Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in Kentucky

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations developing innovative human services or social problem solutions in Kentucky may be eligible for support, including diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Creag Foundation considers proposals from nonprofits that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and are pursuing new approaches to existing or previously unaddressed social issues.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

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 Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) and equivalent charitable organizations working in health, education, or community services can seek funding to expand equitable care, education, and local support programs. Focused on community health and opportunity, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites proposals that may benefit diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts through food access, healthcare for underserved groups, STEM, and wellness initiatives.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in early childhood education or community economic development can access funding through PNC Foundation to serve low- and moderate-income children, families, and neighborhoods. Support may benefit diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts through educational access, workforce readiness, affordable housing, small business support, and community revitalization in Kentucky communities where PNC has a significant presence.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits can receive storytelling funding to highlight work in preservation, education, or wellness, including wildlife conservation, across the U.S., including Kentucky. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports projects that communicate impact, which may benefit Kentucky nonprofits advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within these focus areas.

Nonprofits, Kentucky-based institutions, and qualified individuals can receive up to US $7,500 to create, transcribe, index, or present oral history projects documenting Kentucky’s diverse stories. Kentucky Historical Society’s Kentucky Oral History Commission supports travel, supplies, equipment, and presentation costs, which may benefit organizations highlighting underrepresented voices and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in Kentucky.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and eligible local government entities in Kentucky can seek funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects that serve communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities. Focused on strong, sustainable communities, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites applicants whose work may advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within these priority areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Kentucky can seek funding for environmental and human services programs, including general operating support, through grants from Lawrence Foundation, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that fit these priorities may be eligible for unrestricted support.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Brown-Forman Foundation provides Kentucky 501(c)(3) public charities with operating, program, and sponsorship funding. Eligible nonprofits must align with priorities such as arts and culture, social services, education, environmental conservation, and responsible alcohol use. Louisville organizations receive priority, and groups advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion may be competitive if they fit these focus areas.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Artists, collectives, and arts organizations in the Greater Louisville area of Kentucky and nearby Indiana counties can receive US $100 - US $500 to perform or present work at community and workplace events. Grants from Fund for the Arts help groups offering diverse, inclusive arts programming connect with public festivals and private campaign presentations.

Nonprofit organizations and public entities in Kentucky that operate year-round arts facilities for preschool–12th grade field trips can apply for arts education funding that supports exemplary artistic experiences and curriculum resources. With a mission to foster arts participation, Kentucky Arts Council provides Kentucky diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in schools with opportunities to join the Arts Miles Directory for three years.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Kentucky and other Appalachian states can seek funding for fee or easement land acquisition projects. With a mission to conserve lands and waters, The Nature Conservancy provides up to US $100,000 for resilient, connected habitat protection with strong community and equity benefits.

Small, community-based arts and cultural nonprofits in Kentucky that provide year-round arts programming and have under $100,000 in annual revenue can receive US $1,500 in operational support. Kentucky Arts Council offers the Kentucky Arts Rising Grant to strengthen grassroots organizations, increase arts participation, and promote diverse arts and culture statewide, which may benefit diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Jefferson County, Kentucky can seek approximately US $100,000 to launch, expand, or strengthen high-impact programs or capacity-building projects. Grants from Impact 100 Louisville help Kentucky groups working in arts and culture, education, environment and recreation, family services, or health and wellness, including initiatives that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving quality of life in Kentucky communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates can seek project, general operating, or capital support for community-focused programs. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports efforts in economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief for underserved and underrepresented individuals and families across the U.S.

Nonprofit and governmental arts presenting organizations in Kentucky and the broader South Arts region can receive up to US $1,000 for staff and guest artists’ professional development travel and training. South Arts supports film, visual, performing, traditional, literary, and multidisciplinary presenters, with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disability-led organizations.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in Kentucky with strong, replicable community partnerships may apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, which honors collaborative efforts addressing significant social issues. Selected U.S. nonprofits receive recognition for exemplary leadership in building cohesive communities through equal public, private, and social sector partnerships that model effective collaboration for the greater good.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with DEI-focused projects in Kentucky’s CKCF region can seek funding to foster kindness, understanding, and inclusiveness in their communities. Central Kentucky Community Foundation’s Marvin and Joyce Benjamin Fund supports initiatives combating hatred, bigotry, and anti-Semitism through education, dialogue, and community-based programs in nine eligible counties.

Nonprofit charitable organizations serving Boyle County can seek funding for public education and services for disadvantaged and disabled youth and adults, supporting inclusive, equitable communities in Kentucky. Grants from Blue Grass Community Foundation offer up to US $7,500 for projects that address community needs with sustainable impact and measurable outcomes in Boyle County.

Kentucky 501(c) nonprofits improving access to health care or children’s health can access funding through the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky; awards range from US $50,000 - US $100,000. Eligible projects must be evidence-based, advance equity and reduce health disparities, and may support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in Kentucky communities.