The Shelby County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Louisville, invites nonprofit organizations to apply for its 2025 grant cycle. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Shelby County, Kentucky by serving as a permanent, collective, and philanthropic resource. The 2025 grant application period is open from April 7, 2025, through May 14, 2025, with all applications due by 4:00 PM ET on the closing date.

The Foundation seeks to fund projects that have a measurable impact on the lives of Shelby County residents. Grants are awarded for a one-year period, and all funds must be utilized within that timeframe or will be forfeited. In 2024, the Foundation awarded 27 grants with an average award amount of $8,000. While organizations may request funding up to 100% of their project cost, the Foundation encourages applicants to pursue supplemental funding from other sources. In addition to general operating support, the Foundation may also consider matching or challenge grants, particularly for capital projects, which are only funded on a matching basis.

To be eligible, applicants must be based in or provide existing services to Shelby County and be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in good standing with the IRS. Organizations must have a functional board of directors. Applications must be submitted using the Foundation’s online Grant Application Form and must include a list of staff, board, and/or advisory members as part of the submission.

Applications that seek funding for religious education, administrative expenses, or animal-related issues are not eligible. Once submitted, proposals are reviewed by the Advisory Board or a designated committee. Notifications of awards and grant distributions are expected in August 2025.

For inquiries about the grant application, applicants may contact Howard Griffith at jhgriffith66@gmail.com or 502.257.1460. For technical support with the application system, contact Michael Pfaff at michaelp@cflouisville.org or 502.585.4649.