Grant Guidelines and Criteria
Grant Guidelines and Criteria
Discover our application process, eligibility criteria, and funding principles to align your impactful project with our mission. Start your journey to making a meaningful difference with our support. Here, you’ll gain essential insights into how we evaluate proposals, what we prioritize in initiatives we fund, and how you can enhance your application for success. We’re committed to fostering sustainable change and invite you to explore how your project can contribute to our community-focused goals. Dive in and find out how we can work together to bring positive transformations to life.
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.
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