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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.

CELEBRATE ARTS & CULTURE

Support cultural institutions that foster shared experiences and improve quality of life through the arts.

CHAMPION LIFELONG LEARNING

Invest in organizations that expand access to education, mentorship, and career pathways, helping individuals of all ages achieve lifelong success.

CULTIVATE COMMUNITY

Advance initiatives that strengthen community well-being, steward shared natural spaces, and promote alcohol responsibility.

Impact In Action

The Power of Partnerships

In 2022, the Brown‑Forman Foundation made the largest investment in its history—a 10‑year, $50 million commitment to five organizations: AMPED, Louisville Central Community Center, Louisville Urban League, Simmons College of Kentucky, and West End School. 

Together, these partners are expanding educational opportunity from early childhood through adult learning, supporting students at every stage of their educational journey.

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