Grant Guidelines

  • Priority is given to those qualifying organizations that focus on education, social services and community development activities which are likely to increase the quality of life in the larger Northern Kentucky region. Secondary consideration is given to health care, particularly to public health care, in the same geographic area.

  • Priority is also given to new or innovative projects and programs that make the larger Northern Kentucky community a better place to live, learn and work; that are measurable with stated goals and objectives; that demonstrate effectiveness and innovation, or great potential for such; that are models for others; that demonstrate collaboration; that can eventually be self-supporting or show evidence of long-term viability and impact.

  • The larger Northern Kentucky community is defined as the following counties: Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Harrison, Kenton, Mason, Owen, Pendleton, and Robertson.

  • All private non-profit grantees must be qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

  • Specific projects or programs otherwise meeting the guidelines are given preference over general operating or capital campaigns. Bricks-and-mortar projects will not be given preference.

  • Because demand far exceeds the Foundation’s ability to respond, the Foundation does not generally support fundraising or donor cultivation events, sponsorships, walks, runs, golf outings, or neighborhood- or school-specific events nor does the Foundation purchase raffle tickets or tables for fund raising events or support courtesy advertising.

  • The Foundation does not make grants to individuals, to religious organizations unless they are engaged in programs benefiting the entire community which would otherwise meet the guidelines stated herein, to political causes or candidates, or to organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status or national origin.

  • The Foundation does not give to other private foundations or to endowments, preferring to support projects and programs directly rather than through other grant making organizations or programs.
The trustees retain the right to consider compelling ideas that do not fall within the stated guidelines. Indeed, the trustees will be pro-active in identifying areas in which the Foundation can make a significant difference and will seek out the organizations, collaborations or partnerships that can accomplish these identified outcomes.