Gheens Foundation Grant

The Gheens Foundation is a private philanthropic organization based in Louisville, Kentucky, with a mission to support charitable work in the Metropolitan Louisville area and in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes in Louisiana. These geographic priorities reflect the home communities of the Foundation’s founders, Mr. and Mrs. Gheens. The Foundation contributes approximately five percent of the value of its total assets each year to charitable organizations within these designated areas. Its funding is channeled in Louisiana through the Bayou Community Foundation, which oversees the local grant-making process there. The Foundation prioritizes grant requests in the fields of education and human or social services. While the philanthropy guidelines provide more detailed information on areas it does not fund, the emphasis remains on initiatives that improve community well-being and quality of life in its service regions. The Foundation also recommends, though does not require, that applicants participate in the Better Business Bureau Charity Review process. This review, conducted by the BBB of Louisville, Western Kentucky, and Southern Indiana, evaluates local charities to promote donor confidence and encourage charitable giving. There is no cost for charities to undergo this process. Eligibility is limited to organizations in active standing with the IRS that have verified 501(c)(3) status, along with public school districts and governmental entities, which must contact the Foundation directly for access to the application portal. Applicants must demonstrate gross unrestricted revenues exceeding $50,000 in their most recent fiscal year or as an average over the past three consecutive years. A verified tax number is required to begin the application. Organizations may apply only once within any twelve-month period. The Foundation’s grant process follows a quarterly meeting schedule, with submission deadlines in 2025 set for February 6, May 8, August 7, and November 6, all at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. These correspond to board meetings on March 20, June 19, September 18, and December 16, respectively. All applicants are notified of the outcome within three to four days after the board meeting. Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online portal. For questions regarding the application process, organizations can contact Kathy Knotts at kathy@gheensfoundation.org or by calling (502) 584-4650. For inquiries about the BBB Charity Review process, applicants may contact Angie Estes at (502) 588-0033. In Louisiana, prospective applicants should refer to the Bayou Community Foundation for grant-making details specific to that region.

Participation in BBB Charity Review is recommended for public confidence, though not required.