WHAS Crusade for Children Grants

Mission: The WHAS Crusade for Children makes life better for children with special needs by inspiring generosity with community partners.

Background: Established in 1954 by WHAS-TV, the Crusade has raised over $190 million for special needs children in its first 66 years. The organization funds approximately 1 in 3 children who need assistance.

Geographic Scope

• All 120 Kentucky counties
• More than 50 southern Indiana counties

Focus Areas

Eligible recipients include:

• Schools and school districts (public and private)
• Healthcare facilities and hospitals
• Disability services organizations
• Child advocacy and protection agencies
• Therapy and rehabilitation centers
• Specialized programs for:
  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Deaf and hard of hearing services
  • Visual impairments
  • Learning disabilities
  • Down syndrome
  • Cerebral palsy and physical disabilities
  • Mental health and behavioral services
  • Speech and language disorders
  • Occupational and physical therapy
  • Cancer and blood disorders
  • Developmental disabilities
• Youth organizations (Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, etc.)
• Foster care and family services
• Arts programs for children
• Educational cooperatives and special education programs
• Universities and research institutions

Award Distribution

• 2016: 218+ organizations funded; $5,465,933.47 total
• 2017: 218+ organizations funded; $5,500,000.00 total
• 2018: $5,675,000.00 total
• 2019-2020: 218 grants awarded; $5,690,000.00 total
• Individual grant awards range from approximately $1,000 to $650,000

Key Information

• 100% of donations go directly to agencies serving children with special needs
• Fundraising: Fire departments raise more than 50% of annual funds through roadblocks and events
• Board: Independent board of interdenominational ministers makes funding decisions
• Fiscal Year: Begins September 1 annually
• Annual Event: WHAS Crusade for Children telethon (66th annual held June 1-2, 2019)

Contact Information

WHAS Crusade for Children
520 W. Chestnut St.

Grant Application Process

Detailed application instructions are referenced but not fully provided in available materials. The website indicates:

• Application Materials Available:
  • Grant Requirements documentation
  • Grant Recipient Toolkit for applicants
  • Advisory Panel information
  • Grant Awards Lists (historical)
• Process Overview:
  • Applications are reviewed by an independent board
  • Grant funds become available as fiscal year begins (September 1)
  • Decisions made annually
• Available Resources:
  • Grants Overview page on website
  • Grant Requirements page with specific eligibility criteria
  • Grant Recipient Toolkit for successful applicants

Note: For complete application details, deadlines, required materials, and submission procedures, applicants should consult the organization directly or review the Grant Requirements and Grants Overview pages on the website.