Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Kentucky

Kentucky agricultural producers, ranchers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities can receive technical and financial assistance to implement conservation practices on working lands. Focused on environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service EQIP program supports projects improving soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience, which may benefit conservation-focused nonprofits partnering with producers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1)/(2) organizations in the greater Chicago area can receive McGraw Foundation support for education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs, with awards of US $2,000 - US $10,000. Kentucky nonprofits may be eligible only if they operate or are based in the Chicago region.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance actionable solutions for current water industry challenges. Focused on water-related environmental research, the American Water Works Association invites students in Kentucky and across North America to apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship.

Nonprofit organizations in Kentucky working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for support through the Community Possible Grant Program. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation prioritize 501(c)(3)s in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across work, home, and play.

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, habitat improvement, and climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture over five-year CSP agreements.

Nonprofit organizations serving women and children with self-sufficiency, education, or humanitarian aid programs in Kentucky can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation; awards up to US $750,000 support efforts like homelessness services, job readiness, child welfare, food security, health care, and disaster relief, with an emphasis on long-term sustainability and proven impact.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions conducting biomedical research in Kentucky can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards to support small-scale projects and student research experiences, with awards up to Up to US $375,000. The US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health supports institutions with limited prior NIH funding across fields like public health, neuroscience, genetics, and medical education.

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. Eligible organizations in designated Kentucky markets receive a two-year leadership development experience plus a capacity-building grant, supporting long-term plans to expand their community impact and organizational growth.

Faculty at Kentucky higher education institutions focused on undergraduate teaching can seek up to US $5,000 for one-year scientific research projects across diverse disciplines. With a mission to foster scientific discovery, Kentucky Academy of Science supports costs like faculty and student personnel, equipment, supplies, in-state travel, and consultants; overhead is not covered.

Early-career health research scientists at low- or middle-income country universities or research institutions can seek approximately US $140,000 in mentored career development support through the Emerging Global Leader Award, including clinical trials. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Kentucky-based nonprofits partnering with LMIC investigators support global health research and training collaborations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky can apply for funding to advance education, environmental projects, and healthy, vibrant communities. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help groups near its Kentucky operations deliver STEM education, workforce readiness, land and water restoration, green space creation, public safety, arts, cultural, and health-focused programs.

Kentucky school districts and community, faith-based, private, and governmental organizations can receive up to US $150,000 to design and run out-of-school programs that boost student achievement and social development. The Kentucky Department of Education funds academic, artistic, and cultural enrichment for students in high-poverty, low-performing schools across Kentucky.

About CommonSpirit

A calling that defines and unites

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 health researchers in low- and middle-income countries with junior faculty posts can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, offering approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development and research. Administered by the National Institutes of Health, this award may benefit Kentucky-based nonprofits partnering with or supporting LMIC investigators and institutions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations can seek US $5,000 - US $20,000 for education-focused programs, with additional opportunities in youth, arts, culture, and community initiatives. Focused on education and related services, John Ben Snow Memorial Trust invites Kentucky nonprofits to propose new or enhanced programs, short-term bridge support, matching grants, or final capital campaign dollars.

Kentucky 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, environment, health, arts, or community improvement can apply for Ensign-Bickford Industries’ Ensign-Bickford Foundation Grant, with awards up to US $5,000 for specific programs or projects. Organizations in Muhlenberg County may be especially relevant given the foundation’s focus on communities where the company operates.

Kentucky nonprofits and institutions hosting health-related congresses, events, or initiatives can seek corporate sponsorships that provide Biogen Foundation with tangible benefits like exhibits or marketing visibility. Biogen considers neurology, neuroscience, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, ALS, stroke, lupus, lymphoma, and related disease areas, with decisions based on fit, event details, and location.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Kentucky working in economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. Eligible charities receive matched donations when full-time associates or recent retirees submit qualifying contributions within the program’s deadlines.

Regions Bank provides Kentucky nonprofits with matching gift funding when recent Regions retirees donate personally to eligible 501(c) or 170(c) organizations. Gifts supporting economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, service members and veterans, or individuals with disabilities may be matched up to US $1,000 per retiree each year.

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 pollution-free environments. Focused on community-centered change, Clif Family Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $50,000 grants, prioritizing U.S.-based groups with strong local ties and budgets under $8 million.

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.