A federal-state economic development program that assists in the economic development of Appalachia by funding public infrastructure (water, sewer, solid waste, housing, and telecommunications), human resource development (education/workforce, affordable/accessible healthcare, and leadership development), and business development projects.

NOTE: DUE TO DEMAND FOR THE KY GRANT PROGRAM ALL AVAILABLE FUNDING HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY OBLIGATED. PLEASE CHECK THE KY GRANT PAGE FREQUENTLY TO CHECK FOR FUNDING TO RETURN TO THE PROGRAM. Kentucky organizations with potential projects and the intent to submit applications to access federal grant resources that are in the public interest and for a public purpose may seek match funding assistance for the proposed project through the GRANT Program.

Provides funding to develop essential community facilities, which are defined as facilities that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community, carrying out a function customarily provided by a local unit of government. These do not include private, commercial or business undertakings.

Distributes funds to support breast cancer research, education, treatment, screening and awareness in Kentucky.

Foundation's grants span education, human services, health and mental health, youth-serving organizations, disaster-related assistance, faith-based charitable organizations, and other community needs.

Activities to benefit local communities served by the funding source. Funding is intended to support programs in the areas of education, civic, arts and culture, and health and social services. Grants may be used to address new issues and needs, or to maintain ongoing programs for the benefit of local residents.

Successful applications will satisfy criteria in the following three areas: Strategy: working toward the goal of a more democratic, just, and equitable society Issues: supporting local progressive social change activities that expand and protect civil liberties and civil and human rights and promote and strengthen community involvement in, and control over, the decisions that affect their lives Constituencies: affirming the civil or human rights of poor and low-income populations, including the disenfranchised, immigrants, workers, people of color, and the disabled

Supports Kentucky nonprofit organizations capable of operating mobile dental units and delivering comprehensive dental treatment in rural communities. Services must address areas with significant barriers to traditional dental care and coordinate with the state, Community Health Workers, public health dental hygiene teams, universities and rural health partners.

Funds early-stage social impact organizations solving the world’s biggest social and environmental problems using bold, scalable approaches.

Funding is intended to support outreach and education projects as well as other initiatives in the areas of human development, health, nutrition, wellness, and neonatal care.

Helps underserved youth and young adults make informed educational choices. Just as IECA consultants provide objective assessment, personalized counseling, and family engagement, the Foundation funds initiatives that employ similar strategies to create positive, lasting change.

The Magee Christian Education Foundation is a Simpsonville, Kentucky-based private foundation supporting Christian and theological education. Funding is directed primarily through educational institutions and related organizations to support individuals preparing for future church-related vocations.

Initiatives that protect the rights of citizens and combat discrimination, intended to eliminate all forms of prejudice and discrimination, to assist government agencies to be more accountable to the public, and to safeguard basic freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. The Foundation will also consider contemporary societal issues that may arise.

The Louisville Bar Foundation provides grants for projects that improve access to the legal system for people of limited financial means, increase access to legal information, improve the operation of and public confidence in Jefferson County courts, and provide public education about the legal system.

Provides loans for projects that generate or store electricity from a renewable energy resource. Part of the loan may also qualify for loan forgiveness.

Fund innovative interventions, based on psychological knowledge, that directly address pressing needs of communities. Projects should serve marginalized communities, end prejudice and stigma, prevent violence, and explore mind-body health connections.

Support often centers on social justice, child welfare, and access to education; however, the funding agency may support efforts outside of these areas. Eligible project areas include the arts, community, education, environment, health care, and peace.

Provides funding for basic needs, access to opportunities outside of school that enable school success for at-risk youth, workforce readiness training for at-risk youth (ages 16-24), safety from relationship abuse.

Provide general operating support or support for specific projects or activities to community-based nonprofit organizations for which a relatively small amount of funding might make a large difference.

Supports charitable organizations, with particular emphasis on assistance to people experiencing poverty, children and youth, and school-related activities. Recent grants have also supported disability services, healthcare, conservation, youth development, education, and other community-serving organizations. Giving is strongly concentrated in Louisville and Kentucky.

The Barr Foundation is a Louisville-based private family foundation providing grants to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for a broad range of charitable purposes. Recent Kentucky grantmaking has supported children and families, health and cancer-support services, conservation and environmental organizations, youth development, education, and other community needs.

The Higher Hope Foundation’s ‘Empower’ Grant is a financial assistance grant intended to financially support nonprofits that directly impact victims of violent crime or missing person cases.

The Higher Hope Foundation’s ‘Hope’ Grant is a one time financial assistance grant intended to assist in the financial burden of costs associated with the aftermath of a violent crime or missing person case.

Supports a broad range of local charitable organizations in Louisville and Jefferson County, including education, children and youth services, health and human services, disability services, arts and culture, parks, libraries, homelessness services, and other community programs.

Funding to develop innovative traffic safety enforcement programs that demonstrate effectiveness by reducing the number of motor vehicle crashes due to one or more of the subject risky driving behaviors; and ensure the traffic safety enforcement programs are repeatable and scalable for use by law enforcement throughout the United States.

Supports leadership development for Muhlenberg County residents and groups researching solutions to local issues that can benefit the county.

The Kenneth Reutlinger Foundation is a Louisville-based private foundation supporting charitable organizations in Kentucky and several other states. Recent giving includes education, substance use disorder services, animal welfare and wildlife, human services, libraries and cultural organizations, and other charitable causes. Recent Kentucky recipients include The Morton Center, Louisville Collegiate School, and Kentucky Humane Society.

The Marilyn & William Young Foundation supports nonprofit organizations whose programs and projects benefit residents of Owensboro and Daviess County. Piorities are leadership development, accessible arts experiences, family support systems, and community grants for one-time immediate organizational needs.

Grants support local programs in Community Investment and Economic Development, Youth and Education, Health and Human Services, Arts and Culture, and Environment that help low- to moderate-income individuals and families.

Provides grants to support educational programs, including arts, sciences, and athletics, as well as programs serving at-risk children, individuals with special needs, and children whose lives have been affected by alcohol abuse in Jefferson County.

Supports Central Kentucky nonprofits working to improve access to food, affordable housing, education, information, community spaces, and services that improve quality of life. Examples described by the foundation include food-access organizations, youth homelessness programs, parks, museums, crisis support, and mentoring for parents and caregivers of autistic children.

Supports Kentucky organizations and institutions that provide cultural, educational, civic-improvement, and community well-being opportunities. Recent grantees include schools, colleges, affordable-housing organizations, aging services, food pantries, animal-welfare organizations, libraries, community media, economic-development organizations, and Kentucky State Police-related programs.

Middlesboro-based foundation supporting scholarships, postsecondary education, local history, youth programming, churches, and community institutions. Recent activities included support for Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church, Bell County Historical Society, Bluegrass Council Boy Scouts of America, and Cathedral Domain

Supports educational purposes and organizations serving children at risk in Daviess County. Recent recipients include Goodfellows Club, Green River Asset Building Coalition, RiverPark Center, Community Dental Clinic, Puzzle Pieces, The Center, Volunteers of America Freedom House, and the University of Louisville nursing program.

Provides funding to improve the quality and availability of hands-on emergency medical services training in Kentucky. Eligible Training and Educational Institution agencies may purchase advanced training equipment or establish and expand mobile simulation units serving rural and underserved communities.

Provides funding to Kentucky Community Mental Health Centers to strengthen the behavioral health crisis system. Funding supports rapid follow-up and continuity of care following EmPATH visits and behavioral health training, coordination and technical support for emergency medical services agencies.

Provides funding to nonprofit behavioral health organizations serving eastern Kentucky to participate as regional partners in a statewide telebehavioral health hub. Supported activities may include psychiatric consultation, crisis-adjacent behavioral health services, care coordination, technology integration and connections to primary and crisis care.

Supports Kentucky nonprofit educational institutions in establishing or expanding accredited dental hygiene programs. Funding is intended to increase the rural oral-health workforce by expanding student capacity, developing clinical training infrastructure and strengthening partnerships with rural healthcare sites.

Pennies for Purpose uses voluntary contributions from Blue Grass Energy members to fund charitable causes throughout the cooperative’s 23-county Kentucky service area. Blue Grass Energy maintains a public donation application.

Jackson Energy’s Operation RoundUP uses voluntary member contributions to fund community grants for civic organizations, volunteer fire departments, schools, nonprofits, youth programs, emergency-response organizations, and other community groups.

School Uplift provides energy-management training and competitive, need-based facility grants to help public and private schools reduce energy costs and improve learning environments. Enrollment is open for the 2026–27 school year.

Foothills Communications accepts requests from organizations seeking donations or sponsorships for community events and activities.

Atmos Energy accepts financial-support requests from organizations through an online contribution form. Requests may involve charitable donations or event sponsorships.

Essential Foundation supports nonprofit organizations benefiting communities served by Essential Utilities’ Aqua and Peoples businesses. Priorities include environmental initiatives, direct human services, emergency services, community economic growth, education, food insecurity, and other essential community resources.

The S.A.F.E. program provides grants to qualifying volunteer fire departments for fire-protection needs such as equipment and training. Peoples maintains a specific nomination and application pathway for departments in its service territory.

The Mildred V. Horn Foundation is a La Grange, Kentucky-based private foundation supporting charitable organizations primarily in Oldham County and surrounding counties. Major areas of giving include education, homeless services, historic preservation, literary and cultural activities, and other charitable purposes. Historic preservation funding has a broader geographic reach and may support public historic homes in Kentucky and several surrounding states.

The Julia & Isadore Klein Family Foundation is a Louisville-based private family foundation supporting charitable organizations in Kentucky and elsewhere. Recent Kentucky grantmaking includes higher education, community and human services, Jewish community organizations, arts and culture, animal welfare, equine-related organizations, health-related causes, and other charitable activities. Louisville-area organizations represent a significant portion of the Foundation's recent grantmaking.

Republic Bank Foundation and Republic Bank provide grants and sponsorships to charitable nonprofit organizations. Priority areas include education and youth programs, family and community welfare, civic projects, healthcare and human services, performing arts and cultural activities, and recreation and preservation programs. Republic specifically identifies community-development-related activities such as affordable or transitional housing, homeownership, community services benefiting low-to-moderate-income populations or areas, financial literacy, healthcare, neighborhood revitalization or stabilization, economic development through small-business financing, and job training/readiness.

The Jessie Barker McKellar Charitable Foundation supports nonprofit organizations focused on education, healthcare and medical research, youth and social services, and other charitable purposes.

The C. F. Pollard Foundation supports education and scholarships, youth-serving organizations, parks and community assets, equine-related education and animal welfare, disaster relief, community services, and other charitable purposes. Recent Kentucky recipients include the Horse Farm Workers' Educational Assistance Fund, West End School, Metro United Way, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville Foundation, 21st Century Parks, and the American Red Cross for Eastern Kentucky flood relief.

Supports initiatives addressing adolescent health and wellness, including behavioral health, prevention, access to health services, and related youth well-being needs. Funding throughout Kentucky with a strong focus on Louisville.

Supports nonprofit projects involving land, the arts, education, and human need, with an emphasis on organizations serving Louisville and the surrounding Kentucky area, but awards throughout Kentucky.

Support for artists that have demonstrated a high level of skill in, commitment to, and leadership in their traditional art form. Awards ensure continuation of traditional knowledge and artistic skills within cultural communities. Art forms may include, but are not limited to: foodways, material culture (handcraft), storytelling, music, etc.

Provides $30,000 for nonprofit organizations supporting folk arts and traditional culture in Central Appalachia to strengthen operations through professional development, emergency planning, marketing, website maintenance, strategic planning, minor equipment, software, travel, and other non-programming infrastructure needs.

The Wood & Marie C. Hannah Foundations supports nonprofit organizations across a broad range of charitable purposes. Recent grantmaking has included education and scholarships, services for children and families, disability services, community and human services, conservation and environmental education, cultural and civic organizations, and capital or facility projects.

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation funds veterinary research relevant to equine health, safety, soundness, and performance. Although closely associated with the Thoroughbred industry, funded research is intended to benefit horses of all breeds. Grants support research conducted through universities and research institutions in North America and internationally.

Supports writers developing original book-length manuscripts with unrestricted awards for writing time, research and archival work, workspace and equipment, manuscript consultation, editing, mentorship, travel, childcare or eldercare, and other costs that advance works in progress.

Provides up to $5,000 to literary arts organizations, independent publishers, small presses, and literary journals for publishing projects and community engagement, including books, journals, anthologies, reading series, literary festivals, podcasts, and digital literary programming

Supports charitable organizations in Western Kentucky and southern Indiana. Recent funding has supported homeless shelters, youth facilities, emergency assistance, social-service organizations, medical and safety equipment for schools, home-fire recovery, and community facilities

Fund for the Arts Community Event Mini-Grants support creative, short-term or one-time events that engage Greater Louisville communities through the arts. Funding may support multigenerational, free community gatherings incorporating artistic elements such as performances, exhibits, culinary arts, or participatory arts activities. Eligible applicants include individual artists, groups, arts organizations, non-arts nonprofits, businesses, neighborhood associations, and other community-based organizations.

Provides $300,000-$15 million to acquire land or water for public parks, develop new outdoor recreation spaces, or renovate existing facilities. Eligible projects include parks, trails, playgrounds, sports fields, water recreation facilities, conservation areas, community gardens, and similar outdoor amenities.

Provides $250,000-$3 million for land acquisition and outdoor recreation projects in eligible areas near military installations. Projects may also include recreation development, compatible land use, conservation, and resilience improvements, but every project must include land acquisition.

Provides grants for charitable projects benefiting Cumberland, Benham, Lynch, and the immediately surrounding area in Harlan County. The foundation supports one-time projects, multiyear projects of up to three years, program start-up, and challenge or matching grants. Recent funding has supported food assistance, youth sports, municipal improvements, schools, tourism, historic facilities, and other community projects.

Provides annual grants to Kentucky-based nonprofit organizations, prioritizing organizations in Central Kentucky. Funding generally supports capital expansion and equipment purchases in arts and culture, community development, education, health and human services, and the Thoroughbred industry.

Grants to support the professional development needs of Southern arts organizations with operating budgets of $500,000 or less. Funding can support arts administrators’ or board members’ participation at conferences, workshops, and other professional development opportunities and events. In addition, these grants can support expenses for in-person and virtual professional development for organization-wide staff learning and training.

Provides $1,000-$8,000 to nonprofit and government presenters to engage an artist from South Arts’ roster for a public performance, screening, reading, or exhibition plus an educational/community activity. Funds cover up to 50% of the artist fee.

Supports nonprofit organizations serving Owensboro and Daviess County through health initiatives, education, spiritual opportunities, community programs, youth services, arts programming, basic-needs assistance, sports facilities, and community facilities

The purpose of this program is to strengthen nonprofit HIV service organizations, including clinical providers, community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and coalitions, as they navigate a national contraction of funding and increasing political hostility. This program will provide financial and technical assistance to HIV service organizations that are experiencing or anticipating organizational transition. This program is intended to support ecosystem-wide resilience and sustainability of core service provision by helping HIV service organizations to plan for and execute systems-level changes to organizational structure and operations.

Funding supports organizations that strengthen the region's arts ecosystem, invest in community and economic development (including workforce development, entrepreneurship, and neighborhood revitalization), prioritize education that improves opportunities for underserved youth “from birth to workforce readiness,” and human services that address basic needs and help people build stability, dignity, and economic mobility.

Funds worthwhile community programs that enrich the lives of children. The Foundation makes grants to private, non-profit organizations and public agencies in Greater Cincinnati for programs that benefit children in the region in the areas of arts/culture, education, healthcare, social services and other community needs.

The purpose of this program is to address challenges that require immediate attention and/or new or expanded service provision to help U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-assisted residents affected by an urgent event. Funding will support one-time assistance for service coordination and limited direct services for residents of HUD-assisted housing. This program promotes local leadership and flexibility in addressing urgent social needs caused by unanticipated emergencies. Examples of these emergencies can include: Natural disasters, such as wildfires, hurricanes, extreme heat, flooding, or catastrophic weather events Public health crises, including gun violence, community-level contamination, or environmental hazards, or widespread traumatic events Economic disruptions, such as closure of a major employment center that employs residents at the target site Other urgent events that have had a widespread impact on the HUD-assisted community

The mission of Emma Loves Dogs is to provide financial assistance to organizations that share the same passion that Emma had for helping animals, such as police K9 units and non-kill animal shelters.

The purpose of this program is to bring recent advances in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) knowledge into undergraduate education, that adapt, improve, and incorporate evidence-based practices into STEM teaching and learning, and that lay the groundwork for institutional improvement in STEM education. Funding will support projects that implement evidence-based and knowledge-generating approaches to understand and improve STEM learning and learning environments, improve the diversity of STEM students and majors, and prepare STEM majors for the workforce. Funding will also support projects to conduct workshops and conferences aimed at improving undergraduate STEM education, developing implementation practices, and/or assembling research partnerships and agendas. Conference projects that address diversity in STEM teaching and learning and/or involve collaborations of educational researchers and disciplinary scientists to ensure that STEM teaching reflects cutting-edge STEM disciplinary research are especially encouraged.

This program helps very small, financially distressed rural communities with predevelopment feasibility studies, design and technical assistance on proposed water and waste disposal projects. Funds may be used to pay predevelopment planning costs, including:Feasibility studies to support applications for funding water or waste disposal projectsPreliminary design and engineering analysisTechnical assistance for the development of an application for financial assistanceThe predevelopment planning costs must be related to a proposed project that meets the following requirements:Construct, enlarge, extend or improve rural water, sanitary sewage, solid waste disposal and storm wastewater disposal facilitiesConstruct or relocate public buildings, roads, bridges, fences or utilities, and to make other public improvements necessary for the successful operation or protection of facilitiesRelocate private buildings, roads, bridges, fences, or utilities, and other private improvements necessary for the successful operation or protection of facilities

The Commonwealth Fund carries out its mission by supporting independent research on health care issues and making grants to improve health care practice and policy.

The purpose of this program is to support the efforts of nonprofit organizations to build vibrant communities that offer stable jobs, homes, and communities connected through culture, recreation, and play. The program focus is to support organizations with an intentional approach to addressing immediate needs and systemic economic barriers to success.

Our Food Love Grants program focuses on nonprofits that serve food to those who need it. Our Food Love Grants support comes to life throughout Popeyes neighborhoods with programs support ranging from onsite feeding programs, mobile kitchens, homebound food delivery programs, out-of-school meals, and disaster-related food support.

Provides customized, no-cost training and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies on a voluntary basis, using a “by the field, for the field” model tailored to each agency’s needs.

Provides K9 working dog, training, and training for handler to public safety agencies, schools, or hospitals that need a K9 but don't have funding.

Accepts year-round grant proposals from nonprofits located in Boyle, Garrard, Lincoln, or Mercer Counties for projects improving quality of life in the region.

Responds to urgent, critical, or unplanned human services needs in Magoffin County so local nonprofits can continue serving the community.

STEP is a reimbursement grant available through a partnership between the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The purpose of this program is to help Kentucky’s small to mid-size businesses grow by entering or expanding markets internationally. The grant offsets costs associated with exporting activities such as exhibiting at trade shows with international audiences, trade missions, website and product translations, export training, and more.

Provides funds to protect important natural areas, acquire land for outdoor recreation and to develop or renovate public outdoor recreation facilities.

Reimbursement grant that helps Kentucky schools cover transportation costs for student field trips to arts organizations in the Arts Miles Directory. Reimbursement is based on roundtrip mileage and driver pay for up to two buses per trip.

AKC Reunite, through its Canine Support and Relief Fund, coordinates contributions and funds to donate AKC Pet Disaster Relief Units to qualified organizations and government units and instrumentalities. These Units are intended to be used to provide co-location for the pets and service animals of people evacuating emergency situations, in accordance with the federal PETS Act of 2006. Each Unit comprises a 16 ft. x 7 ft. two-axle trailer with many of the materials necessary to set up an emergency shelter for fifty or more pets and service animals.

With many owned pets in need of care, our hope is to help as many as possible, and at no or as little cost as possible to the owners. While we may consider funding programs that deliver all types of veterinary care for owned pets, we prioritize free or nearly free preventive and wellness care, as well as basic care to address minor injuries and illnesses (such as ear or eye infections). If appropriate and cost-effective, we may consider providing you an in-kind donation of medications or vaccines in conjunction with a grant award. With many pets in need, we may not be able to approve funding for microchips, expensive orthopedic, specialty, or emergency care.

Funding to service needs of active military, veterans, first responders and their families. Organizations in designated states, including Kentucky, may submit applications in one of the following focus areas: safety; mental, social, and emotional health; bridging community divides; workforce development; financial assistance; and, food insecurity.

Funds programs or projects that address needs or opportunities to improve the quality of life for women and children in South Central Kentucky. Projects must be in one or more of the following focus areas: Education, Health, Human Services, Other Civic Endeavors.

Provides crucial grant and loan funding and technical assistance support across Central Appalachia to catalyze renewable, efficient, and resilient energy projects in local communities.

Funding for workforce training, economic recovery, job development, and K–12 STEM education focused on energy infrastructure, natural disaster preparedness, environmental conservation, clean water, underserved communities, and just transition projects improving access and mobility in underserved areas.

Funding through the Industry Transformation Pathway will help communities and regions devise and implement long-term economic recovery strategies through large, multi-component initiatives to transform regional economies in areas where a Presidential declaration of a major disaster was issued in 2023 and 2024.

Funding through the Readiness Pathway will help communities and regions devise and implement long-term economic recovery strategies through a variety of non-construction projects to build capacity for future recovery in areas where a Presidential declaration of a major disaster was issued in 2023 and 2024.

Provides resources for attracting new businesses, helping existing business customers expand, and assisting with developing new business and industrial real estate product, and economic development educational opportunities.

Provides funding for projects that focus on health and welfare, education, or community. Common grant opportunities include: supporting food pantries and meal programs, providing healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, encouraging STEM programming, advocating for healthy lifestyles through ongoing medical research and screenings.

The Numotion Foundation fosters relationships with other 501(c)(3) organizations, such as the ALS Association, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Spinal Association, and other similar national organizations, as well as smaller, more localized charities to raise awareness for the needs of individuals with mobility disabilities. Through the Foundation’s charitable giving, partner organizations will fund research, and other necessary support services.

Priority funding for organizations that focus on education, social services and community development activities which are likely to increase the quality of life in the larger Northern Kentucky region. Secondary consideration is given to health care, particularly to public health care, in the same geographic area.

Funding life-saving prevention, recovery and wellness programming across Appalachia and beyond - but heavily focused in Central Appalachia (Eastern Kentucky, West Virginia, East Tennessee and western Virginia). Additionally, Hope in the Hills funds music therapy and festival outreach around the region.

The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation® provides grants to families that are in need of financial assistance to keep their dog healthy and in their home and to rescue groups and shelters with a dog who needs medical care before they can be made available for adoption.

USA Pickleball Serves is committed to supporting the pickleball community and growing the sport one court at a time. Through relationships with partners and community organizations, we renovate and install pickleball courts across the country. If your community organization is in need of a pickleball court, let us know

The Wawa Foundation provides financial grants on a local, regional and national level ensuring that our commitment extends from the local communities Wawa serves. Organizations must fall into The Wawa Foundation’s three key areas of focus: Health, Hunger and Everyday Heroes.