How Winsday Puts Local Nonprofits in the Winner’s Circle
Written by Christina Miller
Every spring, Louisville buzzes with excitement as Kentucky Derby Week arrives. But nestled within the fanfare, fashion, and festivities is a powerful opportunity to give back to the community we love. Winsday: Great Thrills for the Greater Good, presented by Resolute Racing and hosted in partnership with Churchill Downs, transforms a day at the races into meaningful impact for local nonprofits.
Whether you purchase box seat tickets or donate directly to a participating organization (or both!), Winsday makes it easy to turn Derby Week joy into community generosity.
What Is Winsday?
Pictured above: Churchill Downs, Inc. team being interviewed during the 2025 Winsday race day.
Winsday is a unique Derby Week event at Churchill Downs that shines a spotlight on 50 local nonprofits and their incredible missions. More than just a race day, it’s a celebration of the important role nonprofits play in our region and provides a fun way for community members to support them.
By purchasing box seat tickets through any of the participating nonprofits, guests not only secure a memorable Derby Week experience but also ensure that $5 of every ticket sold is donated directly to the nonprofit associated with their ticket purchase.
These funds help close the widening gap created by cuts to federal and state funding, making your support more important than ever.
Why Your Support Matters Right Now
The 50 nonprofits randomly selected for Winsday reflect the very best of who we are as a community. They lift up neighbors, meet urgent needs, empower families, strengthen health and well‑being, and drive lasting change across Kentuckiana.
Pictured above: The Churchill Downs team stands next to the Charity Post Draw selections during last year’s Winsday race day.
Events like Winsday not only raise crucial funds but also increase visibility for these organizations. Churchill Downs enhances this impact by offering additional cash opportunities, such as:
- Charity Post Draw, in which 20 of the 50 nonprofit participants will be randomly paired with a Kentucky Derby post position. The nonprofit paired with the winning post position of the KY Derby on Saturday, May 2, 2026, receives $20,000; second place $15,000; third place $10,000; and fourth through twentieth place $2,500 each.
- Second Chance Drawing, where the 30 nonprofits not randomly selected for the Charity Post Draw are eligible to be randomly selected for three second chance drawings ($2,000 each).
- Supporter Drawing, giving guests the chance to direct an additional $2,000 gift to the nonprofit associated with their ticket purchase.
- Top Ticket Seller Prize, giving the three top-selling organizations additional cash prizes: $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second, and $500 for third. (These awards are independent of the other prize drawings.)
Your presence on Winsday does more than fill a seat—it fuels missions, helps organizations grow their network of supporters, and celebrates the heart of Kentuckiana’s nonprofit community.
How You Can Participate
- Purchase Tickets Through a Nonprofit You Love
From now until April 28, 2026, you can visit the Winsday Nonprofit Directory and choose an organization that resonates with you. Grab your box seats for a meaningful Derby Week, ensuring that $5 is donated back to that nonprofit for every ticket sold.
- Discover New Organizations Making a Difference
Browse the Winsday Nonprofit Directory to learn about the 50 participating groups and explore missions you may not yet know. Nonprofits will also be fundraising on‑site during Winsday, giving you even more opportunities to donate and support their work.
- Make a Direct Donation
Each nonprofit has a direct donation link available so you can increase your support even if you can’t attend the event. Many organizations rely on community giving to sustain critical services, and every contribution helps.
A Race Day With Heart
Pictured above: A group photo of the inaugural Winsday nonprofit cohort in 2025
Winsday isn’t just a Derby Week event. It’s a movement of neighbors helping neighbors. It’s about showing that Kentuckiana doesn’t just come together for the excitement of the racetrack, but also for compassion, generosity, and hope.
When you purchase your tickets through a participating nonprofit, you’re doing more than enjoying one of Derby Week’s most electric days. You’re investing in the people, programs, and possibilities that make Kentuckiana stronger every day.
This coming Derby Week, let your joy do more. Choose your nonprofit. Purchase your tickets. And help our community cross the finish line stronger.