BGCF365 Awards $25,000 in Grants to Create a Healthier Lexington

To-date Grantmaking Total Reaches $125,000

BGCF365, a giving circle at Blue Grass Community Foundation for emerging philanthropists, awarded five grants totaling $25,000 to nonprofits working to create healthier neighborhoods in Fayette County.

Refuge Clinic was awarded $10,000 to provide dental, medical and mental healthcare for uninsured or underinsured individuals in Fayette County living at 200% or below federal poverty guidelines. The grant from BGCF365 will bridge the gap for lab services, pharmaceuticals, wraparound services and medical and dental supplies for Refuge Clinic patients.

“We are so humbled and grateful for the generous support of BGCF365,” said Rachel Smith, Refuge Clinic executive director. “Funding will go directly towards providing free healthcare to those who need it most in our community.”

E7 Kids Cafe was awarded $7,500 to fund its afterschool enrichment program located in Westminster Village. The program provides meals, tutoring and STEAM activities four days a week, offering qualifying students at Picadome Elementary a safe place to eat, play, learn and grow after school.

Children’s Law Center, God’s Pantry Food Bank and Lexington Rescue Mission each received awards of $2,500. 

BGCF365 is a giving circle that introduces the next generation of civic leaders to philanthropy. Members commit to giving $1 a day ($365 a year) to the BGCF365 Fund at the Community Foundation. Half of this contribution goes toward immediate grantmaking, while the other half is added to a permanent endowment fund that will produce an annual charitable payout for the group, in perpetuity. Philanthropists John and Donna Hall made this initiative possible by generously seeding the BGCF365 Endowment Fund with $365,000.

Social and networking events are held quarterly. Annually, members hear presentations from local nonprofit organizations and vote on awarding $25,000 in grant dollars. To date, BGCF365 has awarded $125,000 to the Lexington nonprofit community.

Lexingtonians in their 20s, 30s and 40s who want to make a bigger impact with their charitable giving can learn more about BGCF365 and sign up for a 2022 membership online at www.bgcf.org/bgcf365. Monthly payment plans are available. All contributions are tax deductible.