Funding
Nonprofit organizations showcase the heart of our community’s compassion. They change lives. They make dreams come true. They drive social and systems-level change. Our grantmaking initiatives and other funding opportunities are designed to empower local nonprofits and organizations to do more, to dream bigger, and to lead revolutionary change that enriches our community and the people in it.
Trust-Based Philanthropy
The Community Foundation of Louisville is taking steps to include Trust-Based Philanthropy practices when distributing our funds. To learn more about these practices, the difference they make, and how we’re incorporating this, please see this document.
Funding Opportunities
Competitive Grant Opportunities
Our competitive grant programs provide grant dollars to local nonprofits. Grants are awarded through an open application and review process.
Bill Fischer Award
The Bill Fischer Award for Visual Artists enhances our community by supporting emerging and established visual artists in the Louisville Metro Area who push the boundaries of creativity and choose to pursue their craft as a career.
Field of Interest Funds
Field of Interest Funds are established by Community Foundation donors with particular charitable passions in mind. Grants support organizations and programs that work within each fund’s defined geographic region, toward a specific purpose or population.
Fund for Louisville
Since it was established in 2018, the Fund for Louisville has provided capacity-building grants to nonprofit organizations doing significant work in historically disinvested and underinvested parts of Louisville. For 2021-23, the Fund’s focus has been narrowed to support Black-led social change organizations and individuals as they navigate systems-level barriers.
CFL Impact Capital
Through this innovative program, the Community Foundation in partnership with donors makes loans that create positive social impact alongside financial returns. Unlike grants, these investments are paid back to the Foundation, and the funds are used for future grants or loans.
CFL Impact Capital seeks to generate positive investment returns while promoting equitable economic development by supporting affordable housing, inclusive entrepreneurship, and community facilities in under-invested neighborhoods.
Vogt Awards
The Vogt Invention & Innovation Awards support early-stage entrepreneurs and startup companies with non-dilutive grants and mentoring.
Questions about how we work with our community?
