Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc
The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc is a public charity based in Louisville, Kentucky, formed in 1944. Its grantmaking supports 501(c)(3) organizations working in Kentucky, including through the Good Works Program and emergency funding.
Key facts about Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc
In short: Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc gave $4.5M across 358 grants in 2024 (avg $13K), top state Kentucky. 45% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 61-0485432
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $4,528,208
- Grants made (2024)
- 358
- Average grant
- $12,649
- Median grant
- $5,999
- New grantees (estimate)
- 45% first-time grantees (153 of 342, 2024)
- Total assets
- $23,508,357
- Primary geography
- Kentucky (0% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$23.5M
+4.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$4.5M
+1.2% YoY
Grant Count
358
+49.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$13K
-32.5% YoY
Is Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc open to new grantees?
45%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 153 of 342 grantees (45%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $15K; repeat grants $12K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $7K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization states that it grants money to 501(c)(3) entities that demonstrate a need that otherwise cannot be met and that will enhance or extend their charitable or educational activities. It also describes its grantmaking as supporting organizations with fiscal responsibility and a mission to strengthen Kentuckians’ lives or enhance the culture of the Commonwealth.
Its Good Works Program lists areas including arts, culture and recreation; community support; disability support services; education; health, rehabilitation and mental illness; historic preservation; military and veterans support; services for people who are poor or in need; and youth services. The organization’s 2024 filing says it supports grantees whose missions strengthen the lives of Kentuckians or highlight and enhance the Commonwealth’s culture.
Grantmaking
The organization’s 2024 filing narrative reports grants totaling $4,533,108 to 366 organizations serving more than three million people in Kentucky. The 2024 itemized-grant data lists 358 grants totaling $4,528,208, ranging from $370 to $500,000, with a median grant of $5,999. The largest listed awards included $500,000 to The Hope Initiative for an individual recipient tornado relief, $201,620 and $175,000 to Disaster Services Corporation SVDP-USA for an individual recipient tornado relief and Eastern Kentucky flood relief, and $132,500 to Housing Oriented Ministries Established for Service for Eastern Kentucky flood relief. KCTCS received a listed $100,000 for a Better Life Scholarship and Standing Grant.
The organization says the Good Works Program typically has one annual grant cycle, with applications reviewed by staff, Colonel volunteers and the Board of Trustees. Its 2026 cycle required a letter of intent before access to the application portal. The published 2026 application deadlines—January 9 for large applications, January 16 for medium applications, and January 23 for small and new-organization applications—have passed. The organization also describes emergency grants as available year-round for eligible Kentucky nonprofits facing sudden changes that affect service delivery. Emergency applicants must have previously received a grant, be a 501(c)(3), be located in Kentucky and have no outstanding grant commitments.
The Good Works Program generally supports tangible items or projects that directly benefit clients. Its listed exclusions include marketing or advertising, design work, items primarily used by staff, facility or equipment rentals, convention or registration fees, software not directly related to program services, subscriptions, operational or administrative expenses, salaries and consultant fees, academic scholarships, and service agreements or extended warranties.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc
Emergency Grants
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling (quarterly review)
HOKC: Good Works Program: Large Grants
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc
Amount
More than US $10,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
HOKC: Good Works Program: Medium Grants
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc
Amount
US $2,500 - US $9,999
Deadline
Deadline not published
Ready to take the next step with Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization focuses its grantmaking on Kentucky nonprofits and organizations operating in the Commonwealth. The 2026 Good Works Program guidelines say applicants must be incorporated in Kentucky or, if not incorporated there, primarily serve Kentuckians. The website also states that organizations requiring a religious condition for people to use their services are not eligible for the Good Works Program.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 358 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.7M (2019) to $4.5M (2024). In 2024 it made 358 grants totaling $4.5M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was The Hope Initiative ($625K across 2 grants). Together the top 10 received $2.0M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($4,569), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
1,161 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 1,117 grants of 1,161 (96%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Hope Initiative | WKY Tornado Relief | $500,000 |
| Disaster Services Corporation SVDP-USA | WKY Tornado Relief | $201,620 |
| Disaster Services Corporation SVDP-USA | EKY Flood Relief | $175,000 |
| Disaster Services Corporation SVDP-USA | EKY Flood Relief | $159,326 |
| Housing Oriented Ministries Established for Service Inc | EKY Flood Relief | $132,500 |
| The Hope Initiative | WKY Tornado Relief | $125,000 |
| KCTCS | Better Life Scholarship; Standing Grant | $100,000 |
| Mayfield Graves LTRG Inc | WKY Tornado Relief | $100,000 |
| New Lease on Life Inc | WKY Tornado Relief | $100,000 |
| Housing Development Alliance | EKY Flood Relief | $97,932 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grant sum | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $23,508,357 | $5,282,802 | $6,203,185 | $4,528,208 | 358 |
| 2023 | $22,603,376 | $4,514,179 | $6,777,993 | $4,475,764 | 239 |
| 2022 | $22,834,295 | $5,665,961 | $6,261,747 | $4,324,405 | 255 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $23,508,357 | $22,603,376 | $22,834,295 |
| Revenue | $5,282,802 | $4,514,179 | $5,665,961 |
| Expenses | $6,203,185 | $6,777,993 | $6,261,747 |
| Net Investment Income | $2,112,600 | $1,267,491 | $218,878 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS May 14, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 13, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS July 19, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS August 16, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 9, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 13, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Alex Lyttle as treasurer; Gary Boschert as commanding general; Nick Ising as adjutant general; Tad Myre as secretary; and Deborah Williams, Fred Minnick, Hal Sullivan, Jeff Kennedy, Jeff Paquin and Jim Rogers as trustees.
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc is led by Sherry Crose, Executive Director on every filing since 2019; 2 of 18 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Sherry Crose
Executive Director
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$162K (2019) → $191K (2024)
Gerard Kauffmann
Director of Finance
On filings since 2022
17 hrs/week
$76K (2022) → $81K (2024)
Hal Sullivan
Trustee
Adjutant General → Commanding General, 2020
Commanding General → Trustee, 2022
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeff L. Kennedy
Trustee
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jim Rogers
Trustee
Trustee → Treasurer, 2020
Treasurer → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lynn Ashton
Trustee
Commanding General → Trustee, 2020
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mary Vitale
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rick Hobgood
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Deborah Williams
Trustee
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Fred Minnick
Trustee
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Molly Sutherland
Trustee
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeff Paquin
Trustee
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kim Leanhart
Trustee
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Wade Conner
Trustee
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alex Lyttle
Treasurer
Trustee → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gary Boschert
Commanding General
Trustee → Adjutant General, 2020
Adjutant General → Commanding General, 2022
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nick Ising
Adjutant General
Trustee → Adjutant General, 2022
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tad Myre Jr.
Secretary
Trustee → Secretary, 2020
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (13)
- Former: Maria Braman (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Brian Riendeau (2022–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Kevin Doyle (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Brooks H. Bower (2019–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Jan D. Camplin (2019–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Mike Berry (2019–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Steven Barker (2019–2021) — Director of Finance
- Former: Detlef B. Moore (2019–2020) — Trustee
- Former: Jim Lindsey (2019) — Trustee
- Former: John S. Shropshire (2019) — Trustee
- Former: Mary Ann Hunt (2019) — Part-Year Treasurer
- Former: Paul J. Schulte (2019) — Trustee
- Former: Wilbur Hackett Jr. (2019) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $191K, to Sherry Crose (Executive Director). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 943 S 1St St, Louisville, KY 40203
Phone: (502) 266-6264
Website: https://kycolonels.org
Frequently asked questions about Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc
How much does Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc give each year?
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc gave $4.5M across 358 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $4.5M across 239 grants.
What is Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc's typical grant size?
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc's median grant in 2024 was $5,999, and its average grant was $12,649, across 358 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc that year got $15K on average.
Does Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 358 grants with a stated purpose on Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "WKY Tornado Relief" (9 grants), "EKY Flood Relief" (9 grants) and "Hurricane Relief" (5 grants).
Who are Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc's largest grantees?
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc's largest 2024 grantees include The Hope Initiative ($625,000 across 2 grants), Disaster Services Corporation SVDP-USA ($535,946 across 3 grants) and Housing Oriented Ministries Established for Service Inc ($184,500 across 2 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($4,569), which are not listed by name. Together they received 30% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc?
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc reported $23.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $5.3M.
What does Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc fund?
The organization states that it grants money to 501(c)(3) entities that demonstrate a need that otherwise cannot be met and that will enhance or extend their charitable or educational activities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc?
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check kycolonels.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
Where does Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc make grants?
The organization focuses its grantmaking on Kentucky nonprofits and organizations operating in the Commonwealth. The 2026 Good Works Program guidelines say applicants must be incorporated in Kentucky or, if not incorporated there, primarily serve Kentuckians.
What is Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc's EIN?
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 61-0485432. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Here's the math on researching Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Community Foundation of Louisville Inc
Louisville, KY
The Community Foundation of Louisville funds nonprofits across areas including education, arts and culture, health, and community development, with a focus on Louisville and surrounding communities while also supporting work beyond the region. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,012 to $3,853,691, with a median of $22,987; it states that grant programs for local nonprofits use an open application and review process.
Assets
$766.9M
Grants
678
Total Given
$55.0M
The Community Foundation of Louisville Corporate Depository Inc
Louisville, KY
The Community Foundation of Louisville supports 501(c)(3) organizations and charitable projects, with grants spanning human services, youth, education, health, housing, and philanthropy. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,157 to $720,515, with a median of $12,000; most funding went to Kentucky, particularly Louisville and some surrounding areas. It offers open application processes for specific programs, but the profile does not state whether it accepts general unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.3M
Grants
128
Total Given
$4.3M
The Gheens Foundation Inc
Louisville, KY
The Gheens Foundation funds primarily public urban education, human and social services, quality of place, and the arts in metropolitan Louisville and Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes in Louisiana. Its 2025 grants ranged from $2,500 to $400,000, with a median of $25,000, and it accepts unsolicited requests through an online application process.
Assets
$161.4M
Grants
157
Total Given
$6.3M
Cralle Foundation Inc
Simpsonville, KY
The Cralle Foundation supports a broad range of charitable organizations, including those focused on human services, family support, recovery, disability services, parks, and animal welfare. In 2024, grants ranged from $400 to $10,500, with a median of $5,000, and went primarily to Kentucky organizations. It accepts requests by application; applicants are instructed to request one from the foundation.
Assets
$9.4M
Grants
99
Total Given
$665K
The Community Foundation of Louisville Depository Inc
Louisville, KY
The Community Foundation of Louisville supports a broad range of causes, including arts, parks, education, social services, and libraries, with most 2025 grant dollars going to Kentucky organizations. Its 2025 grants had a median of $15,200 and ranged from $5,100 to over $2.3 million; the available information does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$24.0M
Grants
421
Total Given
$20.5M
Snowy Owl Foundation Inc
Louisville, KY
The foundation supports land conservation, the arts, education, and human needs, primarily in Louisville and Kentucky, while also considering qualified regional projects. Grants are typically around $3,000 and rarely exceed $5,000, though larger awards are possible. Its 2024 filing says it funds preselected organizations only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$5.9M
Grants
93
Total Given
$404K
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
Kosair Charities Committee Inc
Louisville, KY
Kosair for Kids funds nonprofits supporting children’s health and well-being, including healthcare, research, education, social services, and child advocacy. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,500 to $4.17 million, with a median of $45,000; most grant dollars went to Kentucky, with smaller awards in other states. It accepts unsolicited requests through a letter of intent, with approved applicants invited to submit a full application.
Assets
$382.5M
Grants
120
Total Given
$16.6M
LG&E and Ku Foundation Inc
Louisville, KY
The foundation funds community organizations in economic development, education, the environment, and diversity, as well as event sponsorships and tree-planting grants, primarily in communities served by LG&E and KU. Its 2025 grants ranged from $100 to $749,000, with a median of $2,500; 96% of grant dollars went to Kentucky. It accepts community grant applications through its online portal in March and October.
Assets
$22.0M
Grants
497
Total Given
$4.3M
Blue Grass Community Foundation Inc
Lexington, KY
Blue Grass Community Foundation funds charitable causes and community needs, including education, housing, basic assistance, and youth wellbeing, primarily in Central and Appalachia Kentucky. Its 2025 grants ranged from about $5,000 to $520,000, with a median of about $16,700; the foundation’s website describes competitive grant opportunities but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$296.2M
Grants
514
Total Given
$20.7M
John B & Brownie Young Memorial Fund
Owensboro, KY
The fund provides scholarships to eligible high school seniors from four Owensboro-area Kentucky school districts for full-time college or vocational/technical study, primarily supporting the first year. Awards are at least $500, with a $500 median grant in 2025; larger awards depend on students’ financial need. Students are notified and receive application information through their school counselor and Independence Bank; the fund does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$13.5M
Grants
392
Total Given
$894K
Adam R Scripps Foundation
Ft Mitchell, KY
The Adam R Scripps Foundation funds science and STEM education, housing, health, scholarships, and community and cultural projects, with grants across multiple states, especially Texas and California. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $2 million, with a median of $50,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$754.6M
Grants
281
Total Given
$35.5M
More Funders in Kentucky
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?