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BGCF365 Grants $25,000 to Lexington Arts Nonprofits
BGCF365, an initiative of Blue Grass Community Foundation, awarded five grants totaling $25,000 to arts and arts education nonprofits in Fayette County.
BGCF365 members met virtually on January 21, 2021, to hear representatives of five arts organizations describe how they’ve delivered creative arts programming in innovative ways to Lexington residents during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
- Central Music Academy was awarded a $10,000 grant.
- Allegro Dance Project received a $7,500 grant.
- Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning, Lexington Philharmonic and On the Move Art Studio each received awards of $2,500.
Since its inception in 2017, BGCF365 has awarded $100,000 in grants to Lexington nonprofits in the areas of Healthy Neighborhoods, Education, Green Spaces + Public Places, and Arts + Culture.
The grantmaking area of focus for 2021 is Healthy Neighborhoods.
What is BGCF365?
BGCF365 is a giving circle designed to introduce the next generation of civic leaders to philanthropy. Members make a commitment to give $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 generously committed $365,000 to seed the BGCF365 Endowment Fund.
Social and networking events are held quarterly. Annually, members hear presentations from local nonprofit organizations and vote on awarding their grant dollars.
How can you get involved?
Lexingtonians in their 20s, 30s and 40s who are interested in learning more about philanthropy can sign up for a 2021 membership online. All contributions are tax deductible.
Join BGCF365 as an Annual Member for as little as $30 per month or with a one-time payment of $365. Or, become a Lifetime Member with a one-time gift of $3,650.