HOKC: Good Works Program: Large Grants

HOKC: Good Works Program: Large Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Honorable Order Of Kentucky Colonels Inc
Amount: More than US $10,000
Last Updated: February 11, 2026

Summary

The HOKC Good Works Program provides over $2.5 million annually in grants to Kentucky nonprofits, aiding over 3.9 million individuals. Established in 1951, it has distributed $68 million through more than 8,900 grants, relying on the support of over 30,000 active Colonels globally. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) organizations based in Kentucky, operational for at least five years, and focused on tangible community benefits, aligning with the program's mission to foster community enhancement and support.

Overview

About Us We choose to live out our Kentucky Colonel commission through continued service and charitable contributions. Mission We support worthy nonprofits by: Actively engaging ColonelsFostering strong relationshipsMaintaining high grant vetting standardsBeing good stewards of our resources and traditions … all with integrity and compassion. Good Works Program The Good Works Program annually provides over $2.5 million in grants to Kentucky nonprofits that together help over 3.9 million individuals. Since 1951, the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels has granted $68 million through over 8,900 grants. These grants are entirely dependent on the support of over 30,000 active Colonels throughout the world, who have chosen to continue their charitable efforts through contributions to help Kentuckians. Who We Support Grants through the Good Works Program are focused on helping organizations that mainly fall within these categories: Community EnhancementCommunity SupportEducationHealth, Rehabilitation, and Life SkillsHistoric PreservationHomeless, Low Income, and Those in CrisisVeterans Services and MilitaryYouth Services Large Grants If your grant request exceeds $10,000.00.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. To be eligible for funding, nonprofit organizations must be exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and have existed for at least five years. Funding is limited to nonprofit organizations located within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Funding is generally limited to items/projects that can be seen or touched. Requests for funding from the Honorable Order should be for projects that will directly benefit as many clients as possible.

Ineligibility

Ineligible OrganizationsThe following organizations are not eligible for grant funding.Churches or organizations exempt as religious organizations that require participation in religious activities.Nonprofits that require a religious requirement to utilize their services are not eligible.Most governmental organizations (ex: public school districts)Colleges/universities Most grant-making organizationsIf you are an organization that provides funding and/or materials to other charities, you may not be eligible.List of items that are not funded:Marketing or advertisingDesign workItems primarily used by staffFacility rentalsEquipment rentalsConvention or registration feesSoftware not directly related to program servicesSubscriptionsOperational or administrative expensesSalaries or consultant feesAcademic scholarshipsService agreements and extended warrantiesSpeaker/presenter feesStaff trainingTravel expenses and lodgingVehicle expensesWebsite development/maintenanceBuilding improvements for leased propertiesGenerally, we do not provide funding for transportation. We will provide funding for transportation costs for helping participants attend youth programs.HospitalsIf you are a large multi-hospital system, know that only one hospital or facility is eligible to apply per year. Large multi-hospital systems are defined as any hospital corporation operating five or more facilities in the Commonwealth. Also, please note that large hospital systems are carefully vetted and are generally not funded. Please reach out to us before applying to determine if your organization will be eligible.If your organization is a part of a large hospital system and awarded a grant, you may not be eligible to receive a grant in the next grant cycle.