Best Shelby County Grants for Nonprofits in Kentucky

About Sawyer Foundation Charitable Trust Our mission is to support partner organizations that share the gift of clean drinking water to under-resourced communities. Our vision is to see all of our global community have access to clean, safe drinking water.Through our partnership with Sawyer, our nonprofit partners have access to affordable, point-of-use filters designed to provide reliable access to clean water for 10+ years.‍

Sawyer partners with over 140 non-profits in more than 100 countries, providing clean water to families lacking access to clean water – for long-term relief and in disaster situations.About Sawyer Foundation Grant We prioritize projects that demonstrate a strong commitment to:

• Long-term sustainability in water filtration and access.
• Training, follow-up, and local engagement that strengthen best practices.
• Data collection or research that improves project implementation and outcomes.
• Unique expertise, partnerships, or approaches that enhance global impact.

Parrot Head Emergency Phund Guidelines

Purpose

The purpose of the Emergency Phund is to aid Parrot Heads with financial assistance during difficulties resulting from a natural disaster. The Phund is maintained by the Board of Directors on the Lone Palm Foundation and applications will be reviewed by this board. Assistance approval is based on Board review and availability of funds.

Application Procedure

Please be as detailed as possible when completing your application. This will ensure The Lone Palm Foundation Board has all the information they need to review and make a decision on your application. Once your complete application and verification documents have been submitted, it will be reviewed in the order it was received. If the Lone Palm Foundation Board should need additional information, please be sure to provide this in a timely manner. Failure to provide the information in a timely manner could result in loss of consideration for funding.

Repayment and Donation

There is no requirement for repayment of the financial assistance provided through the Lone Palm Foundation Emergency Phund. We do encourage all Parrot Heads to help The Lone Palm Foundation continue its operations by making a donation once the crisis has passed. This donation will allow us to help many other Parrot Heads who find themselves in the same situation.

Through the generosity of donors to the Foundation Council, MNRS is able to offer nurse researchers grant opportunities to further their work and contribute to the profession of nursing science. The Foundation and Grants Committee urges you to apply for one of the grant opportunities offered solely to MNRS members. You must remain a member of MNRS for the entire duration of the grant process.About MNRS/Advocate Health Dissertation GrantThe purpose of the MNRS/Advocate Health Dissertation Grant is to encourage dissertation research that advances nursing science and practice. Funds are available for quantitative and qualitative research on any topic relevant to nursing science. All applicants MUST be current active members of MNRS to be eligible for this grant. 

At the Miraglo Foundation, our mission is to advance global health and education through innovative research, grant funding, and resource support.

We focus on promoting bio-field therapies, exploring global healing traditions, and improving healthcare and education in underserved communities.Our grants provide critical resources for groundbreaking research, development projects, and direct support for those in need. Through diligent evaluation and follow-up, we ensure that all initiatives have a lasting and meaningful impact.

Research Focus Areas: 

• Bio-field therapies
• Global healing traditions and new healthcare models
• Enhancing healthcare in underserved communities
•  Improving education in underserved communities

The Le Samurai Fund was established by Rebecca Broussard and Amy Tryon in memory of the great five-star horse Le Samurai. The USEA Foundation has allocated a total of $10,000 annually from the Le Samurai Fund for adult amateur education programs that are USEA Area activities. Grants from the fund are in addition to Area allotments and can be used for the same adult amateur education programs.

Each Grant will be given during the USEA’s fiscal year, ending November 30, and cannot rollover into the next fiscal budget year.

In honor of the late Kim Meier, a top level eventing athlete who made it to the highest levels of the sport through her own grit and determination. This grant is intended to assist those riders who are struggling financially to compete their own horse(s) at the Intermediate level and above who have passed beyond the funding available for juniors and young adults. Preference will also be given to riders that are competing on horses that they bred. This fund was established and funded through the generosity of Kim’s friends.Each year one applicant will be selected to receive a $5,000 grant.

Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet

The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet serves the public by enforcing laws relating to natural resources and the environment. It keeps citizens safe and healthy, while supporting a positive business climate. Within the EEC are two main departments and several offices, including:

• The Department for Environmental Protection protects and enhances Kentucky's environment through its divisions of Air Quality, Waste Management, Water, Enforcement and Compliance Assistance.
• The Department for Natural Resources provides technical assistance, education and funding to sustain Kentucky's natural resources. It is home to the divisions of Abandoned Mine Lands, Forestry, Mine Permits, Conservation, Oil & Gas, Mine Safety and Mine Reclamation.
• The Office of Energy Policy brings a common-sense approach that ensures the Commonwealth thrives amid rapid changes occurring in the production, delivery, and use of energy.
• The Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves works to protect the Commonwealth’s natural heritage and educate Kentuckians about its importance. 
• The Kentucky Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (DNREP) was established in 1979 by Gov. John Y. Brown as a response to the rising environmental concerns that emerged in post-oil crisis America. By 1982, the agency was elevated to cabinet status and renamed the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet.

Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Program

The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program is designed to establish and enhance fire protection in communities with a population of 10,000 persons or less. Through this program, the Division of Forestry provides training, grant funds and technical advice to rural fire departments. 

Volunteer Fire Assistance grants funding ranging from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000 is available through a 50/50 reimbursement system on an annual basis. Grant applications are generally available during the first quarter of the calendar year, and recipients are reimbursed for approved costs at the end of the grant cycle. 

Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet

The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet serves the public by enforcing laws relating to natural resources and the environment. It keeps citizens safe and healthy, while supporting a positive business climate. Within the EEC are two main departments and several offices, including:

• The Department for Environmental Protection protects and enhances Kentucky's environment through its divisions of Air Quality, Waste Management, Water, Enforcement and Compliance Assistance.
• The Department for Natural Resources provides technical assistance, education and funding to sustain Kentucky's natural resources. It is home to the divisions of Abandoned Mine Lands, Forestry, Mine Permits, Conservation, Oil & Gas, Mine Safety and Mine Reclamation.
• The Office of Energy Policy brings a common-sense approach that ensures the Commonwealth thrives amid rapid changes occurring in the production, delivery, and use of energy.
• The Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves works to protect the Commonwealth’s natural heritage and educate Kentuckians about its importance. 
• The Kentucky Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (DNREP) was established in 1979 by Gov. John Y. Brown as a response to the rising environmental concerns that emerged in post-oil crisis America. By 1982, the agency was elevated to cabinet status and renamed the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet.

Volunteer Fire Assistance Natural Disaster Grant

The Volunteer Fire Assistance Natural Disaster (VFAND) Grant program, provides grant funds and technical advice to rural fire departments in communities with a population of 10,000 persons or less that have been negatively affected by a recent Natural Disaster. This includes tornados, flooding, ice storms, and any events where a natural disaster resulted in a declared state of emergency.​ VFAND grants are currently available on an annual basis and applications are generally available during the first quarter of the calendar year. Grant recipients are reimbursed for approved costs at the end of the grant cycle. Grant funds ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 are available through a 50/50 reimbursement system. Eligible equipment items that can be purchased with VFAND grant funding include: Nomex clothing, pumps, hoses, tanks, fire shelters, wildland fire hand tools and personal protective equipment. 

Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet

The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet serves the public by enforcing laws relating to natural resources and the environment. It keeps citizens safe and healthy, while supporting a positive business climate. Within the EEC are two main departments and several offices, including:

• The Department for Environmental Protection protects and enhances Kentucky's environment through its divisions of Air Quality, Waste Management, Water, Enforcement and Compliance Assistance.
• The Department for Natural Resources provides technical assistance, education and funding to sustain Kentucky's natural resources. It is home to the divisions of Abandoned Mine Lands, Forestry, Mine Permits, Conservation, Oil & Gas, Mine Safety and Mine Reclamation.
• The Office of Energy Policy brings a common-sense approach that ensures the Commonwealth thrives amid rapid changes occurring in the production, delivery, and use of energy.
• The Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves works to protect the Commonwealth’s natural heritage and educate Kentuckians about its importance. 
• The Kentucky Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (DNREP) was established in 1979 by Gov. John Y. Brown as a response to the rising environmental concerns that emerged in post-oil crisis America. By 1982, the agency was elevated to cabinet status and renamed the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet.

Kentucky Firewise USA Community Grants

The Kentucky Division of Forestry, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service, is pleased to announce the 2026 Kentucky Firewise USA™ Community Grant Program. Grants may be awarded for projects aimed at reducing wildfire risks and hazards in Kentucky's wildland-urban interface communities. Priority for grant funding will be given based on the level of wildfire risk, the establishment of a local Firewise USA™ Community, and the type of project proposed. Program Objectives:

• Support the establishment of Firewise USA™ Communities.
• Provide cost-share funds for wildfire mitigation and Firewise USA™ activities.
• Strengthen collaborative relationships with fire departments, communities, counties, and interested organizations.
• Educate the public about the benefits of wildfire risk reduction and the Firewise USA™ program.
• Reduce the risk of wildfires and their impact in wildland-urban interface areas.
• Complete Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs).

Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet

The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet serves the public by enforcing laws relating to natural resources and the environment. It keeps citizens safe and healthy, while supporting a positive business climate. Within the EEC are two main departments and several offices, including:

• The Department for Environmental Protection protects and enhances Kentucky's environment through its divisions of Air Quality, Waste Management, Water, Enforcement and Compliance Assistance.
• The Department for Natural Resources provides technical assistance, education and funding to sustain Kentucky's natural resources. It is home to the divisions of Abandoned Mine Lands, Forestry, Mine Permits, Conservation, Oil & Gas, Mine Safety and Mine Reclamation.
• The Office of Energy Policy brings a common-sense approach that ensures the Commonwealth thrives amid rapid changes occurring in the production, delivery, and use of energy.
• The Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves works to protect the Commonwealth’s natural heritage and educate Kentuckians about its importance. 
• The Kentucky Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (DNREP) was established in 1979 by Gov. John Y. Brown as a response to the rising environmental concerns that emerged in post-oil crisis America. By 1982, the agency was elevated to cabinet status and renamed the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet.

Urban and Community Forestry Tree Planting Grant

The Kentucky Division of Forestry’s goals for the Urban and Community Program are to: 1) Promote the development and enhancement of self-sustaining urban and community forestry programs. 2) Increase access to urban tree canopies and associated environmental, economic, and human health benefits. 3) Expand engagement in local community forestry planning. 4) Help make communities more resilient to pests, and natural disasters. 5) Improve levels of engagement and knowledge about trees and tree care across small and large communities. 6) Increase community preparedness by developing storm mitigation plans. 7) Prioritize projects focusing work on increasing urban and community tree canopies, mitigating heat islands, increasing stormwater benefits, and workforce development.

About USEA Foundation The fundamental mission of the USEA Foundation is to protect and preserve the sport of eventing for future generations and to provide support for the core educational, safety, and equine welfare programs of the USEA. In addition, the Foundation administers educational grants for riders with the intent of preparing them to reach their goals.

About Full Moon Farm Eventing Foundation Fund

The Full Moon Farm Eventing Foundation Fund provides grants for training and education in the sport of eventing for riders who face challenges accessing such training and education due to financial or social-economic circumstances, exclusion or difficulty due to race, nationality, gender or gender identification, sexual orientation, age or other barrier. This grant is aimed to help eventers at all levels of the sport to encourage riders to chase their goals and keep learning and developing as athletes.

The Essex Horse Trials Grant is available to a developing rider age 25 and under who is competing successfully at the CCI4*-S level and above and who is working towards representing the U.S. in international team competition. The grant is intended to assist the recipient in developing the essential horsemanship skills required for a successful transition from the Young Rider ranks to the Senior Rider ranks. The grant may be used for expenses related to equestrian education, coaching, training, and competing.On behalf of the representatives of the Essex Horse Trials, the USEA Foundation will administer the processes of the grant’s intent. Eligible riders will be in good standing with the USEA. The rider’s performance at the CCI4*-S level and above during the previous competition season will be reviewed by the Essex Horse Trials Grant Committee when making the final selection. The Essex Horse Trials Grant is awarded at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in December each year.  Funds must be used within two calendar years following receipt of the grant and riders must keep complete accounting records and receipts for all funds used and submit these to the USEA Foundation by November 30 of that year. 

About Easton Sports Development Foundation IIThe foundation's mission is to inspire individuals and collaborate with partners by providing resources and services that result in growth and life-long enjoyment of archery.The Foundation supports indoor and outdoor archery facilities at city parks, schools, universities and sports complexes throughout the U.S. and provides programs to train aspiring archers, trainers, coaches and administrators.

About the Operational Grant

The Operational Grant is for those seeking funding to assist with the costs related to the operation of the archery program.

Help End Alzheimer's

The CART Fund is dedicated to funding cutting-edge, high-impact research to find a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. We are proud to collaborate with more than 600 Rotary Clubs in 50 Rotary Districts around the US who #StandWithCART.

100% of all donations go directly to research.

ADRC-Supported Programs: Request for Pilot Projects for Early Stage Investigators

CART Discovery Grant

Projects are intended for new/early-stage faculty only (i.e, instructor, assistant professor, or equivalent, with institutional privileges to serve as PI on federal grants).

Areas of research can range from basic, translational and clinical investigations. Studies of pre- clinical phases of disease and approaches useful in differentiating disease processes from normal aging, as well as multi-etiology dementia, early interventions, imaging and biomarkers, are encouraged. Applicants may consult with ADRC scientists for strategic and statistical advice.

Please write a cover letter and include affirmation that this is a NEW pilot project and not supported by federal or non-federal sponsored grants. The applicant may request a project period of up to one year with a budget for DIRECT COSTS of up to $50,000. CART will send payment for these Pilot Grants at the beginning of the project. INDIRECT COST RECOVERY IS NOT ALLOWED.

Institutional matching funds are encouraged.