Community Impact Fund Grant

The Community Impact Fund Grant offered by Horizon Community Foundation supports bold, high-impact nonprofit initiatives that directly benefit the Northern Kentucky region. Founded in 2017, Horizon Community Foundation is dedicated to uniting local resources and driving regional progress. With a strong track record of philanthropic investment, the foundation has committed over $632,500 to nonprofit programs that support families, expand opportunity, and elevate the quality of life in Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties. For the 2026 grant cycle, the Foundation will award up to $115,000 in total to one or two larger-scale projects that align with their strategic priorities. These priorities include innovation—supporting unique ideas to address pressing challenges; acceleration—helping effective initiatives scale more quickly; resource leveraging—enhancing impact through partnerships; and equity—ensuring that underserved or marginalized communities receive tangible benefits. The foundation is especially focused on proposals developed collaboratively across organizations to strengthen cross-sector solutions. Funding is available exclusively to nonprofit organizations with valid 501(c)(3) status that are either located in or serving Boone, Campbell, or Kenton counties. Ineligible applicants and activities include individuals, political organizations, non-charitable efforts, fundraising events, capital projects, and previously incurred expenses. The foundation also disqualifies any applicant that discriminates based on age, race, gender identity, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics. The 2026 application process begins with a Letter of Intent (LOI), accepted from February 1 through February 28. The LOI should outline the proposal’s purpose, funding amount requested, and anticipated impact. Following a review process, selected organizations will be invited to submit a full application by May 29, with funding decisions announced on August 1. Evaluation criteria include measurable outcomes, collaborative design, differentiation from other programs, and sustainability beyond the funding period. Full applications must be submitted in letter format and include a purpose description, budget breakdown, population served, expected results, evidence of collaboration, and organizational financial documentation. Applicants must also provide their most recent IRS determination letter, board lists, and may include up to two optional supporting documents. For questions or assistance, applicants may contact Nancy Grayson at ngrayson@horizoncfnky.org or 859.757.1552. Horizon Community Foundation's office is located at 209 Greenup St, Suite 410, Covington, KY 41011. Given the annual recurrence of this opportunity, organizations are advised to monitor open dates each February, as grants are typically awarded in August of each year.

Emphasize innovation, measurable impact, and collaborative delivery; differentiate from other community programs; show sustainability.