Skip navigation

Grant Faq

GRANT APPLICATION FAQS

Explore The Brown-Forman Foundation’s Grant FAQ page to get answers to your questions about eligibility, application processes, and funding priorities. Learn how we support community initiatives.

How do I apply for funding?

Nonprofit organizations that meet the funding criteria may apply one time per fiscal year (May 1- April 30). 

When is the deadline to apply?

The submission deadlines are May 1, August 1, November 1, and February 1. Funding decisions are typically made within 90 days following the submission deadline. Please keep this in mind for time-sensitive projects. The online grant application for the Foundation can be found here:Brown-Forman Foundation online grant application.

What types of grants do you consider?

Typically, the Foundation considers requests of $25,000 and above

  • Unrestricted operating support
  • Restricted program support
  • The Foundation does not accept capital campaign requests or sponsorship requests

Refer to our Grant Criteria for further guidance.

What documentation is required with my application?

The following documents are required for each submitted application. You can see a full outline of the application here.

  • List of the organization’s leadership team and Board of Directors
  • Copy of the IRS determination letter confirming your organization’s status as an organization described in Section 501 (c) (3) of the Code and a public charity described in Section 509 (a) (1) or 509 (a) (2) of the Code
  • W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification completed within the same year as the application
  • A complete copy of the most recently filed IRS Form 990 tax return
  • Organization budget for the current year, including income and expenses
  • Detailed project budget, including income and expenses
  • List of other corporations/foundations from which you are requesting funds
Do you fund grants for organizations outside of Louisville?

Louisville, Kentucky is the focus of our philanthropic efforts. Organizations must be located in or directly impact the Louisville community.

I have a question that’s not answered here. Who can I contact?

If you have questions about the process or issues with the online portal, please send us a message and the appropriate member of our team will be back to you soon.

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