2026 KBF Annual Luncheon & Grantee Workshop
The Kentucky Bar Foundation recently welcomed grantees, donors, Fellows, attorneys, judges, and community partners to Northern Kentucky for its 2026 Grantee Workshop and Annual Luncheon at the Cincinnati Marriott RiverCenter in Covington. The day reflected what makes the Foundation unique: bringing Kentucky's legal community together to invest in a stronger, more accessible justice system for all.
Investing Beyond the Grant
The day began with the annual Grantee Workshop, where representatives from KBF-funded organizations participated in an interactive branding and communications session led by Caroline Cassin, Founder and CEO of The Brand Thread.
Through practical exercises and discussion, attendees explored how thoughtful branding, authentic storytelling, and clear messaging can strengthen nonprofit organizations, helping them better communicate their missions, engage supporters, and ultimately expand their impact throughout Kentucky.
The workshop reflects KBF's commitment to supporting grantees beyond funding by providing resources that strengthen organizational capacity and long-term sustainability.
Celebrating a Record Year of Impact
The Annual Luncheon followed with the presentation of $475,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations advancing civil legal aid, legal education, and access to justice across the Commonwealth—the largest annual grant distribution in Kentucky Bar Foundation history.
The Foundation also recognized the attorneys, law firms, and supporters whose generosity makes this work possible.
Among the highlights:
George E. Meng, James & Katherine Randall Park, and Wilbert L. Ziegler were recognized as Century Club members for their extraordinary lifetime generosity and enduring commitment to expanding access to justice.
Gwen Smallenburg, Program Manager for the Kentucky Bar Foundation and Kentucky IOLTA Fund, was honored as a Kentucky Bar Foundation Life Fellow, recognizing nearly 25 years of dedicated service to the Foundation and Kentucky's legal community.
The Foundation also welcomed new Fellows and Partners for Justice while celebrating the continued generosity of donors whose support fuels the Foundation's mission year after year.
The Kentucky Bar Foundation extends sincere appreciation to Community Trust and Investment Company, whose sponsorship helped make this year's Annual Luncheon possible.
Thank You
Every grant awarded represents attorneys, judges, law firms, and donors who choose to invest in something bigger than themselves.
Together, their generosity supports organizations that provide legal representation to vulnerable families, protect survivors, educate future generations, and expand access to justice in communities across Kentucky.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, celebrated with us, and continues to support the Kentucky Bar Foundation's mission.
Together, we're fueling access to justice.
