Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Kentucky

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Kentucky can receive technical and financial help to implement conservation practices on working lands. Focused on environmental conservation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service invites Kentucky land stewards to improve water and air quality, soil health, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations providing education, human services, conservation, or health programs, including those in Kentucky, can access McGraw Foundation’s grants for general operating support, projects, or occasional capital needs. Awards range from US $2,000 - US $10,000, with larger grants possible for especially promising, high-impact efforts.

Graduate students conducting research on drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to address current water industry challenges. Focused on applied research outcomes, the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship from American Water Works Association may benefit students connected with Kentucky nonprofits or academic programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for this funding. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help support programs that address work, home, and play, especially those advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in designated U.S. Bank communities.

Agricultural producers and forest landowners in Kentucky can receive US $4,000 contracts to enhance conservation practices and stewardship on working lands. With a mission to strengthen environmental stewardship, USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Kentucky provides technical and financial assistance for soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and sustainable agriculture improvements through five-year Conservation Stewardship Program agreements.

Nonprofit organizations addressing humanitarian aid, child welfare, education, health care, or disaster relief in Kentucky can apply for funding to meet immediate needs and build long-term self-sufficiency. The Father's Table Foundation provides up to US $750,000 to partners with a proven service record, especially those expanding programs for women and children.

NIH provides Kentucky higher education institutions with funding for small-scale biomedical research projects that engage undergraduate students and strengthen campus research environments. Undergraduate-focused colleges and universities that award baccalaureate science degrees and receive limited prior NIH support can apply for up to US $375,000, which may benefit nonprofit institutions of higher education in the state.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on economic mobility, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Selected organizations participate in a two-year leadership development program and receive capacity-building support; applicants must meet revenue thresholds and be based in eligible Bank of America markets.

Faculty at Kentucky higher education institutions focused on undergraduate STEM and science education can seek up to US $5,000 for one-year research projects across disciplines from agriculture and ecology to chemistry, physics, health sciences, and psychology. With a mission to foster scientific discovery, Kentucky Academy of Science provides support for personnel, equipment, supplies, travel, and consultants.

Early-career medical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country institutions, including those collaborating with Kentucky nonprofits, can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored clinical research careers. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help fund three to five years of protected research time across areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, and environmental health, with awards of approximately US $140,000.

Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits fund education, environmental, and community health initiatives in communities where the company operates. Eligible projects include STEM and workforce education, land and water restoration, green spaces, and programs that build healthy, safe, and vibrant communities, particularly for underserved populations.

Kentucky school districts, community and faith-based organizations, and other qualifying private or governmental agencies can receive up to US $150,000 to run out-of-school academic and enrichment programs. Kentucky Department of Education funding supports after-school and summer learning, arts, STEM/STEAM, tutoring, youth development, and social-emotional learning for students in high-poverty, low-performing schools.

About CommonSpirit

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At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries, including Kentucky-affiliated LMIC partners, can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award from the National Institutes of Health; awards approximately US $140,000 for three to five years of mentored health-related research career development aligned with their country’s health priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for education-focused programs, with additional support possible for arts, youth, community initiatives, and related services. Focused on education and community impact, John Ben Snow Memorial Trust invites Kentucky nonprofits and other U.S. organizations to apply for US $5,000 - US $20,000, typically for new or enhanced programs or short-term project needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky can apply for Ensign-Bickford Industries’ Ensign-Bickford Foundation Grant, with awards up to US $5,000 for community-focused projects. Funding may support education, environmental conservation, health and welfare, arts and culture, civic improvement, disaster relief, and related initiatives in areas where the company operates, including parts of Kentucky.

Kentucky organizations planning health-related congresses, events, or initiatives can seek sponsorship funding to support activities that offer tangible benefits like exhibit space or marketing opportunities. Biogen Foundation reviews requests across neurological, autoimmune, and related disease areas, considering alignment with its interests, event details, and region, as well as the reasonableness and availability of the sponsorship opportunity.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Kentucky working on community development, education, financial wellness, arts, veterans, or disability services can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. Eligible charities within the Regions footprint receive matched donations when full-time associates or recent retirees give, helping strengthen local programs and services.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Kentucky working on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can receive matched donations through this program. Regions Bank provides up to US $1,000 per recent retiree each year for eligible monetary gifts made within five years of retirement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, including those in Kentucky, can seek general operating support for grassroots work in regenerative agriculture, climate justice, healthy food access, and environmental health. Focused on community-centered change, Clif Family Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $50,000 one-year grants, with priority for groups working primarily in the U.S. with budgets under $8M.

The William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust provides funding to nonprofit organizations focused on education, environmental protection, medical research, and support for the underprivileged. This trust, based in Florida, primarily serves communities in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties, along with select areas in Appalachia. It seeks to assist public charities classified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring support for impactful charitable initiatives.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund

The NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund supports the launch or expansion of clinical programs and new service areas that increase access to care for underserved patients. This funding is designed to help NAFC members introduce new services or grow existing programs that address unmet community health needs and improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

The First Financial Foundation, established in 2017, aims to enhance local communities through targeted grants. With a focus on neighborhood development, workforce education, and cultural initiatives, the foundation supports organizations creating affordable housing, enhancing financial literacy, and promoting the arts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving specific counties and must align with the foundation's mission. The foundation seeks to foster community growth and diversity while ensuring impactful contributions.

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 Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.

The RNRF Implementation/Collaboration Grants support innovative projects that enhance collaboration among stakeholders to address critical challenges in environmental, social, and economic systems. Offering up to $200,000 for initiatives lasting 12 months or more, these grants aim to implement evidence-based practices and facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork. Eligible applicants must be from 501c3 organizations in the U.S., ensuring alignment with RNRF's mission and focus areas, fostering sustainable and impactful outcomes.