On the Table
On The Table: Conversations that Inspire Change
At Blue Grass Community Foundation, we believe that powerful change begins with meaningful conversations. On The Table is a community-wide initiative that brings people together to discuss issues that matter most to them, their neighborhoods and the broader community. Since its inception, On The Table has sparked thousands of conversations across Central Kentucky, turning talk into action.
The Origin of On The Table
The On The Table initiative began in 2014, launched by The Chicago Community Trust. The concept was simple yet powerful: bring people together over a meal to discuss the issues that matter most to their community. The idea resonated deeply, and with the support of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the initiative quickly gained momentum, expanding to other cities across the United States.
In 2017, Blue Grass Community Foundation was honored to bring On The Table to Central Kentucky. Since then, we’ve hosted annual events that have engaged thousands of participants, creating a platform for diverse voices to be heard and encouraging actionable ideas that lead to meaningful community improvements.
Impact in Central Kentucky
Each year, On The Table has grown, with participants from all walks of life gathering in homes, schools, workplaces, and community spaces to discuss the topics that matter most to them. From education and economic development to social justice and environmental sustainability, the conversations have been as diverse as our community itself.
But these events are more than just discussions—they are catalysts for action. The insights gathered from On The Table conversations have informed BGCF’s grantmaking and inspired new initiatives across the region. Participants have gone on to create community projects, advocate for policy changes, and collaborate with others to address shared challenges.
A Snapshot of Past Events
2017: The Inaugural Year
Our first On The Table event in 2017 was a groundbreaking success, with over 10,000 participants from all walks of life gathering to discuss their hopes, challenges, and ideas for a better community. Topics ranged from education and housing to health care and economic opportunity. The collective energy and passion demonstrated that Central Kentucky is a place where people care deeply about making a positive difference.
2018: Building on Momentum
In 2018, we continued the momentum with even more participants and a broader range of discussions. This year, the focus expanded to include youth voices, ensuring that the next generation had a seat at the table. The conversations resulted in actionable insights, with several participants turning their ideas into community projects, funded in part by BGCF.
2019: From Talk to Action
By 2019, On The Table had become a staple in our community’s calendar, with thousands more joining the conversation. The discussions were particularly focused on equity and inclusion, addressing how we can build a more just and supportive community for all. The insights gained from these discussions informed BGCF’s strategic initiatives, ensuring that our work reflects the needs and desires of the community.
2022: Reimagining Our Future
After the 2019 On The Table conversations, BGCF passed the torch to CivicLex to lead this important community initiative. The 2022 theme was “The Future of Lexington,” encouraging people who live, work or play in Fayette County to gather and discuss Lexington’s environment, jobs, growth, neighborhoods, design and more! The input from On The Table conversations informed Lexington’s Comprehensive Plan to help direct how our city grows and changes over the next 20 years. Topics included mental health, economic recovery and reimagining public spaces. You can dive into the data on CivicLex’s website.
The Impact of On The Table
Over the years, On The Table has proven that when people come together to share their experiences, listen to one another, and collaborate, they can create real change. The insights and ideas from these events have shaped policy discussions, inspired community projects and influenced the direction of BGCF’s initiatives.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, BGCF remains committed to fostering dialogue and empowering our community to shape its own future. Together, we can continue to build a more generous, vibrant, equitable and engaged Bluegrass and Appalachia region.