Good Works Program
The Good Works Program annually provides over $2.5 million in grants to Kentucky nonprofits that together help over 3.9 million individuals.
Since 1951, the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels has granted $68 million through over 8,900 grants. 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 existed for at least five years. Funding is limited to nonprofit organizations located within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Nonprofits that require a religious requirement to utilize their services are not eligible.
How to Apply
The Honorable Order typically has one grant cycle annually, opening in December.
Each grant application is reviewed by two HOKC staff members, several Colonel volunteers and ultimately vetted by the Board of Trustees. 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.
If you have any questions about the grant application process or emergency grants, please contact Eric Patterson, Grants Administrator, at 502-753-0780 or by email at EPatterson@KyColonels.org.
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.
For additional details on all limitations, please review our 2025 Good Works Program Guidelines.
- List of items that are not funded:
- 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
