LG&E and KU Foundation – Community Grants (March 2027)

Grants Supporting Education, Economic Development, Environmental Stewardship, and Community Inclusion in Kentucky and Virginia

Louisville Gas and Electric (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities (KU), together with their Foundation, provide community grants to nonprofit organizations working to improve quality of life in the communities they serve. Funding supports economic development, innovative education, environmental stewardship, and programs that encourage inclusion and community engagement.

The next application period is March 2027, with funding intended for activities taking place during the 2027 calendar year.

Organization: LG&E and KU Foundation
Support Type: Corporate foundation grants
Geographic Focus: LG&E, KU, and Old Dominion Power service territories in Kentucky and Virginia
Funding Amount: Not publicly specified
Application Period: March 2027
Award Notification: Approximately May 2027

About the Funder

LG&E and KU Energy operates electric and natural gas utilities serving communities in Kentucky and Virginia through Louisville Gas and Electric, Kentucky Utilities, and Old Dominion Power.

Through its corporate giving and Foundation programs, the company supports nonprofit organizations and community initiatives that address local needs, expand educational opportunities, promote environmental responsibility, and strengthen economic vitality.

The Community Grants program reflects the company’s commitment to investing in the long-term well-being of the communities it serves.

What This Program Supports

LG&E and KU identify four primary funding priorities.

Economic Development

Programs that strengthen local economies and create opportunities for businesses and residents.

Potential initiatives include:

• Workforce readiness and career development
• Entrepreneurship and business education
• Community economic development
• Programs supporting local economic growth
• Initiatives that expand access to economic opportunity

Projects should demonstrate meaningful benefits for communities within the company’s service territory.

Education

Innovative educational programs serving students in public elementary, middle, and secondary schools, as well as public and private postsecondary institutions.

Priority is given to programs involving:

• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
• Innovative classroom learning
• Educational enrichment
• Technology and science education
• Career exploration and technical skills development

Programs that strengthen educational outcomes and prepare students for future opportunities are particularly well aligned with this priority.

Environment

Initiatives that protect natural resources, promote environmental responsibility, and improve the communities where residents live and work.

Potential projects include:

• Environmental education
• Conservation and natural resource stewardship
• Community sustainability initiatives
• Environmental restoration
• Programs that encourage responsible resource management

The Foundation recognizes environmental stewardship as important to community well-being and economic growth.

Diversity & Community Inclusion

Programs that promote diversity and encourage the inclusion of people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Examples may include:

• Community inclusion initiatives
• Educational and cultural programs
• Programs expanding participation in community life
• Initiatives that help individuals and communities connect across differences

Applicants should demonstrate how proposed activities align with the company’s stated commitment to inclusion.

Eligible Support Types

LG&E and KU provide two related funding opportunities through their community giving process:

Community Grants

Funding for nonprofit programs, projects, and initiatives aligned with the company’s four focus areas.

Event Sponsorships

Support for qualifying community events and activities that advance the company’s community investment priorities.

Organizations may apply for both a Community Grant and an Event Sponsorship during the same application cycle.

However, an organization is eligible to receive funding only once per calendar year.

Eligibility & Geographic Focus

The Community Grants program focuses on organizations and initiatives benefiting communities served by LG&E, KU, and Old Dominion Power.

Eligible geographic areas include:

Kentucky

Communities within Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities service territories.

Virginia

Communities served by Old Dominion Power, the Virginia operating division of Kentucky Utilities.

Applicants should demonstrate that their proposed programs or activities provide direct benefits to residents within the company’s service areas.

Organizations serving multiple communities should clearly identify the specific service-area populations that will benefit.

The program emphasizes nonprofit organizations and community-based initiatives aligned with the company’s funding priorities.

Applicants should review the online application for any additional organizational eligibility requirements.

Funding Restrictions & Preferences

LG&E and KU do not publish a comprehensive list of ineligible expenses on the Community Grants overview page.

However, applicants should be aware of the following program requirements:

• Requests must align with the company’s community investment priorities.
• Activities should benefit communities within the utility service territories.
• All applications and supporting documentation must be submitted electronically.
• Organizations may receive funding only once per calendar year.
• March applications must support activities taking place during the same calendar year.
• October applications support activities taking place during the following calendar year.

Organizations should confirm any additional restrictions within the online grant application before submitting a request.

Funding Amounts

LG&E and KU do not publish standard minimum or maximum Community Grant award amounts.

Funding levels may vary based on the proposed project, alignment with community priorities, anticipated impact, and available resources.

Applicants should prepare a reasonable funding request supported by a clear project budget and description of intended activities.

Timeline & Review

LG&E and KU offer two Community Grants application periods each year.

📅 Next Application Period: March 2027
📅 Award Notification: Approximately May 2027
📅 Project Period: Activities taking place during calendar year 2027

Annual Application Schedule

Applications must be submitted during the designated application periods.

Organizations should plan their requests around the timing of the proposed activities and allow approximately two months following the application period for funding decisions.

Application / Request Process

All Community Grant applications must be submitted through LG&E and KU’s online grant portal.

Applicants should be prepared to provide information about:

• Organization name and contact information
• Organizational mission and background
• Proposed project or program
• Funding amount requested
• Alignment with one or more funding priorities
• Geographic communities served
• Project timeline and anticipated activities
• Project budget and other funding sources
• Expected community benefits and outcomes

All required application materials and supporting documentation must be submitted electronically.

Organizations interested in both a Community Grant and Event Sponsorship may submit requests for both within the same application cycle, subject to the annual funding limitation.

Apply / Learn More: https://lge-ku.com/cg

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This opportunity is particularly well suited for organizations that:

• Serve communities within LG&E, KU, or Old Dominion Power service territories
• Offer STEM education or innovative educational programs
• Support workforce readiness and local economic development
• Promote environmental conservation and sustainability
• Develop programs that encourage community inclusion
• Have defined projects with measurable local benefits
• Are seeking corporate foundation support for activities taking place during 2027

The LG&E and KU Community Grants program provides a recurring opportunity for organizations working to strengthen education, economic opportunity, environmental quality, and community life.

The March application cycle is particularly relevant for organizations seeking funding for projects scheduled later in 2027.