Grants

We award annual grants to nonprofit organizations delivering civil legal aid and law-related education across Kentucky.

Funding organizations that advance Access to Justice

Access to justice begins with action. The Kentucky Bar Foundation advances its mission by funding organizations that deliver legal aid, expand law-related education, and create pathways for people to better understand and navigate the legal system. Each grant is carefully vetted, intentionally awarded and responsibly stewarded to ensure meaningful, measurable impact where it’s needed most.

These are the organizations helping a survivor find safety, a family remain in their home, a veteran access critical benefits, or a child gain the knowledge to shape their future. KBF fuels their work, so they can focus on changing lives.

2027 Grant Applications Open January 4, 2027

The 2026 grant cycle is now closed. The next grant cycle will open on Monday, January 4, 2027. We invite eligible organizations to return then to review guidelines and begin the application process.

FAQs

Explore commonly asked questions about eligibility, funding, and the application process.

  • THE 2026 GRANT APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN IN JANUARY 2027.

    To be considered for a grant, your program must meet the following requirements, among others:

    • Recipient must be a tax-exempt organization (e.g. 501(c)(3)).

    • The program or project for which funding is requested must have a law-related purpose and provide services in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

    All completed applications must be submitted on or before Monday, March 1, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. ET (no exceptions). Any applications received after this date will not be considered. Only grant applications submitted electronically will be accepted. That form will become available on this page on January 4, 2027.

    We invite you to watch our 2025 Grant Application Q & A here for more information.

  • The Kentucky Bar Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations and law-related initiatives that expand access to justice, strengthen communities, and increase public understanding of the legal system. These organizations must be:

    • Kentucky-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits

    • The program or project for which funding is requested must have a law-related purpose and provide services in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

  • We invest in programs and projects that:

    • Expand Civil Legal Aid
      Supporting direct legal services for individuals and families in need

    • Protect Vulnerable Populations
      Including children, survivors of abuse, and veterans

    • Strengthen Legal Infrastructure
      Funding operational needs such as legal staff, technology, and tools that improve service delivery

    • Advance Legal Education & Awareness
      Public education initiatives, trainings, and resources that help Kentuckians better understand their rights and the legal system

    • Improve the Justice System
      Efforts that enhance trust, accessibility, and effectiveness within the legal system

    Applicants are asked to identify the primary area their project supports. Eligible areas include:

    • Child Advocacy

    • Civil Legal Services

    • Criminal & Juvenile Justice

    • Domestic Violence

    • Education

    • Housing

    • Immigration

    • Supervised Visitation

    • Veterans

  • We do NOT fund:

    • Capital campaign projects

    • Political activity

    • Non 501(c)(3) organizations

    • Therapy – while we value the therapy, it is too removed from the legal needs

  • Each application is carefully reviewed with consideration of:

    • Alignment with KBF’s mission

    • Potential for meaningful community impact

    • Organizational capacity to execute the project

    • Long-term sustainability

    • Geographic distribution across the Commonwealth

    • Overall budget and responsible use of funds

  • KBF follows a consistent annual grant cycle to ensure a transparent and efficient process:

    • Applications Open: First Monday in January

    • Deadline: Early March

    • Review Period: March–April

    • Grant Award Notifications: Following the May Board Meeting

    • Grant Awards Presented: June at the KBA Annual Convention

  • Grant recipients are expected to demonstrate impact and accountability.

    • Annual report required for all grantees

    • Mid-year report required for first-time recipients or grants exceeding $5,000

  • The Kentucky Bar Foundation has given more than $5.5 million since its grants program began in 1988 to nonprofits from all 120 counties that promote justice and law-related education for Kentuckians. 

    To learn more about the agencies we've supported, click here.

    Examples of Funded Projects:

    • Supervised visitation programs

    • Court-appointed advocate programs

    • Pro se legal clinics

    • Immigration law workshop series

    • Operational funding for legal staff

    • Multidisciplinary legal trainings

    • Digital forensic and interviewing tools

    • Public legal education materials and booklets

    • Youth-focused programs such as mock trial and the Kentucky Youth Assembly

Have other questions? We’re here to help. Contact us at kbf@kybar.org.

Download our detailed grant criteria and guidelines below.

2026 KBF Grant Application FAQ
2026 KBF Grant Application FAQ