Best Disaster Preparedness and Relief Grants in Kentucky

The Community Partners Grant Program, led by the Humana Foundation, aims to enhance community health by addressing social barriers and promoting equitable health outcomes. With a focus on Kentucky, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, the program fosters connections through emotional support and nutritional education. It also provides disaster relief funding to ensure long-term recovery and preparedness. By collaborating with local organizations, this initiative helps individuals access essential services and resources, thereby improving their overall well-being.

The Essential Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in communities served by Aqua and Peoples, supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to environmental initiatives, education, and emergency services. With a strong commitment to corporate philanthropy and employee volunteerism, the foundation focuses on funding projects that promote community growth while ensuring compliance with nondiscrimination laws. This initiative reflects Essential Utilities' dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of over 5 million people across nine states.

The V. V. Cooke Foundation, established in 1947, provides grants to nonprofit organizations in Metropolitan Louisville, Kentucky. Focused on supporting 501(c)(3) organizations, the foundation prioritizes projects that are religious, educational, civic, or humanitarian in nature. With over seven decades of experience, the foundation, led by executive director Carl Thomas, is dedicated to fostering community success through its grant programs.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Department for Local Government

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department for Local Government (DLG), under the Office of the Governor, provides financial help in the way of grant and loan assistance, as well as advising local governments in matters of budget, personnel and other issues relevant to those entities.​

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

The Department for Local Government (DLG) administers approximately $26 million annually from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. With the participation of their citizens, communities can devote these funds to a wide range of activities that best serve their own particular development priorities.

All project activities must meet at least one of three national objectives:

• Benefit to low and moderate income persons
• Prevention or elimination of slums or blight
• Meeting particularly urgent community development needs​

Funds are designated for various program areas including Community Projects, Community Emergency Relief Fund, Economic Development, Housing, Public Facilities, and Public Services (Recovery Kentucky).​

Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF)

​​​​​​Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) funds are provided to give communities a means to restore infrastructure or housing that severe weather or natural disasters have negatively impacted. As part of the Commonwealth's allocation from the CDBG program, these projects will be allocated an amount to be determined based on need.

Only communities that have experienced a disaster and have a Declaration of Emergency from the Governor may submit an application for these funds.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program, managed by FEMA, aims to enhance flood information delivery to communities through the development of flood hazard data and maps. By empowering local entities with mapping capabilities, the program fosters informed decision-making to mitigate flood risks. With a funding allocation of $41,000,000 across nine regions, the CTP strengthens public awareness and supports responsible planning among government and private sectors.

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 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.

The Japan – U.S. Global Partnership Grant Program aims to foster collaborative projects addressing global issues through partnerships between Japanese and American organizations. It focuses on policy-oriented research and dialogue among diverse professionals, including academia and grassroots practitioners. Key thematic areas include resilience, inclusivity, and advancements in science and technology. Projects outside these themes may also be eligible if aligned with grant goals, covering topics like climate change, public health, and digital transformation.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding above $25,000 to support health equity initiatives across North America. Founded in 1943, its mission focuses on removing barriers to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with strategic pillars: reducing cancer burdens, preparing the healthcare workforce, and enhancing crisis response. Eligible organizations include national and local nonprofits. Funding is limited to specific regions and assessed based on demonstrated need and expected impact.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

About Henry L. Hillman Foundation

Henry L. Hillman Foundation inspires, invests in, and leverages great ideas to improve the quality of life in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania.

Backup Power When Your Community Needs It

The Powered & Prepared Initiative seeks proposals from nonprofit and municipal organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania for backup power solutions that allow those organizations to offer essential services during emergencies without disruption.

Southwestern Pennsylvania is increasingly impacted by severe weather events that cause widespread power outages and disruptions. The Powered & Prepared Initiative, supported by Henry L. Hillman Foundation, seeks proposals from nonprofit and municipal organizations for backup power solutions that allow those organizations to offer essential services during emergencies without disruption.

The Community Grant Program, supported by the ARH Foundation, aims to enhance healthcare, education, and community involvement in Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia. This program invites non-profit organizations to apply for funding to implement projects that improve the quality of life, particularly for women and children. Eligible projects should address health education, improve health outcomes, and promote collaboration among organizations, thereby fostering a healthier community.

The Fiscal Year 2026 National Incident Management System (NIMS) Cooperative Agreement aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) for effective disaster response. It focuses on closing funding gaps, fostering collaboration among federal and non-federal partners, and improving resource coordination during emergencies. This initiative supports the DHS's goals of building national resilience and enhancing first responder training, ensuring swift and effective responses to various threats and disasters.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

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 EA Funds: Long-Term Future Fund Grant focuses on improving civilization's long-term trajectory by funding projects that mitigate global catastrophic risks. With grant sizes ranging from $1,000 to over $500,000, it welcomes applications from individuals and organizations globally. The fund particularly supports innovative small teams and individuals, emphasizing projects that reduce existential risks from AI and enhance global governance of transformative technologies. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if unsure of eligibility.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

The Louisville Water Foundation aims to enhance community health by ensuring access to safe water through various initiatives. Grants are available to 501c3 organizations within the Louisville service areas for projects that provide drinking water solutions, educational programs, and watershed protection efforts. The application deadline for the water access projects is September 15, encouraging impactful contributions to local water-related challenges.

The IATSE Local 700 Hardship Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible members of the performing arts and entertainment industry during critical times. This support helps cover essential living expenses, such as housing and healthcare, to prevent eviction and utility shut-offs. To qualify, members must have met minimum dues requirements or be officially retired. The fund does not cover expenses like credit cards, loans, or business-related costs.

The Fiscal Year 2026 National Dam Safety Program focuses on rehabilitating high hazard potential dams that do not meet state safety standards. Funded by FEMA, this initiative aims to protect lives and property by providing federal funds to eligible states, which then pass these funds to non-Federal governmental or nonprofit organizations. Rehabilitation involves repairing, replacing, reconstructing, or removing dams to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

BioMarin offers funding through its donation program focused on improving healthcare and patient advocacy, particularly for rare diseases. Organizations eligible for support include hospitals, accredited providers, and patient advocacy groups. BioMarin prioritizes innovative therapeutic solutions for rare genetic conditions. The company is dedicated to enhancing patient care and education, and it reviews funding requests year-round, although specific deadlines apply for year-end funding. This initiative reflects BioMarin's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

The Bertin Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) public charities that align with the foundation's mission of community strengthening and compassion. Grant requests are accepted annually from July 1 to August 31, focusing on program or project support rather than general endowment. The foundation values measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship, and gives preference to organizations with Gold or Platinum status on Candid.

The Disaster Resilience Program Fellowship supports low-income communities affected by disasters by mobilizing lawyers and law students to provide free civil legal aid. This initiative ensures access to essential legal services, helping families navigate recovery barriers. Attorney Fellows receive a salary while Student Fellows earn a stipend for their service. Participants engage in outreach, build community relationships, and receive comprehensive training to enhance their legal skills, contributing to the resilience of affected communities.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.