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.   

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In order to apply for grants offered by Blue Grass Community Foundation, all applicants will need to register with the Grant Application Online Portal linked below. 

Click here to access the Applicant Guide for help on registering and navigating the portal. 

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GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR FAYETTE COUNTY

LexGive365 

LexGive365 is a giving circle made up of emerging philanthropists and civic leaders who have a desire to create change in Lexington. LexGive365 members contribute to a charitable fund and meet annually to review nonprofit proposals and vote on nonprofit grant recipients.

The 2026 LexGive365 Community Champions Grant supports grassroots nonprofit organizations serving Fayette County that are deeply rooted in their communities and making a meaningful difference. This competitive grant opportunity is designed for organizations that are trusted by the people they serve and are working to strengthen programs or build capacity in response to local needs.

Eligibility:

• Be located in and serve Fayette County
• Have an annual budget under $500,000
• Be a 501(c)(3) organization, have a fiscal sponsor, or be a public entity with a charitable purpose

See full eligibility requirements in the RFP below.

Application Deadline: February 23, 2026 by 11:59PM

Finalist Presentations: May 2026

Grant Period: May 2026-April 2027

Valvoline Inc. Happy to Help Grant

The Valvoline Inc. Happy to Help Fund at Blue Grass Community Foundation is offering a funding opportunity for the creation of new and/or the continuation of existing projects/programs that support mental and physical wellbeing for youth in Fayette County. 

This opportunity aims to support initiatives that foster resiliency, safety, physical health, mental health, and overall wellbeing of children and youth (birth to age 18). Priority consideration will be given to proposals that address mental health challenges among adolescents (ages 12 – 18), including prevention, early intervention, and support services. Grants of up to $30,000 will be awarded.

Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 by 11:59PM

Grant Period: May 1, 2026-April 30, 2027

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR CENTRAL KENTUCKY 

Inside Out Education Field Trip Grant Program

The Kentucky State Parks Foundation Education Fund at Blue Grass Community Foundation is pleased to offer grants to K-12 schools to support the cost of student field trips to Kentucky’s State Parks and Historic Sites. The goal of the Inside Out Education Field Trip Program is to extend classroom learning and provide immersive field experiences that align with core curriculum objectives. By utilizing Kentucky’s incredible State Park system as a learning laboratory, the program seeks to enhance the traditional classroom experience and maximize student achievement.

Early Childhood Education Literacy Grant

With funding from the MacAdam Early Childhood and Literacy Fund, Blue Grass Community Foundation seeks to increase equitable access to quality 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 Language Learners (ELL), 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 and general operating support will be considered.  Grant awards will range from $2,500 to $10,000, with the option of renewal for one additional year.

Application Deadline:  June 21, 2024
Notification:  August 2024
Grant Period:  August 2024 – July 31, 2026 (with option for renewal of one additional year)

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.

Application Deadline: June 28, 2024
Notification: August 2024
Grant Period: August 2024 – July 2026 (with option for renewal of one additional year)

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 $7,500.

Application Deadline: August 15, 2025 by 11:59 pm
Notification: September 2025
Grant Period: September 2025 – June 2026

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR WOODFORD COUNTY 

Woodford County Community Fund Grant Opportunity

Woodford County Community Fund (WCCF), an affiliate fund of Blue Grass Community Foundation, is accepting grant proposals for projects, programs, or partnerships that enhance the quality of life in Woodford County. Grant awards will be in the range of $2,500 to $5,000.

Deadline to Apply:  November 6, 2024, by 11:59 pm

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