For months now, local leaders, nonprofits, and changemakers across Kentucky have been waiting patiently, watching for signs of movement from federal grantmakers. After a slower-than-usual start to 2025, it’s been easy to feel frustrated or uncertain. But this week, we have some exciting news to share:
The federal funding cycle has begun to bloom—and it’s blooming in ways that matter deeply to Kentucky’s communities.
In just the last few weeks, multiple grant opportunities have been released by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA)—and they’re focused on exactly the kinds of challenges and opportunities we see every day across the Commonwealth: ruralsafety, survivor support, food access, and local economic development.
This is the moment for which we have been waiting. You have been doing the good work of serving communities, feeding families, or building regional strength—we want you to be ready for these grant opportunities.
The Department of Justice: Reinvesting in Safety and Healing
With the release of three grant programs from the Department of Justice, we’re seeing a clear signal that community safety, survivor recovery, and prevention work are a federal priority. These opportunities bring vital resources to Kentucky’s rural communities, where domestic violence and related traumas often go under-addressed due to lack of funding, staffing, and support infrastructure.
The DOJ’s focus on transitional housing, rural justice system partnerships, and trauma-informed youth programming means that many of our local service providers can now expand their work with renewed hope and deeper impact. These grants represent an investment not just in services—but in the long-term resilience of our communities.
DOJ-OVW - Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program
The USDA: Strengthening Local Food Systems and Rural Economies
At the same time, the USDA has opened up three key grant programs designed to build stronger local food systems, regional food infrastructure, and collaborative food economies. These opportunities couldn’t come at a better time for Kentucky’s farmers, food councils, cooperatives, and community food advocates.
From improving farmers markets and CSAs to funding food hubs, distribution systems, and cross-sector partnerships, the USDA’s new funding is all about investing in community-led solutions. It’s about more than food—it’s about equity, access, entrepreneurship, and opportunity in every corner of our state.
USDA-AMS - Farmers Market Promotion Program
USDA-AMS - Regional Food System Partnerships
USDA-AMS-Local Food Promotion Program
What’s Next: ARC POWER Grant Is Likely on the Horizon
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) recently announced its annual event, Appalachian Places: Growing Local Economies, scheduled for October 6-7, 2025 in Frostburg, Maryland. This conference often signals that the ARC POWER Grant is just around the corner—an exciting opportunity for coal-impacted Appalachian communities seeking bold, transformational funding.
Your Work Matters. Let’s Make Sure It’s Funded.
These newly released grants are more than deadlines and documents. They’re opportunities to bring long-needed resources to the people and places we care about most.
At Grant Ready Kentucky, we know that behind every application is a story worth funding—a team doing the hard work, a vision rooted in place, and a community ready for change.
We’re here to help you get ready—not just to apply, but to succeed. Whether you’re thinking about USDA farmers’ markets, DOJ survivor services, or preparing for ARC’s POWER grant, let’s make this the season where your project takes root and grows.
Reach out to us for grant strategy support, writing services, or a discovery call. The door is open—and we’re ready to help you step through it with purpose and confidence.