Kentucky Recreation Grants

This funding opportunity supports innovative, free community arts events in Greater Louisville that engage diverse neighborhoods and promote collaboration among local organizations and artists.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S. states, territories, and eligible Indian tribes for implementing approved plans to prevent and manage invasive aquatic species.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, churches, and government entities in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, to support projects that improve education, civic engagement, and cultural development in the community.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) is pleased to announce the availability of grants for Environmental Sustainability Grant Program. Donor Name: Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) State: Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio County: Boone County (KY), Butler County (OH), Campbell County (KY), Clermont County (OH), Dearborn County (IN), Hamilton County (OH), Kenton County (KY), Warren County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) aims to support and enhance the environmental sustainability of this region by increasing the accessibility and quality of greenspaces, conservation, horticulture and/or nature education that is inclusive of historically marginalized groups. Uses of Funds  Funding may be used to support, expand, or strengthen existing programs, enact capital improvements, launch a new program, or build organizational capacity. Collaboration between well-aligned organizations is highly favored. Funding will not be awarded for campaigns or special events. Funding Information For the 2024 Environmental Sustainability cycle, GCF has approximately $400,000 available and grants will be awarded for up to $25,000.” Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be classified as tax-exempt by the IRS, typically 501(c)(3) status or government agency. If your organization is not a 501(c)(3), you may utilize a fiscal agent, however, the fiscal agent must be identified in the application. Grants will be made to organizations with efforts based in the Greater Cincinnati region, which includes the counties of Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont in Ohio; Boone, Kenton, and Campbell in Kentucky and Dearborn in Indiana. Organizations meeting the above criteria are welcome to apply, however, preference will be given to: Organizations that develop solutions with a racial equity lens. Requests that beautify, create, conserve, and/or restore greenspaces, with preference for spaces that benefit historically marginalized groups. Requests that connect historically marginalized groups to the benefits of nature, including but not limited to, increased fresh food access and nature education programming — particularly for children or youth. Proposals with clear and measurable outcomes. Organizations that have demonstrated partnerships, collaboration, and alignment with community-wide efforts. Organizations that have demonstrated insights from their past results. Organizations using an asset-based approach to the work. For more information, visit GCF.

This grant provides up to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations for innovative projects that address critical community needs in areas such as culture, education, environment, family, and health & wellness within the Tri-State region.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

The Hudson-Ellis Fund at Blue Grass Community Foundation is accepting applications from tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations for projects and programs that benefit Boyle County residents. Donor Name: Blue Grass Community Foundation State: Kentucky County: Boyle County (KY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The Hudson-Ellis Fund prioritizes public education, as well as programming that improves the quality of life for youth and adults with disabilities or who are economically disadvantaged. Successful proposals will address community needs through projects and programs that demonstrate meaningful impact and sustainability. The Hudson-Ellis competitive grantmaking program is made possible through the generosity of Lottie B. Ellis and other donors who established funds through bequests for the good of Boyle County. Funding Priorities Youth and/or adults who are economically disadvantaged Youth and/or adults with a disability Public Education Funding Information Grants request should not exceed $7,500. Grant Period September 2024 – June 2025. Eligibility Criteria  Applicant organizations must be located in or providing services to residents of Boyle County. Applicant organizations must be classified as nonprofit public charitable organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code or have a fiscal sponsor with a 501(c)(3) designation; or be a publicly supported organization with a charitable purpose such as a school, unit of government, or place of worship providing a social service program. Applicant organizations must have a Candid (formerly GuideStar) Seal of Transparency at the Gold Level or higher. Applicant organizations must not discriminate in their hiring, volunteer participation, or provision of client services. Exceptions may be made for hiring practices for religious organizations that can demonstrate bona fide occupational qualifications based on religious beliefs for employment. Applicant organizations with religious affiliations will be considered for funding only if the project for which they seek support attempts to address the needs of the wider community without regard to religious beliefs. Applicant organizations must be current on any grant reports due to Blue Grass Community Foundation. For more information, visit BGCF.

This grant provides funding to support a collaborative workforce development program aimed at equipping middle and high school students, particularly young men of color in Fayette County, Kentucky, with essential skills and experiences for high-wage career opportunities.

The Hudson-Ellis Fund at Blue Grass Community Foundation is accepting applications from tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations for projects and programs that benefit Boyle County residents. Donor Name: Blue Grass Community Foundation State: Kentucky County: Boyle County (KY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The Hudson-Ellis Fund prioritizes public education, as well as programming that improves the quality of life for youth and adults with disabilities or who are economically disadvantaged. Successful proposals will address community needs through projects and programs that demonstrate meaningful impact and sustainability. The Hudson-Ellis competitive grantmaking program is made possible through the generosity of Lottie B. Ellis and other donors who established funds through bequests for the good of Boyle County. Funding Priorities Youth and/or adults who are economically disadvantaged Youth and/or adults with a disability Public Education Funding Information Grants request should not exceed $7,500. Grant Period September 2024 – June 2025. Eligibility Criteria  Applicant organizations must be located in or providing services to residents of Boyle County. Applicant organizations must be classified as nonprofit public charitable organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code or have a fiscal sponsor with a 501(c)(3) designation; or be a publicly supported organization with a charitable purpose such as a school, unit of government, or place of worship providing a social service program. Applicant organizations must have a Candid (formerly GuideStar) Seal of Transparency at the Gold Level or higher. Applicant organizations must not discriminate in their hiring, volunteer participation, or provision of client services. Exceptions may be made for hiring practices for religious organizations that can demonstrate bona fide occupational qualifications based on religious beliefs for employment. Applicant organizations with religious affiliations will be considered for funding only if the project for which they seek support attempts to address the needs of the wider community without regard to religious beliefs. Applicant organizations must be current on any grant reports due to Blue Grass Community Foundation. For more information, visit BGCF.

This grant provides a $6,000 honorarium to a Kentucky writer selected as poet laureate, supporting their efforts to promote the literary arts in the state over a two-year term.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) is pleased to announce the availability of grants for Environmental Sustainability Grant Program. Donor Name: Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) State: Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio County: Boone County (KY), Butler County (OH), Campbell County (KY), Clermont County (OH), Dearborn County (IN), Hamilton County (OH), Kenton County (KY), Warren County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) aims to support and enhance the environmental sustainability of this region by increasing the accessibility and quality of greenspaces, conservation, horticulture and/or nature education that is inclusive of historically marginalized groups. Uses of Funds  Funding may be used to support, expand, or strengthen existing programs, enact capital improvements, launch a new program, or build organizational capacity. Collaboration between well-aligned organizations is highly favored. Funding will not be awarded for campaigns or special events. Funding Information For the 2024 Environmental Sustainability cycle, GCF has approximately $400,000 available and grants will be awarded for up to $25,000.” Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be classified as tax-exempt by the IRS, typically 501(c)(3) status or government agency. If your organization is not a 501(c)(3), you may utilize a fiscal agent, however, the fiscal agent must be identified in the application. Grants will be made to organizations with efforts based in the Greater Cincinnati region, which includes the counties of Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont in Ohio; Boone, Kenton, and Campbell in Kentucky and Dearborn in Indiana. Organizations meeting the above criteria are welcome to apply, however, preference will be given to: Organizations that develop solutions with a racial equity lens. Requests that beautify, create, conserve, and/or restore greenspaces, with preference for spaces that benefit historically marginalized groups. Requests that connect historically marginalized groups to the benefits of nature, including but not limited to, increased fresh food access and nature education programming — particularly for children or youth. Proposals with clear and measurable outcomes. Organizations that have demonstrated partnerships, collaboration, and alignment with community-wide efforts. Organizations that have demonstrated insights from their past results. Organizations using an asset-based approach to the work. For more information, visit GCF.

This funding opportunity supports innovative projects that improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities in states with historically low participation rates, encouraging collaboration and sustainable solutions.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations in Jefferson County, Kentucky, that provide youth development and violence prevention services, particularly in high-crime areas, to promote community-led solutions and reduce gun violence.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that develop innovative resources and services to help adults in the middle or late stages of their careers with reskilling, upskilling, and career navigation, particularly those who are unemployed or underemployed.

This grant recognizes and honors businesses and nonprofit organizations in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky that demonstrate outstanding ethical practices and integrity in their operations and customer relationships.

This grant recognizes and supports young entrepreneurs and new business owners who demonstrate trustworthiness and positively impact their communities through ethical business practices.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government agencies in Spencer County, Kentucky, for projects that address poverty, mental health, substance use, and economic opportunity.

This program provides financial support to individual Black, Indigenous, and People of Color artists in Greater Cincinnati to create and showcase projects that explore themes of truth and innovation related to social justice and equity in July 2025.

This funding opportunity supports projects in the Appalachian region that help individuals recovering from substance use disorders gain access to job training and employment services, fostering sustainable recovery and economic independence.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that serve Shelby County, Kentucky, to support projects that improve the quality of life for local residents.