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

April 1, 2026 (full application submission)

Up to $30,000 per grant; one-year grant period (May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027)

Supports new or existing projects that promote the mental and physical wellbeing of children and adolescents in Fayette County, KY, with priority for adolescent mental health initiatives.

--- ## Description This grant opportunity, funded by the Valvoline Inc. Happy to Help fund at the Blue Grass Community Foundation, is designed to support projects and programs that enhance the mental and physical wellbeing of children and youth (birth to age 18) in Fayette County, Kentucky. The fund prioritizes initiatives that address the challenges faced by young people, such as poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, community violence, trauma, and adverse childhood experiences. Special consideration is given to proposals serving adolescents (ages 12–18) and those focused on prevention, early intervention, and support services related to mental health. Both new and ongoing projects are eligible. --- ## Due Dates - April 1, 2026: Deadline to apply (full application submission) The grant period will run from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027. --- ## Funding Amount - Individual grants of up to $30,000 - Funds may be used for program or project support - Grant period is one year --- ## Eligibility - Organizations must be located in and serve youth in Fayette County, Kentucky. - Applicants must be: - Nonprofit public charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) IRS status, or - Have a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status, or - Other public institutions/entities with a designated charitable purpose (e.g., schools, units of government). - Organizations must have a Candid/GuideStar Seal of Transparency at the Gold level or higher. (Schools and government units are exempt from this requirement.) - Applicants must not discriminate in hiring, volunteer participation, or client services (with narrow exceptions for religious organizations). - Religious organizations are eligible only if the proposed project serves the broader community regardless of religious belief. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [Blue Grass Community Foundation Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=bgcf). - Review the [2026 RFP PDF](https://www.bgcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Happy-to-Help-Grant-2026-RFP.pdf) for detailed application instructions and requirements. - Ensure your organization's GuideStar/Candid profile is up to date and meets the Seal of Transparency criteria, if applicable. --- ## Additional Information - Priority is given to programs that address adolescent mental health, including prevention and early intervention. - Both new and ongoing projects are eligible. - Organizations are encouraged to demonstrate impact on resiliency, safety, physical health, and overall wellbeing. --- ## External Links - [Blue Grass Community Foundation](https://www.bgcf.org) - [2026 RFP (PDF)](https://www.bgcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Happy-to-Help-Grant-2026-RFP.pdf) - [Grant Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=bgcf) - [GuideStar by Candid](https://www.guidestar.org) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Title/Role | |-----------------|------------------|--------------|----------------------| | Tori Calvert | tori@bgcf.org | 859.225.3343 | Grants + Accounting Manager | For general inquiries: [info@bgcf.org](mailto:info@bgcf.org) or [Contact Page](https://www.bgcf.org/contact-us/)

HAPPY TO HELP GRANT: Supporting Mental + Physical Wellbeing for Fayette County Youth

Sign in to see full grant listing