Best Energy Efficiency Grants for Nonprofits in Kentucky

Kentucky public agencies, local governments, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in eligible Appalachian counties can seek funding for critical infrastructure and workforce or business development projects. Kentucky energy efficiency and conservation initiatives that improve utilities, transportation, or related public infrastructure may access funding through Appalachian Regional Commission’s Area Development Grant Program, initiated in coordination with the state ARC program manager.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can seek funding that supports work, home, and play initiatives. Focused on equitable, high-impact community development, US Bancorp Foundation prioritizes organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color, which may include energy-efficiency-related projects within these areas.

Costco Foundation provides Kentucky nonprofits focused on children, education, and health and human services with monetary support for community-based programs. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations requesting program funding rather than capital, equipment, or travel. Nonprofits whose energy efficiency work intersects with these priority areas may be eligible if they serve communities where Costco operates.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services approaches, including those in Kentucky, can seek support for new ways of addressing social problems. Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving programs across areas like health, community development, and social services. Applications are by invitation only, but eligible groups may submit a letter of inquiry.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Early-stage nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations working on scalable social or environmental solutions in Kentucky, including energy efficiency and conservation, can apply for support from the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. Grants up to US $300,000 over three years provide capital plus intensive capacity-building and community to help expand impact for underserved populations.

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.

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. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support projects like disaster preparedness, home and auto safety, affordable housing, job training, and financial literacy, which may complement broader energy efficiency or resilience efforts.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million, including those serving Kentucky, can apply for the William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant; awards are typically more than US $100,000 for arts and science programming. Funding may support programs, capital projects, or limited general and endowment needs, especially arts education, artist development, and STEAM initiatives.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) and equivalent charitable organizations working in health, education, or community services can apply for grants supporting healthcare access, food pantries, STEM programming, and related initiatives. Focused on community well-being, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites nonprofits whose work may include energy efficiency components within these areas to seek support.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and other eligible organizations working on education, child health, or family economic stability for low-income urban youth in Kentucky may be eligible for support, with requests of more than US $50,000 for projects or scaling efforts. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds work in the U.S., India, and South Africa, including Kentucky programs that fit these priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky communities where PNC operates can seek PNC Foundation support for early childhood education or community economic development initiatives. PNC Foundation provides Kentucky nonprofits with funding for programs such as early learning, affordable housing, small business support, community services, and neighborhood revitalization that may incorporate energy efficiency or conservation components.

Nonprofit charities managing humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts projects in Kentucky may be eligible for funding that promotes sustainable development and community benefit. Grants from La Roche help organizations worldwide, including Kentucky-based groups, that can engage Roche employees and partners in high-quality, locally grounded initiatives, which may include energy efficiency or conservation components.

Kentucky nonprofits and community organizations working on health, education, or humanitarian services can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation to support marginalized and vulnerable populations. This globally focused funder backs efforts such as health care access, child and women’s health, literacy, and disaster relief, which may benefit organizations also pursuing energy efficiency improvements in their facilities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs may be eligible for this funding, provided all funds are used in the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help broadly serving, well-managed organizations, which can include nonprofits with energy efficiency or conservation initiatives as part of their work.

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.

Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides Kentucky nonprofit organizations with support for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding projects. 501(c)(3) charities working on sustainability or energy efficiency within these broader areas may be eligible to apply for this flexible funding opportunity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky that support basic needs, at-risk youth, or domestic violence services and are located within 15 miles of a TJX store or facility can seek program funding. The TJX Foundation supports efforts such as food, clothing, shelter, enrichment, and workforce readiness that help vulnerable families and children build better futures.

Grants from Lawrence Foundation help Kentucky 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries fund environmental, human services, and related programs, including general operating support. Awards range from US $5,000 - US $10,000 and are unrestricted, so Kentucky nonprofits working on energy efficiency and conservation within these priorities may be eligible.

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.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Kentucky nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes with funding support. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. must align with focus areas such as hunger relief, shelters and supportive housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, or community and cultural development, and may benefit if they also pursue energy efficiency improvements.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits in Kentucky can seek storytelling support to highlight their impact in preservation, education, or wellness; awards are typically more than US $50,000. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant may benefit groups advancing environmental conservation, sustainable practices, or related community programs, including energy efficiency education efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky working on youth development, food security, housing, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Projects that incorporate energy efficiency or conservation within these community-focused efforts may be eligible.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in Kentucky with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, which honors exemplary cross-sector collaborations. Programs that address significant social issues and demonstrate measurable community impact may be recognized, offering visibility and support that could benefit organizations advancing energy efficiency and conservation efforts.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can use this funding for human and social services, poverty alleviation, disability support, or disaster relief. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help smaller 501(c)(3) entities and qualifying foreign NGOs, including those in Kentucky, with revenues between $300,000 and $3,000,000, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000.