BGCF365 Charitable Fund

BGCF365, a philanthropic giving circle within the Blue Grass Community Foundation, provides an opportunity for Lexington residents to collectively support local nonprofit initiatives. Through an annual membership contribution of $365—equivalent to $1 per day—members pool their resources to grant $30,000 to local causes that align with the year’s selected theme. The program fosters civic engagement and collaborative grantmaking while simultaneously building an endowment for sustained community impact. For 2025, the BGCF365 grantmaking theme is "Home Base," which focuses on funding initiatives that provide stable housing solutions, assist residents experiencing homelessness, and address the root causes of housing insecurity. Nonprofit organizations working within these areas are encouraged to apply for funding to support their efforts in improving housing access and homelessness prevention in Lexington, Kentucky. The grant application deadline is February 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Finalist presentations will be held on May 7, 2025, during which selected nonprofits will pitch their projects to BGCF365 members. Following the presentations, a total of $30,000 will be awarded to three organizations, typically distributed as $15,000 for first place, $10,000 for second place, and $5,000 for third place. The grant period will run from May 2025 through April 2026. Since its inception in 2017, BGCF365 has awarded $180,000 in grants to Lexington nonprofits, helping to drive community-driven solutions. The program is designed to engage donors of all ages, providing them with opportunities to connect, learn about local challenges, and play an active role in grant decision-making. Members meet quarterly to discuss pressing community issues, and the grant selection process is a key highlight of the annual cycle. Interested applicants must submit their proposals through the designated application portal before the deadline. Finalists will be selected based on the alignment of their projects with the grant theme, their capacity to execute the proposed initiatives, and the potential impact of their work on the Lexington community. The selected organizations will not only receive financial support but also gain exposure and engagement opportunities with BGCF365 members and partners. BGCF365 is managed by an advisory team of local leaders who oversee the grantmaking process and strategic direction. For more information about the application process or to inquire about BGCF365 membership, interested individuals and organizations can contact Lauren Parsons, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Communications, at lauren@bgcf.org or (859) 721-2345.