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Kentucky's ambassadors of goodwill and fellowship around the world.

The commission of Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky.

It is a recognition of an individual’s noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to our community, state, and nation.

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Community

Colonels are active in their local communities.
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Commonwealth

Colonels’ contributions touch the lives of nearly 4 million Kentuckians annually.
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Country

There are Kentucky Colonels in all 50 states and 76 countries!

The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels is a voluntary philanthropic organization.

A sitting Kentucky governor noted in a letter to the Kentucky Colonels that he commissioned individuals as Kentucky Colonels “as a Governor’s way of recognizing individuals for their service and accomplishments on behalf of others.”

If you’re a commissioned Colonel, you are a Kentucky Colonel for life. We now encourage you to donate in honor of your membership to the Kentucky Colonels by making a tax-deductible contribution to the Good Works Program.

Screenshot 2024-09-04 at 2.06.07 PM
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The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels is a voluntary philanthropic organization.

A sitting Kentucky governor noted in a letter to the Kentucky Colonels that he commissioned individuals as Kentucky Colonels “as a Governor’s way of recognizing individuals for their service and accomplishments on behalf of others.”

If you’re a commissioned Colonel, you are a Kentucky Colonel for life. We now encourage you to donate in honor of your membership to the Kentucky Colonels by making a tax-deductible contribution to the Good Works Program.

Ky Colonels animated gif
Play Video about Ky Colonels animated gif
Screenshot 2024-09-04 at 2.06.07 PM

Kentucky Colonels are unwavering in devotion to faith, family, commonwealth, and country. Passionate about being compassionate.

Proud leaders who are gentle but strong in will and commitment. The generosity of our members enables the Kentucky Colonels — as a recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization — to reach out and care for our children, support those in need, and preserve our rich heritage.

Then there are the social activities in which our history is indeed rich! From the Derby Eve galas of the 1930s to our trackside participation and post-Derby barbeques and fall race days at historic Churchill Downs, the member Colonels have historically found many ways to celebrate the Kentucky Colonels.

Kentucky Colonels are unwavering in devotion to faith, family, commonwealth, and country. Passionate about being compassionate.

Proud leaders who are gentle but strong in will and commitment. The generosity of our members enables the Kentucky Colonels — as a recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization — to reach out and care for our children, support those in need, and preserve our rich heritage.

Then there are the social activities in which our history is indeed rich! From the Derby Eve galas of the 1930s to our trackside participation and post-Derby barbeques and fall race days at historic Churchill Downs, the member Colonels have historically found many ways to celebrate the Kentucky Colonels.

$2.5 Million

to 325 Kentucky nonprofits

Thanks to The Good Works Program

Man standing in front of a Kentucky Colonels backdrop at an event

New & Returning Colonels

Glass award from the Kentucky Colonels Store

Colonels Store

Two women standing together, one has nominated the other to be commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel

Nominate A Colonel

New & Returning Colonels

Colonels Store

Nominate a Colonel

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