[Blue Grass Community Foundation](https://www.bgcf.org)

June 2026

$2,500–$10,000 per award; renewable for one additional year

Supports programs improving early childhood education and literacy for underserved populations in Central Kentucky.

Project and general operating support proposals accepted; must serve specified Central Kentucky counties.

--- ## Description This grant opportunity, funded by the MacAdam Early Childhood and Literacy Fund through the Blue Grass Community Foundation, aims to increase equitable access to high-quality pre-K education, early childhood care, and literacy programs in Central Kentucky. The program is focused on narrowing the achievement gap by supporting organizations and initiatives serving low-income students, students of color, English Language Learners (ELL), and students with special needs. Eligible proposals may address early childhood teaching and learning, professional development for educators, parent engagement, and literacy programs for learners of all ages—including adults. Both project support and general operating support proposals are considered. --- ## Due Dates - **Full application deadline (anticipated):** June 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Grant awards range:** $2,500–$10,000 per award - **Duration:** One year, with the option for renewal for an additional year --- ## Eligibility - Organizations must be located in or provide services to residents of Central Kentucky, specifically in the following counties: Anderson, Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Harrison, Jessamine, Madison, Montgomery, Scott, and/or Woodford. - Applicants must be: - A nonprofit charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, - Or have a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) designation, - Or be a publicly supported organization such as a school district, municipality, or government agency. - Nonprofit applicants (except schools/government agencies) must have a Candid/GuideStar Seal of Transparency at the Gold Level or higher. - Organizations must not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, citizenship status, creed, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. - Faith-based organizations may apply only if the proposed project serves the broader community regardless of religious belief. - Organizations with overdue final reports from previous BGCF grants are ineligible. --- ## Application Process - Visit the [BGCF Grant Opportunities page](https://www.bgcf.org/grant-opportunities/) and select **APPLY FOR A GRANT** to access the online portal. - Registration with the Grant Application Online Portal is required. - Review the [Applicant Guide](https://www.bgcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/New-BGCF-Grant-Application-Online-Portal-Applicant-Guide.pdf) for step-by-step instructions. - Prepare all required documentation, including verification of Candid/GuideStar Seal (if applicable). --- ## Additional Information - Both project support and general operating support proposals are considered. - Programs must directly benefit early childhood education or literacy in the eligible Central Kentucky counties. - Schools and government agencies are exempt from the Candid/GuideStar requirement. --- ## External Links - [Full RFP (PDF)](https://www.bgcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/RFP-2024-Early-Childhood-Ed-and-Literacy-Grant.pdf) - [BGCF Grant Opportunities](https://www.bgcf.org/grant-opportunities/) - [Applicant Guide for Online Portal](https://www.bgcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/New-BGCF-Grant-Application-Online-Portal-Applicant-Guide.pdf) - [Candid/GuideStar Information](https://www.guidestar.org/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|-----------------------------------|----------------------------|---------------| | Kristen Tidwell | Director of Grants + Scholarships | [kristen@bgcf.org](mailto:kristen@bgcf.org) | (859) 721-2347 | | General Inquiries | — | [info@bgcf.org](mailto:info@bgcf.org) | (859) 225-3343 |

Early Childhood Education & Literacy Grant Opportunity

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