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    GRANTS

      GRANTS

      STRATEGIC GRANTS

      Strategic initiatives that are larger, longer-term, high-impact projects that are developed in conversation with the Foundation staff.

      Louisville Responsive Community Grants

      Our Louisville-based Responsive Grantmaking is designed to support projects and initiatives that contribute to Louisville’s progress and reputation. These grants respond to opportunities identified by community organizations and are designed to strengthen the city’s quality of life and overall vitality.

      Responsive grants typically focus on locally driven efforts that align with the Foundation’s mission and advance Louisville as a thriving, engaged community. Projects often reflect collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to making the city a better place to live, work, and visit.

      Outcomes

      • Improved well-being of citizens of Kentucky
      • Improved perceptions of Kentucky
      • Civic engagement
      • Opportunities for all

      Focus Areas

      • Education
      • Community and Economic Development
      • Civic and Cultural Assets
      • Health and Well-being

      Additional Considerations

      Louisville Responsive Community Grants are made to organizations during pivotal moments in the life of an organization to support projects and initiatives that are catalysts for growth, progress, or new opportunities, demonstrating significant outcomes, impact, and sustainability. Grants range between $150,000–$500,000 for nonprofit organizations located primarily in the Louisville metro area.

      Organizations should demonstrate significant financial support for projects, including contributions from private donors, private and public grants, and other sustainable sources of revenue. Additionally, letters of support or endorsement are appropriate to include in the application. It is also encouraged to mention current partnerships and collaborations.

      • The proportion of a project budget requested from JGBF should not typically exceed 30% of the total project budget. The amount of the grant request should be appropriate for the scope of impact.
      • Proposals that demonstrate 50%–60% of the total project cost raised are more competitive.
      • JGBF will rarely be the sole funder and encourages a broad base of support to reinforce projects and increase the likelihood of lasting impact.

      Not eligible for Louisville Responsive Community Grants

      • Performing arts, no exceptions
      • Requests from religious organizations for religious purposes (including theological seminaries)
      • Individuals
      • Political entities
      • Fundraising events
      • Organizations outside of the Louisville Metro Area, with rare exceptions
      • Individual public or private pre-K through 12 schools, with rare exceptions
      • Organizations established within the last three years
      • Requests for ongoing operations or routine program costs are typically not eligible
      • Organizations with active JGBF grants or consecutive grants toward the same project

      How to Apply

      Organizations should review the JGBF mission, outcomes, and focus areas to ensure alignment of goals and submit a Letter of Interest to be considered for a Full Application.

      STEPS

      • Complete the Eligibility Questionnaire and submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) to be considered for Full Application. The LOI should succinctly describe the project goals, outcomes, and how the funds will be used. Organizations may submit one LOI per calendar year.
      • LOIs for all Focus Areas are accepted on a rolling basis. See the application schedule below.
      • Applicants will be notified of any next steps: invitation to submit a formal application, a declination, or a delay for future consideration.
      • For questions or technical assistance, please email programs@jgbf.org.

      Application Schedule

      LOI Submission Full Application Deadline Formal Review and Decision
      Rolling until January 15, 2026 March 2, 2026 May 2026
      Rolling until April 15, 2026 June 1, 2026 August 2026
      Rolling until October 1, 2026 December 1, 2026 February 2027

      SUBMIT AN LOI