Kentucky Grants

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.

This grant provides financial support ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to small businesses owned by minorities, women, and veterans in Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Northern Kentucky, helping them with various business improvement expenses.

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.

This grant provides funding for Kentucky teachers and schools to cover transportation costs for students traveling to high-quality arts programs.

This grant provides funding for Kentucky schools and nonprofit organizations to bring professional teaching artists into classrooms, enhancing student engagement and teacher development through immersive arts residencies.

The United Way of Southern Kentucky is seeking proposals for grants aimed at implementing community impact strategies in the areas of Education, Income, Health, and Safety Net, inviting tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations that align with these strategies to apply before the deadline on 09/30/2024.

This funding opportunity supports organizations and projects that enhance education, address basic needs, promote social and racial justice, and protect the environment in communities served by American Electric Power.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to grassroots organizations in Appalachia to enhance their skills and capacity for social change through training and development.

The Siemer Milling Company Fund, managed by the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in Effingham County, Illinois, Christian County, Kentucky, and Dearborn County, Indiana, that operate programs aimed at developing leadership skills in youth aged 19 and under, with applications due by October 1, 2024.

Funding for Recovery Equity and Expansion (FREE II) is intended to continue expanding services and programing for substance use recovery and mental health support to Kentucky’s BIPOC and minoritized communities and/or to reduce the stigma around accessing such interventions. Donor Name: Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky State: Kentucky County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: With this project, they aim to reduce overdose deaths and increase the overall well-being of these historically under-resourced Kentucky communities.  This collaboration will only fund projects that: utilize a trauma-informed and resilience-informed care approach to reduce premature death of BIPOC Kentuckians provide culturally responsive, evidence-based prevention, mental health treatment, and recovery support services to BIPOC Kentuckians strengthen treatment and prevention infrastructure through collaborative projects centering BIPOC voices As part of the FREE Program, the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky will provide grants to nonprofit organizations for activities that address the goals listed above. Funding Information At least 10 grants will be awarded, each in the amount of $50,000. All funded activities must take place within the grant period, from October 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025. Eligible Activities Eligible activities under this grant include, but are not limited to: Outreach and relationship building Stigma reducing marketing, storytelling, or events Coalition building amongst service providers Increasing public knowledge of and reducing stigma toward the utilization of FDA approved medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and the multiple paths to recovery Increasing community knowledge of evidence-based treatment and recovery supports, how to access services, and reducing stigma of seeking/utilizing these services. Increasing knowledge of available harm reduction supports, such as local Syringe Service Programs and naloxone, and reducing stigma of seeking/utilizing these services. For more information, visit Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.

Leap Funding provides promising, revenue-generating businesses with $10,000 – $30,000 of equity-free funding to scale their community impact and increase the odds of long-term survival. Donor Name: Main Street Ventures State: Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio County: Boone County (KY), Butler County (OH), Campbell County (KY), Clermont County (OH), Dearborn County (IN), Hamilton County (OH), Warren County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information  Grant Request between $10,000 – $30,000. Eligibility Criteria  Business Type Applicant MUST be a business entity (C-Corp, S-Corp, or LLC) with a Federal Tax ID (EIN).​ Industry Focus Areas: Retail Storefronts – Ex. Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Retail Shops, etc. Manufactured Goods – Ex. Consumer Packaged Goods (Food / Beverage), Clothing, Sporting Goods, etc. Technology Companies – Ex. Hardware, Software. Business Location Business Entity MUST be located in the Greater Cincinnati region (Hamilton, Butler, Clermont and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell, and counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana). Grant requests from other regions will NOT be considered. Application Responses Businesses MUST show customer demand and strong progression since the founding. Funding requests MUST focus on specific growth projects. MSV defines a growth project as a step that will help accelerate your business growth. MSV Grant Funding is designed to help businesses scale by covering key Direct Costs, not General Operating Expenses. Examples of Direct Expenses that ARE suitable for Grant Funds: Key pieces of equipment, Packaging Support, Technology Product Development, etc. Examples of General Operating Expenses that are NOT suitable for Grant Funds: Existing Payroll, Rent, Insurance, Marketing, Legal Fees, etc. Businesses MUST explain the impact of Grant Funds on the business OR the Cincinnati Region. Special Consideration will be granted to Women and Minority-Owned businesses Businesses that can show matching funds from other sources. For more information, visit Main Street Ventures.

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.

Main Street Ventures is accepting applications for its Launch Funding that provides emerging, pre-revenue businesses that have a Prototype or Product. Donor Name: Main Street Ventures 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: 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Funding Information  Grant Request between $5,000 – $10,000. Eligibility Criteria  Business Type Applicant MUST be a business entity (C-Corp, S-Corp, or LLC) with a Federal Tax ID (EIN).​ Industry Focus Areas: Retail Storefronts – Ex. Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Retail Shops, etc. Manufactured Goods – Ex. Consumer Packaged Goods (Food / Beverage), Clothing, Sporting Goods, etc. Technology Companies – Ex. Hardware, Software. Business Location Business Entity MUST be located in the Greater Cincinnati region (Hamilton, Butler, Clermont and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana). Grant requests from other regions will NOT be considered. Application Responses Businesses MUST show customer demand and strong progression since the founding. Funding requests MUST focus on specific growth projects. MSV defines a growth project as a step that will help accelerate your business growth. MSV Grant Funding is designed to help businesses scale by covering key Direct Costs, not General Operating Expenses. Examples of Direct Expenses that ARE suitable for Grant Funds: Key pieces of equipment, Packaging Support, Technology Product Development, etc. Examples of General Operating Expenses that are NOT suitable for Grant Funds: Existing Payroll, Rent, Insurance, Marketing, Legal Fees, etc. Businesses MUST explain the impact of Grant Funds on the business OR the Cincinnati Region. Special Consideration will be granted to Women and Minority-Owned businesses Businesses that can show matching funds from other sources. For more information, visit Main Street Ventures.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations within 20 miles of a Food Lion store to help alleviate hunger by purchasing food for communities in need.

This program provides funding for K-12 schools in the TVA service area to implement innovative STEM projects that enhance student learning and career readiness through community collaboration.

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.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is currently applications for the 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program. Donor Name: Rural Advancement Foundation International State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: RAFI provides support to Historically Underserved farmers and ranchers  for projects that demonstrate an ability to increase farm viability; establish new markets for local products and services; develop new uses for existing structures and equipment; add value to existing farm products through processing, packaging or marketing; make optimal use of on-farm and natural resources; and Cultural/Heritage projects which are focused on preserving and continuing a specific agrarian tradition.  Funding priority will be given to proposals with: High expected impact on farm viability and sustainability Strong project feasibility and planning: a clear plan, detailed budget and timeline, and all supporting documentation included.  Farmers who earn a significant amount of their household income from the farm operation.  Individual financial need, or location in an economically disadvantaged area Project tangibly benefits the surrounding community Farm uses agroecological and/or or ancestral farming practices  Funding Information Applicants may request up to $10,000 in funding.  Eligibility Criteria You are a historically underserved farmer or rancher, as defined by NRCS.  You are applying as either an individual farmer owner/co-owner or as a farm cooperative If applying as a cooperative or collaborative, at least 50% of the cooperative or collaborative must meet eligibility criteria.  You are in at least your fourth full growing season of farming and have worked at least two years in your current farming operation and location.  You are a “livelihood” farmer/rancher or are seeking a long term career that financially supports you through agriculture  You complete and submit an application by the deadline. You submit only one application (as an individual or a collective). If you submit more than one application, neither will be considered. You have NOT received a RAFI infrastructure grant before (2020-2023).  Your farm is located in one of the following states AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. For more information, visit RAFI.

This funding opportunity is designed for nonprofit organizations and public entities in the Owensboro Health service area to implement community health initiatives that address local health concerns and promote tobacco-free policies.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) is inviting applications for its Safety Net Grant Program to ensure that all people in region have access to food, shelter, as well as increased access to well-integrated, trauma-informed mental and behavioral health services. 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: 07/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Focus Letters of Intent should explicitly address the following purpose: Ensure that all people in region have access to (food, shelter, as well as increased access to well-integrated, trauma-in(formed mental and behavioral health services Funding Information This year GCF plans to distribute more than $3 million across RFPs. For the 2024 Safety Net cycle, GCF has approximately $800,000 available and grants will be awarded for up to $50,000. 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. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be classified as tax-exempt by the IRS, typically 501(c)(3) status or government agency. IN 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. 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 Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

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.