Marilyn & William Young Foundation Grant Program

The Marilyn and William Young Foundation, a private philanthropic organization based in Owensboro, Kentucky, was founded in 1998 with the goal of investing in initiatives that support the well-being and prosperity of residents in the Owensboro/Daviess County area. Guided by a mission to foster capacity-building through leadership, education, arts, and community development, the Foundation serves as a resource for strengthening economic opportunity and improving overall quality of life for citizens in its geographic focus area. Beginning in 2024, the Foundation’s grantmaking strategy has been refined to prioritize four distinct focus areas. The first, Leadership Development, aims to cultivate a new generation of effective leaders in both public and private sectors. These leaders should demonstrate an ability to adapt to change, unify diverse communities, and act with long-term strategic vision. The second focus area, Accessible Arts Experiences, supports projects that enhance the sustainability and impact of local arts and cultural initiatives. These efforts are seen as integral not only to enriching community life but also to supporting the region’s tourism-driven economy. The third area, Family Support Systems, seeks to empower low-income and undereducated individuals by funding innovative educational and workforce development programs. The goal is to enhance self-sufficiency and foster stable family environments. Additionally, the Foundation offers Community Grants, which are a limited pool of funds set aside to meet urgent, one-time needs that benefit the community at large. The Foundation does not fund endowments, annual appeals, religious organizations, sponsorships, individuals, or any programs that fall outside of the Owensboro/Daviess County region. Moreover, operational costs are generally not eligible for funding. All applicants must hold 501(c)(3) status from the Internal Revenue Service. Proposals from organizations that engage in discriminatory practices based on race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other legally protected classifications will not be considered. The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI), followed by a formal grant application if invited. Specific deadlines, application questions, and award timelines are not provided publicly and must be obtained directly from the Foundation. Interested organizations can reach out for more information or to submit inquiries via the Foundation’s office at 200 East Third Street, P.O. Box 825, Owensboro, KY 42303. Phone contact is available at (270) 663-1043. The Foundation does not provide a specified opening or closing date for applications, nor does it identify whether its programs are offered on a rolling or recurring basis. The lack of this information requires prospective applicants to reach out directly for timeline specifics and confirmation of ongoing availability.