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Brown-Forman Foundation

Investing In
Our Best Spirit

Who we are

The Brown-Forman Foundation was created in 2018 to further the company’s strategic charitable mission. We do this work because we care deeply and we know Brown-Forman is only as strong as the communities to which we belong.


We are dedicated to living a spirit of commitment, where we strive to become better neighbors every day.

a stamp that says "about Brown-Forman Foundation

What We Do

A Legacy of Giving

Through powerful partnerships with nonprofits, the Brown-Forman Foundation collaborates with outstanding organizations – transforming the lives of those they serve.

$25M+

total grants

Investing in our best spirit
As of December 31, 2023

80+

nonprofits supported

Driving transformative change
As of December 31, 2023

$50M

10-YEAR INVESTMENT

Advancing educational opportunities
Committed in fiscal 2022

IMPACT IN ACTION

The Power of Partnerships

We value our partnerships and are continually inspired by their dedication to making a difference. Their unwavering commitment to creating more and better opportunities for those they serve is undeniable and it shows in these stories of success.

Learn More

HOW TO APPLY FOR a GRANT

Guidelines
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Criteria

To be considered by the Brown-Forman Foundation for funding, applicant organizations (and their programs) must meet the following conditions:

  • The applicant must be determined by the IRS to be a tax-exempt organization described in Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and a public charity described in Section 509 (a) (1) or 509 (a) (2) of the Code, that is operated exclusively for charitable, scientific, or educational purposes.
  • The applicant organization must be located in or provide services that directly impact lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • The organization’s mission and project outcomes must align with one or more of the Foundation’s focus areas of giving.
  • Proposals must be received by the submission deadlines of May 1, August 1, November 1, and February 1 to be considered for that grant cycle.
  • Proposals must provide a sound basis of measurement toward project goals and projected outcomes.
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Apply For a Grant

Are you eligible to apply?

To be considered by the Brown-Forman Foundation for funding, applicant organizations (and their programs) must meet the following conditions:
  • The applicant organization must be determined by the IRS to be a tax-exempt organization described in Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and a public charity described in Section 509 (a) (1) or 509 (a) (2) of the Code, that is operated exclusively for charitable, scientific, or educational purposes.
  • Applicant organizations must be located in or provide services that directly impact lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • The applicant organization’s mission and project outcomes must align with one or more of the Foundation’s focus areas of giving.
  • Proposals must be received by the submission deadlines of May 1, August 1, November 1, and February 1 to be considered for that grant cycle.
  • Proposals must provide a sound basis of measurement toward project goals and projected outcomes.
THE FOLLOWING ARE INELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR FUNDING:
  • Individuals
  • Public schools (K-12)
  • Group tours
  • Athletic teams or leagues
  • Requests by foreign organizations
  • Religious organizations such as churches and synagogues
  • Any organization that is not a public charity described in either Section 509 (a) (1) or 509 (a) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code
  • Third parties seeking donations on behalf of nonprofit organizations – donations must be made directly to a nonprofit rather than, for example, to a business partner requesting on behalf of an organization
  • Political organizations or for political campaign purposes
  • Requests to carry on a voter registration drive
  • Grant requests for projects that include lobbying, propaganda, or other attempts to influence legislation
  • Organizations that lack non-discrimination policies or have a history of discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other legally protected status
  • Past grantees who have failed to provide a completed grant agreement, grant report, or other required documentation
  • Requests to satisfy the personal pledge of a Foundation or Brown-Forman director, officer, key staff person, or family member thereof
  • Requests that, if granted, would provide a personal benefit to a Foundation or Brown-Forman director, officer, key staff person, or family member thereof, other than naming or similar publicity
View The B-F Foundation Application Outline