Best Grants for International Development in Kentucky

Nonprofit organizations in Kentucky that are 501(c)(3)s and run programs for children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary support through Costco Foundation. Costco Foundation provides Kentucky community-focused nonprofits with grants for evidence-based programs, especially those demonstrating measurable outcomes and strong community collaboration, which may benefit international development efforts connected to these priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can seek funding for health, education, development, and welfare programs in Kentucky and worldwide. The Dan Paul Foundation supports projects such as early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, and environmental education, with awards up to US $15,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in select Kentucky counties can seek up to US $20,000 for workforce development, climate resiliency, and equity-focused community programs. Focused on vibrant economies and environmental resilience, the Duke Energy Foundation invites Kentucky groups to support underserved communities, disaster preparedness, and STEM education initiatives.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Kentucky can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives that fit State Farm’s focus areas. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support projects like disaster preparedness, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, and K-12 or higher education programs with long-term community impact.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s culture grants, awarding more than US $100,000 for arts and science programming. Kentucky organizations offering arts education, STEAM initiatives, or artist development that reach large constituencies may be competitive applicants.

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.

Nonprofit and governmental organizations running humanitarian, social, education, science, and community programs in Kentucky can access funding through Amgen Foundation; support is for non-healthcare charitable activities and fundraising events. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities, qualifying Puerto Rico charities, and U.S.-based governmental entities serving Kentucky or providing nationwide programs.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits running education, social services, community development, or public health projects in the larger Northern Kentucky region can access funding through the R. C. Durr Foundation. Priority goes to innovative, collaborative, and measurable programs in Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Harrison, Kenton, Mason, Owen, Pendleton, and Robertson counties that show long-term viability.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Kentucky nonprofits and NGOs working on international health, education, or humanitarian relief can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation for projects serving marginalized communities worldwide. Organizations engaged in areas like healthcare access, disaster relief, child welfare, or women and girls’ services may be eligible if their work aligns with the foundation’s global focus.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

With a mission to cultivate philanthropy, Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation provides Kentucky and neighboring-state youth organizations with support for leadership development programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities and certain public entities serving youth 19 and under in Christian County, KY, Effingham County, IL, and Dearborn County, IN may apply for projects building young leaders’ skills and character.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in Kentucky and the broader Southern region can seek funding for humanitarian, education, health, poverty relief, conservation, and faith-based programs. Robinson Foundation supports efforts that demonstrate tangible, meaningful impact, with priority for established organizations active more than three years and seeking single-year project support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries seeking support for environmental or human services work, including programs with an international development component, can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help Kentucky organizations and U.S.-headquartered groups worldwide with unrestricted operating or program/project funding within its stated priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on education, arts, community development, or human services in the Cincinnati–Dayton–Northern Kentucky region can access funding through various funds managed by Fifth Third Foundation. Grants may benefit Kentucky groups advancing community development or poverty alleviation with an international development or global outreach component.

Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank, N.A

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact.

The Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank, N.A. is committed to supporting programs and initiatives that create strong, vibrant communities and provide pathways to opportunity. The Foundation Office administers Private Family Foundations that leave a lasting legacy. We review grant requests for private family foundations for which Fifth Third Bank serves as trustee or agent. Grants for programming in education, the arts, community development, and health and human services are considered, in addition to the specific funding interests originally identified by each of the individual donors. Our goal is to make the grant-making process as smooth and easy as possible.

Jacob G. Schmidlapp Fund

Jacob Schmidlapp founded one of Fifth Third’s most important origin banks, the Union Savings Bank and Trust Co., in 1890 and served as its president until 1907. Regarded by many as one of the greatest philanthropists in Cincinnati’s history, he committed himself to improving the lives of others.

In the last 40 years alone, the Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trusts and the Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Fund have benefited our region through more than $120 million dollars in giving. The Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trusts have funded countless programs and organizations aligned with improving and promoting education, caring for children and those in need, and improving health and living conditions. Among those organizations is Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

The Jacob G. Schmidlapp Fund supports charitable or educational purposes; for relief in sickness, suffering and distress; for the care of young children, the aged or the helpless or afflicted; for the promotion of education and to improve living conditions. 

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Individual writers and literary arts organizations in Kentucky can seek funding for contemporary literary projects, community engagement, and professional development through South Arts, with awards up to US $5,000. Grants support creation, research, public programs like readings or festivals, and opportunities such as conferences, workshops, retreats, or residencies.

Kentucky arts and cultural organizations with year-round public programming can receive unrestricted operating support for general organizational costs. Focused on strengthening arts organizations, Kentucky Arts Council invites eligible Kentucky-based, tax-exempt groups to apply for formula-based awards ranging from US $1,000 - US $59,999, which may benefit nonprofits engaged in international development-related cultural work.

Established 501(c)(3) arts and culture nonprofits in Jefferson County can apply for Louisville Metro Government’s External Agency Fund for operational support, with awards ranging from US $25,000 - US $50,000. Funding helps sustain programs, services, and facilities that provide meaningful arts experiences, grow the creative workforce, and cultivate vibrant community spaces in Kentucky.

Wildlife conservation 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kentucky seeking support to share their impact stories can apply for the Storytelling Grant, with awards of more than US $50,000. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation funds storytelling projects that highlight work in preservation, education, or wellness, which may benefit organizations engaged in international development-related efforts.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Jefferson County, Kentucky can seek approximately US $100,000 to support high-impact projects in arts and culture, education, environment and recreation, family, or health and wellness. Grants from Impact100 Louisville help Kentucky organizations with capacity building, program expansion, or innovative initiatives that transform local communities and may benefit international development-related work.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

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.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies serving women and children in South Central Kentucky can seek project funding for capital needs, education, health, human services, and community development. Focused on improving quality of life and gender equity, The Community Foundation of South Central Kentucky invites proposals with strong planning, measurable outcomes, and collaborative, preventative approaches.