The Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation offers the Community Leadership Fund to support leadership development opportunities for individuals residing and working in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. This initiative is grounded in the Foundation's commitment to fostering local leadership that contributes meaningfully to the community. The fund is designed to empower local individuals and groups to explore innovative ideas and bring back actionable solutions that positively impact Muhlenberg County.

The Community Leadership Fund specifically supports two categories of initiatives. First, it provides funding for groups traveling to study and research solutions to local challenges, particularly by attending conferences or visiting other communities implementing innovative strategies. Second, it assists individuals pursuing personal leadership development opportunities that can be applied to community betterment. Notably, this funding is not intended to cover or substitute for routine professional development related to employment.

Applicants can use the funds to cover fees and expenses associated with conferences and other educational or leadership-building experiences. However, all applicants must clearly demonstrate how the opportunity aligns with the goal of enhancing leadership capacity within Muhlenberg County. The application process includes a number of required documents, such as a summary of the leadership opportunity, an explanation of its benefits to the county, a total budget overview, and two letters of recommendation from non-family members.

Applications may be submitted either by email to felixmartin@cflouisville.org or mailed to the Foundation’s office at 325 W. Main Street, Suite 1110, Louisville, KY 40202. The Foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis, but they must be submitted at least one month prior to the date of the proposed event. Applicants are encouraged to include additional supporting documentation if relevant.

For any inquiries, applicants can contact Meredith Zahirovic, Director of Grants, at 270-977-9194 or via email. The Foundation emphasizes its commitment to non-discrimination and inclusion in all its operations, and applications are open to all individuals meeting the geographic and intent criteria, regardless of demographic background.