Apply for a Grant

Grantmaking is at the hub of what we mean when we say 
“We’re in it for GOOD.”  

Giving good back to the community through grantmaking is how we fulfill our mission. BGCF and its affiliates award more than $400,000 competitive grant making dollars each year to organizations serving the needs of communities in Central and Appalachia Kentucky. 

Below is a list of annual grant opportunities made possible by various funds at Blue Grass Community Foundation.  Please contact Kristen Tidwell with any questions. 

To stay updated on BGCF grant opportunities, sign up for GrantStation Insider – a free, weekly e-newsletter with links to national and local grant opportunities, as well as useful, current news for Kentucky nonprofits.   

---

Blue Grass Community Foundation is pleased to launch its new Grant Application Online Portal.  All applicants will need to register with the new system to apply for grants.  

Click here to access the Applicant Guide for help on registering and navigating the new portal. Please note that if you submitted a grant application through BGCF’s former online application platform, your previous login credentials will not work with the new system. 

---

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR FAYETTE COUNTY

Better Together Grants

With funding from the Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative (LBPI), Walton Family Foundation and Blue Grass Community Foundation, LBPI seeks to support innovative projects that advance racial equity in Fayette County. LBPI requests proposals from nonprofit, local government and educational institutions that, individually or in collaboration with other agencies, have the capacity to execute projects that share one or more of the goals listed below:

• Increase Black economic prosperity
• Close Black racial equity gaps in Lexington
• Increase opportunities for natural area beautification and environmental stewardship in predominantly Black neighborhoods
• Bring people together across racial divides
• Promote racial healing
• Promote equity among all Lexingtonians regardless of race
• Create solidarity among all Lexingtonians across color, origin, and class

With a total investment of $150,000, LBPI will award six grants of $5,000 for small-scale projects, two grants of $10,000 each for mid-scale projects, and two grants of $50,000 for larger-scale projects. Applicant organizations can submit up to one proposal for each grant tier; however, an applicant is eligible to receive only one grant. Preference will be given to applicant organizations or collaborations that are Black-led.

ELIGIBILITY:

• Organizations located in Fayette County that serve residents of Fayette County
• Organizations classified as nonprofit charitable organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code or that have a fiscal sponsor with a 501(c)(3) designation; or other public institutions or entities that have a designated charitable purpose, such as a school or unit of government.
• Applicant organization must have a GuideStar Seal of Transparency at the Gold level or higher. Please note that if your organization is a school or government, your organization is not eligible to have a GuideStar profile and this requirement is waived.
• Organizations that do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, citizenship status, creed, religion, religious affiliation, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or any other protected status under applicable law.
• 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.

Deadline to apply: June 15, 2022 5:00 pm

BGCF365 

BGCF365 is a giving circle made up of emerging philanthropists and civic leaders who have a desire to create change in Lexington. BGCF365 members contribute to a charitable fund and meet annually to review nonprofit proposals and vote on nonprofit grant recipients. Each year the grant focus is different. Past themes have included Healthy Neighborhoods, Education, and Green Spaces and Public Places.  During each grant cycle, the top applicant organizations are invited to present a short presentation to the members of BGCF365 at their annual meeting.  Grants are awarded based on membership votes.

The application for this grant opportunity is typically made available in early fall.  Please continue to check back for updated details on the 2022-2023 grant cycle.

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR CENTRAL KENTUCKY 

Early Childhood Education & Literacy Grants 

With funding from the MacAdam Early Childhood and Literacy Fund, Blue Grass Community Foundation seeks to increase equitable access to pre-K education, early childhood care programs, and/or literacy programs for students in Central Kentucky.   BGCF has the goal of narrowing the achievement gap by supporting those organizations/programs specifically serving low-income students, students of color, English-learners, and students with special needs. 

Qualified charitable organizations serving Central Kentucky are eligible to submit grant proposals that focus on early childhood teaching and learning; professional development for early childhood educators; parent engagement; and literacy-specific programs for learners of all ages, including adults.   Proposals for project support, general operating support, and multi-year funding will be considered. 

Deadline to Apply:  June 3, 2022 by 11:59 pm

Support for the Aging Community in Central and Eastern Kentucky 

With funding from the Beulah S. Mays Charitable Endowment, Blue Grass Community Foundation seeks to provide support to nonprofit organizations that are directly serving older adults in Central and Eastern Kentucky.  

The Community Foundation is focused on supporting organizations that specifically serve individuals impacted by the challenges of aging and age-related diseases. Special consideration will be given to those organizations addressing the needs of older adults suffering from dementia-related diseases and their caregivers; as well as those organizations whose services benefit underserved populations, including low-income individuals and people of color. This opportunity is made available exclusively to those nonprofits and agencies whose primary mission is focused on the aging community, dementia, and other age-related issues. 

Proposals for project support, as well as general operating support, are typically considered.

Deadline to Apply:  May 2, 2022 by 11:59 pm

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR BOYLE COUNTY 

Hudson-Ellis Grants 

Qualified charitable organizations serving Boyle County are eligible to apply for funding for projects for the good of Boyle County. Funding priorities for this grant opportunity include public education and services for disadvantaged and/or disabled youth and adults. Successful proposals will address community needs through projects and programs that demonstrate sustainable impact and measurable outcomes. 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. Grant request amount should not exceed $10,000.

Deadline To Apply:  July 18, 2022 by 11:59 pm

Sign Up for Updates

Complete the form below to receive email updates from BGCF.