Good Works Program Overview
The Good Works Program annually provides over $2.5 million in grants to Kentucky nonprofits that together help over 3.8 million individuals. Since 1951, the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels has granted $64 million to more than 1,700 nonprofits. These grants are entirely dependent on the support of over 30,000 active Colonels throughout the world, who have chosen to continue their charitable efforts through contributions to help Kentuckians.
Who we Support
Grants through the Good Works Program are focused on helping organizations that mainly fall within these categories:
- Community Enhancement
- Community Support
- Education
- Health, Rehabilitation, and Life Skills
- Historic Preservation
- Homeless, Low Income, and Those in Crisis
- Veterans Services and Military
- Youth Services
Eligibility
To be eligible for funding, nonprofit organizations must be exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and have been in existence for at least five years. Funding is limited to nonprofit organizations that are located within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Nonprofits that require a religious requirement to utilize its services are not eligible.
Limitations
Funding is generally limited to items/projects that can be seen or touched. Requests for funding from the Honorable Order should be for projects that will directly benefit as many clients as possible.
Examples of items that are not funded are:
- Marketing or Advertising
- Design Work
- Items primarily used by staff
- Facility Rentals
- Equipment Rentals
- Convention or registration fees
- Software not directly related to program services
- Subscriptions
- Operational or administrative expenses
- Salaries or consultant fees
- Academic scholarships
- Service agreements and extended warranties
- Speaker/Presenter fees
- Staff Training
- Travel Expenses and lodging
- Vehicle Expenses
- Website Development/Maintenance
- Building improvements for leased properties
For additional details on all limitations, please review our 2024 Good Works Program Guidelines.
How to Apply
The Honorable Order has typically one grant cycle per year, opening in December. Applications go through a multi-step review process by the staff and grants committee before being assigned to the Board of Trustees to review. Funding is awarded in June of that year. Emergency grants are available year round.
To apply or review an existing application, visit the Kentucky Colonels Online Grant Portal. If this is your first time applying, you will be required to create an account. Instructions for creating an account or if you have issues with the online system, please visit: Kentucky Colonels Online Grant System Tips.
Please click here to view 2024 Good Works Program.
If you have any questions about the grant application process or emergency grants please reach out to Eric Patterson, Grants Administrator, at 502-753-0780 or by email at epatterson@kycolonels.org.
