Spruce Up the 'Berg Grants

The Spruce Up the 'Berg grant program is a community beautification initiative led by the Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation. Based in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, the Foundation operates with a mission to foster community development, enrichment, and vitality through targeted philanthropic initiatives. The Foundation's commitment to local improvement is exemplified by the Spruce Up the 'Berg program, which encourages residents and community members to transform and reinvigorate public spaces throughout the county. Now in its 2026 program year, this grant opportunity supports both small-scale and larger revitalization projects that aim to beautify neighborhoods, downtowns, and shared environments. The Spruce Up the 'Berg program is designed with a focus on civic engagement and public impact. Projects can vary in scale but must demonstrate a clear benefit to the community. The initiative promotes creativity, collaboration, and pride in place. In previous years, funded projects have included park improvements, public art installations, and community garden developments. The Foundation has allocated $100,000 in total grant funding for the 2026 cycle. Although specific award amounts for each project are not listed, applicants are encouraged to propose budgets appropriate for the scope of their projects within the overall funding pool. To be eligible, projects must be proposed and led by individuals or groups based in Muhlenberg County. However, all applicants are required to partner with an eligible fiscal sponsor that can formally receive and manage the grant. These sponsors may include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, city governments, fiscal courts, public schools, or churches. The Foundation offers assistance to applicants in identifying appropriate nonprofit partners if needed. This requirement ensures both accountability and compliance with standard grant administration practices. The application process is streamlined and community-focused. The official application form can be downloaded directly from the Felix Martin Foundation’s website. The current application window closes on January 7, 2026. Completed applications should be submitted according to the instructions provided in the application document. While there is no pre-application requirement such as a Letter of Intent, applicants are encouraged to begin early and seek guidance as needed. The Foundation’s staff is available to support applicants through the process. All applications will be reviewed following the submission deadline. Grant recipients are expected to be announced by late February 2026, providing a relatively quick turnaround between application and notification. The performance period for funded projects is not specified, but projects should be planned for timely execution following award announcements. Given that previous cycles were held in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and the program is clearly marked as the 2026 edition, it is reasonable to classify this as an annual, recurring grant opportunity. For further inquiries, applicants may contact the Foundation’s Director of Grants, Meredith Zahirovic, via phone at 270-977-9194 or email at [email protected]. The Foundation provides transparent communication and seeks to ensure that all interested community members have access to resources and support necessary to submit strong, impactful proposals. This opportunity represents a consistent investment in Muhlenberg County’s aesthetic and civic environment, offering a pathway for residents to play a direct role in shaping their public spaces.