Best Grants for Churches in Kentucky

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can seek funding that supports local community development. Focused on equitable, high-impact projects, US Bancorp Foundation prioritizes organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple “work, home, and play” pillars.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits running programs for children, education, or health and human services can access funding via Costco Foundation for monetary support of their community initiatives. Church-affiliated organizations with qualifying nonprofit status and programs that fit these priorities may be eligible if they seek cash support rather than capital projects or equipment.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can seek up to US $15,000 for health, education, development, and welfare programs from the Dan Paul Foundation, open to Kentucky and beyond. Churches with qualifying youth-focused initiatives, such as child advocacy, homelessness, poverty relief, or environmental education, may be eligible.

Early-stage, independent social impact organizations in Kentucky and beyond can seek up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation for scalable solutions to urgent social or environmental problems. Focused on bold, systems-oriented models, the foundation invites mission-driven nonprofits and impact-first for-profits, including faith-based groups serving Christian communities, to apply year-round.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Kentucky and worldwide can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help innovative, tech-enabled programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities, including faith-based direct service initiatives that meet eligibility policies.

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.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Churches, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities in Kentucky communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, environmental, and community enrichment initiatives. Focused on strengthening GP communities, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites eligible organizations to propose projects that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability within these service areas.

Churches and Christian ministries in Kentucky offering primary or preventive health care for low-income or uninsured residents can apply for up to US $50,000 to expand sustainable spiritual and physical care programs. With a mission to inspire and equip ministries, the Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church prioritizes United Methodist–affiliated applicants.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports organizations aligned with its mission that have a nondiscrimination policy and have not received TJX funding in the past year; churches with eligible community programs may qualify.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Kentucky seeking support for environmental or human services programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help fund general operating or project costs, with no geographic restrictions and flexibility for reasonable indirect expenses, which may benefit faith-based entities with eligible charitable activities.

Churches and 501(c)(3) faith-based nonprofits in Kentucky’s Ohio Valley region can seek funding for community outreach, education, arts, and human services programs. Grants from Fifth Third Foundation help congregations and related ministries serve low-income residents, children, women and girls, and people with disabilities in Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky.

Churches, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government units serving Muhlenberg County, Kentucky can apply for Felix E Martin Jr Foundation community grants up to US $20,000 to support civic, educational, or cultural projects. Programs tied to economic development, youth services, substance abuse services, or health and human services may be especially competitive.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Churches and mission institutions connected to the Kentucky Annual Conference can receive up to US $2,000 for evangelistic and social outreach within Kentucky, including work with refugees, immigrants, addiction, food insecurity, and housing insecurity. The Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church awards these Christian mission grants annually to extend its disciple-making mission locally.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) churches and faith-based nonprofits working in preservation, education, or wellness can seek storytelling support to showcase their community impact. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation funds U.S. projects, currently prioritizing unsolicited applications from wildlife conservation nonprofits, with awards of more than US $50,000 to elevate mission-driven narratives.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kentucky that improve quality of life for underserved people through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports community-focused programs where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates, which can include church-affiliated nonprofits meeting these criteria.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Kentucky churches and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving low-income residents in Washington County can access funding for charitable service and community-based programs. Central Kentucky Community Foundation’s Bishop Charitable Fund offers up to US $10,000 to organizations with at least one year of operations in the CKCF region that follow strong governance practices.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in Kentucky’s Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Hart, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, or Washington counties can apply for Central Kentucky Community Foundation’s grants, up to US $10,000. Funding supports capacity building, capital improvements, or programming, including charitable community service programs run by church or faith-based organizations.

Churches and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky’s CKCF region can seek funding for projects that combat hatred, bigotry, and anti-Semitism while fostering kindness, understanding, and inclusiveness. Central Kentucky Community Foundation’s Marvin and Joyce Benjamin Fund supports charitable, community-based programs, including those run by faith-based entities, as long as activities serve the broader community rather than religious programming.

Nonprofit organizations and United Methodist churches in Eastern Kentucky counties can apply for Kentucky Annual Conference grants, with awards from US $60,993 - US $91,491 supporting healthcare, ministerial education, and regional ministries. Non-United Methodist applicants must include a supporting letter from a United Methodist church to be considered.

Churches, Christian ministries, and other 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth in Christian County, Kentucky can seek support for programs that build youth leadership skills. With a mission to cultivate philanthropy, Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation provides grants for initiatives that develop enterprise savvy, conscience, and collaborative communication among young people ages 19 and under.