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What We Do

our focus areas

The Brown-Forman Foundation invests in organizations that support our vision to create transformative community impact in three focus areas.

Focus Areas

ENSURE ESSENTIAL LIVING STANDARDS

By partnering with organizations that provide educational and social services, we aim to increase opportunities for lifelong success and community well-being.

ENHANCE
ARTS & CULTURAL LIVING

By expanding the availability of vibrant, diverse, and impactful arts and cultural experiences, we aim to increase community access and interest.

EMPOWER RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE LIVING

By investing in initiatives that encourage moderation, reduce alcohol-related harm, and protect the environment and vital natural resources, we aim to support the community and future generations to come.

Our Impact

Making Every Dollar Count

In Fiscal Year 2023, the Brown-Forman Foundation has been focused on driving meaningful change across our three vital focus areas.

$6.6M

IN GRANTS

Supporting Essential Living Standards
In fiscal 2023

$1.5M

in grants

Supporting Arts & Culture
In fiscal 2023

$435K

in grants

Supporting Responsible & Sustainable Living
In fiscal 2023

Impact In Action

The Power of Partnerships

We value our partnerships and are continually inspired by their commitment to our communities. They are dedicated to creating more and better opportunities for those they serve, and it shows in these stories of success.

Learn More

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