Louisville Responsive Community Grants

Note:
Organizations should review the JGBF mission, outcomes, and focus areas to ensure alignment of goals and submit a Letter of Interest (indicated above as Letter of Inquiry) to be considered for a Full Application.LOIs for all Focus Areas are accepted on a rolling basis.Applicants will be notified of any next steps: invitation to submit a formal application, a declination, or a delay for future consideration.
James Graham Brown Foundation
Guided by his enduring vision for Louisville and Kentucky, the Foundation carries forward his legacy of philanthropy that strengthens communities and fosters civic pride.
Our Louisville-based Responsive Grantmaking is designed to support projects and initiatives that contribute to Louisville’s progress and reputation. These grants respond to opportunities identified by community organizations and are designed to strengthen the city’s quality of life and overall vitality.
Responsive grants typically focus on locally driven efforts that align with the Foundation’s mission and advance Louisville as a thriving, engaged community. Projects often reflect collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to making the city a better place to live, work, and visit.
Additional Considerations
Organizations should demonstrate significant financial support for projects, including contributions from private donors, private and public grants, and other sustainable sources of revenue. Additionally, letters of support or endorsement are appropriate to include in the application. It is also encouraged to mention current partnerships and collaborations.
The proportion of a project budget requested from JGBF should not typically exceed 30% of the total project budget. The amount of the grant request should be appropriate for the scope of impact.
Proposals that demonstrate 50%–60% of the total project cost raised are more competitive.
JGBF will rarely be the sole funder and encourages a broad base of support to reinforce projects and increase the likelihood of lasting impact.

Eligibility

Louisville Responsive Community Grants are made to organizations during pivotal moments in the life of an organization to support projects and initiatives that are catalysts for growth, progress, or new opportunities, demonstrating significant outcomes, impact, and sustainabilityNonprofit organizations located primarily in the Louisville metro area.

Ineligibility

Performing arts, no exceptions
Requests from religious organizations for religious purposes (including theological seminaries)
Political entities
Fundraising eventsOrganizations outside of the Louisville Metro Area, with rare exceptions
Individual public or private pre-K through 12 schools, with rare exceptions
Organizations established within the last three years
Requests for ongoing operations or routine program costs are typically not eligible
Organizations with active JGBF grants or consecutive grants toward the same project