Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation Community Grants Program

The Felix Martin Jr. Foundation Community Grants Program is a locally-focused philanthropic initiative designed to enhance the quality of life for residents of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. Managed by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and Advisory Council, this program reflects the organization's broader mission to invest in civic, educational, and cultural improvement throughout the region. In addition to its support for internally identified priorities, the Foundation sets aside dedicated annual funding to support local organizations through a competitive grantmaking process. The Community Grants Program is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, churches, public schools, and government entities. Applicants are encouraged to propose new or expanded projects that directly benefit the educational, civic, or cultural landscape of Muhlenberg County. By targeting these areas, the Foundation seeks to foster meaningful community development and ensure equitable access to services and resources across the county. All proposed projects must align with these core impact areas to be eligible for consideration. Applications are evaluated through a structured process that includes the submission of written proposals, as well as interviews and site visits when applicable. The Foundation emphasizes both the merit of the application and the organizational capacity of the applicant to carry out the proposed project. Decisions are made quarterly, generally within six weeks following each submission deadline, allowing applicants to plan effectively based on predictable review cycles. In fiscal year 2025–2026, the program features four submission deadlines spaced evenly throughout the year. Applications are due on July 14, 2025, October 20, 2025, January 20, 2026, and April 27, 2026, with decisions typically rendered in the following months—August, November, February, and May, respectively. This predictable cycle enables organizations to align their planning and budgeting with grant opportunities. The grant is not rolling but is recurring quarterly, making it a consistent funding opportunity for local organizations. There is no publicly listed award floor, ceiling, or total program funding in the provided information, so interested applicants must consult directly with the Foundation for specific budgetary guidance. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full application and all related guidelines before submission. For questions or more information about eligibility or the application process, organizations can contact Meredith Zahirovic, Director of Grants, at MeredithZ@cflouisville.org or (270) 977-9194. The full application and accompanying guidelines can be downloaded from the Foundation’s website. Site visits and interviews may be arranged as part of the evaluation process.