Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation Community Grants Program

The Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation administers the Community Grants Program to support civic, educational, and cultural projects that benefit residents of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. The Foundation, based in Louisville, was established to address local priorities through philanthropy, and this program reflects its commitment to empowering community-based organizations. With a specific focus on local needs, including economic development, youth services, substance abuse treatment, and health and human services, the program invites projects that align with these targeted domains. While awards are determined competitively, the program is also designed to fund initiatives identified directly by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and Advisory Council. The Community Grants Program is open to a variety of eligible entities including 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, churches, public schools or school districts, and government units serving Muhlenberg County. Projects that align with the four key need areas are prioritized. Applicants may be required to participate in interviews and site visits as part of the review process, ensuring a robust assessment of the project's viability and alignment with community needs. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programming or facility expansions, or requests that aim to replace existing government obligations. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with deadlines set throughout the fiscal year. For the 2025–2026 cycle, submission deadlines fall on July 14, 2025; October 20, 2025; January 20, 2026; and April 27, 2026. Based on the January deadline, award decisions are expected in February. All funding decisions for the fiscal year are finalized by June 30, 2026. Grant requests exceeding $20,000 may fall outside the scope of the Community Grants Program and require additional review time, though no specific ceiling is imposed. To apply, organizations must first contact the Foundation to confirm project alignment. Following this discussion, applicants may be directed to complete the full Community Grants application. Required materials include a brief project summary, detailed project narrative, organizational overview, a comprehensive budget, evidence of tax-exempt status, and documentation of secured funds. Additional support materials such as letters of support and organizational literature may also be included. Applications can be submitted via email or mailed directly to the Foundation’s office in Louisville. All recipients must sign a formal grant agreement detailing project timelines and fund disbursement schedules. Recipients are required to submit updates and a final report that includes financial documentation and impact results. Site visits may also be conducted to verify outcomes. Grant decisions are made approximately six weeks after the application deadline, giving applicants a clear sense of the review and award timeline. For further information or application-related inquiries, applicants are encouraged to contact Meredith Zahirovic, Director of Grants, by phone at (270) 977-9194 or email at [email protected]. The Foundation encourages early engagement to ensure project eligibility and alignment with funding priorities.

Contact the Foundation before applying to confirm eligibility and fit. Projects requesting over $20,000 may require longer review.