, stable housing, or community empowerment in Kentucky can apply for Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Stable Housing and Empowering Communities grants. Funding supports economic mobility and community development for low- and moderate-income residents, including vulnerable groups such as working families, seniors, youth, veterans, and people with disabilities.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least five years of operations can apply for large Good Works Program grants over More than US $10,000 to fund tangible community development and support projects. The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels backs items that directly benefit many clients across community enhancement, education, health, youth, veterans, and related services.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kentucky can request US $2,500 - US $9,999 for tangible items and projects that directly benefit many clients, including community development and revitalization efforts. Focused on community enhancement, education, health, crisis, youth, veterans, and similar services, the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels offers these medium Good Works Program grants.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking up to US $5,000 for tangible community development, education, health, or human services projects can access funding through the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. Small Grants and New Organizations awards support items or projects that directly benefit many clients across community enhancement, support, youth, veterans, homelessness, and related needs.

Holman Enterprises Community Grants aim to support low-income communities by providing essential resources like food, housing, education, and healthcare. With financial aid of $10,000 for single-year support or $15,000 for multi-year commitments, these grants focus on organizations dedicated to enhancing opportunities for low-income individuals in the areas served. This initiative reflects Holman Enterprises Inc's commitment to community welfare and social responsibility.

Melton Foundation

The Melton Foundation is an international 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in the USA, and a leading proponent of Global Citizenship education and practice worldwide. Established nearly thirty years ago with the credence that collaborations across boundaries can forge sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, today, our programs reach millions of young leaders, having crystallized into a network of over 750 life-long Melton Fellows spread across 40+ countries. Our primary operations are in Chile, China, Germany, Ghana, India, and the United States of America, with legal subsidiaries in Bangalore, India; Jena, Germany; Temuco, Chile; and Accra, Ghana. 

Through our fellowship and collaborative programs we promote and enable global citizenship as a way for individuals and organizations to work together across boundaries of place and identity to solve challenges in an interconnected world.

Melton Foundation Action Grants

The Melton Foundation offers grants year-round to support Melton Fellows in developing skills, perspective and wider networks to further their capacity as global citizens and contribute towards building an equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world.

In almost 10 years of granting, more than 100 Fellows’ initiatives have been awarded with a Melton Foundation grant to

• Build awareness and/or further awareness raising around global issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
• Develop individual and collective responsibility for sustained, collaborative action,
• Grow capacity to collaboratively drive and sustain social impact at the local and/or global level,
• Further the design, implementation and evaluation of collaborative actions that embody the spirit of global citizenship practice and further social impact, or
• Support coordinated social-impact efforts in a particular or across (emerging) Melton Foundation Hub regions to promote global citizenship practice (s) and the organization’s mission.

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award honors Jewish high school students in San Diego who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to community service through tikkun olam. Awardees receive a $9,000 stipend, $540 to set up a Donor Advised Fund, and a professional video showcasing their project. This award encourages students to create or enhance community initiatives, fostering engagement in social justice and service projects.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The EDA FY25 Disaster Supplemental program provides critical funding to support communities recovering from severe economic distress caused by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. With no submission deadlines for Readiness and Implementation Paths, and a specific deadline for Industry Transformation applications, this initiative aims to enhance community resilience and improve economic trajectories through strategic projects that engage local stakeholders and private industries.

Pursuing community development and revitalization projects in Kentucky’s Mid-South counties can qualify 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions for US $1,000 - US $25,000 in project funding. PGA Tour’s Positively Memphis Community Fund supports initiatives that foster community growth and empowerment through quarterly, focus-area grant cycles across the broader Mid-South region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and state or local government entities in Kentucky can seek funding for community development and revitalization, agriculture, food security, and education projects. Greenpoint Foundation supports general operating expenses or specific programs, with priority for initiatives that align with these focus areas and clear impact reporting requirements.

Kentucky community development and revitalization nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can access funding for education, health, arts, entrepreneurship, youth, and civic leadership projects through the H Hovnanian Family Foundation. Grants up to US $10,000 support project-focused activities, with proposals reviewed quarterly and a preference for strong sustainability plans and leveraged partnerships.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, education access, international development, humanitarian aid, or LDS initiatives, including those serving Kentucky, can apply for Strategic Impact Grants to support impactful programs. Bertin Family Foundation supports community development by funding feasible, well-governed projects with clear plans, measurable outcomes, and strong financial transparency, with preference for Candid Gold or Platinum profiles.

The St. Mary's Bank Charitable Foundation 1908 Funds Grants provide financial support to nonprofit organizations in New Hampshire, focusing on community development and services. Established to uphold St. Mary’s Bank's commitment to social responsibility, these grants, ranging from $500 to $5,000, aim to foster financial independence and address issues like homelessness, youth support, and civic engagement. The Foundation prioritizes projects that benefit local communities and promote long-term sustainability.

St. Mary's Bank Charitable Foundation Community Support Grants aim to enhance community welfare by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. With a commitment to 'people helping people' since 1908, the foundation focuses on areas like youth programming, homelessness, and civic support. In 2023 alone, they donated over $200,000 to 190 organizations, reflecting their dedication to improving lives in New Hampshire. They prioritize funding for nonprofits within their service areas, ensuring impactful contributions to local communities.

Enhearten Micro Grant supports unseen leaders by providing funding for community-driven projects that embody values of humility, integrity, and love. Grants range from $500 to $1,000 and are awarded after a thorough review process. Enhearten aims to empower these leaders, who often lack access to traditional funding sources, by fostering reparative networks that prioritize equality and justice. This initiative seeks to create opportunities for transformative community engagement and support.

The Thompson Charitable Foundation, established in 1987, aims to enhance the quality of life for communities in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. It focuses on funding nonprofit projects in health services, education, and community development. Grants are available for matching funds and capital projects but do not support endowments or religious activities. Preference is given to applicants previously funded by TCF. Interested organizations must submit a Letter of Inquiry before the application deadline.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.