Horizon Community Funds Grants $100,000 to Northern Kentucky Nonprofits

Horizon Community Funds has granted $100,000 to six different nonprofits serving Northern Kentucky. This is the largest Community Impact Fund grant cycle since Horizon Community Funds was founded in 2017.

The Community Impact Fund connects the community to needs across Northern Kentucky and uses collective giving as a way to contribute to a successful future for the region. It is Horizon Community Funds’ most flexible source of grantmaking dollars and supports long-term solutions, rapid response to emergencies, and the ability to navigate changing needs in Northern Kentucky.

“We are honored to support these remarkable nonprofits that are making a profound difference in Northern Kentucky,” said Nancy Grayson, President and CEO of Horizon Community Funds. “This grant cycle is a testament to the generosity of our community and our shared commitment to creating a brighter future for all.”

The following nonprofits received funds:

  • Adopt A Class received $20,000 to grow their mentorship program to include an additional 1,000 students in River City Schools. The program pairs teams with classrooms, exposing students to diverse life and career experiences, broadening their knowledge of career opportunities, and helping them develop a clearer vision for their future.
  • The Catalytic Fund received $20,000 for its Impact Investment Program, a key element of its three-part strategy for community development and urban revitalization in Northern Kentucky. This grant will specifically support an affordable housing initiative within the 2024-2026 Strategic Plan, addressing the region’s need for workforce and low-income housing.
  • Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road received $10,000 for Building the Bridge to Girls K-12 Leadership, a capacity-building initiative that will focus on creating collaborative community partnerships and building the volunteer infrastructure needed to expand and sustain program delivery to low-income and racially/ethnically diverse girls, with a strong focus on Hispanic and immigrant communities.
  • Last Mile Food Rescue received $10,000 to build on the expansion and growth of their food recovery programming in Northern Kentucky. This funding will allow the organization to continue to directly serve those with transportation barriers, financial barriers, and other circumstances that would prevent them from accessing nutritious food.
  • Northern Kentucky University received $25,000 for the Pathway for Paraeducators Program. The goal of the program is to reduce the teacher shortages in the region, to bolster competitive compensation packages for school districts to leverage and incentivize staff, award compulsory degrees for current paraeducators to attain teaching positions, and aid in the overall upward economic mobility of the community.
  • Samaritan Car Care Clinic received $15,000 to provide emergency car services to low-income families. The organization works on a referral basis with Northern Kentucky social service agencies. Car repairs are done using a shared-cost model with the goal of helping the families get to their jobs and stay on the path to self-sufficiency.

“At Horizon Community Fund, we carefully evaluate grant applications based on innovation, reach, and sustainability,” commented Kit Andrews, Horizon Community Funds Grantmaking Committee Chair. “Our thorough vetting process ensures that chosen projects have a lasting impact, extending benefits beyond the initial funding. Our trusted approach inspires other foundations to follow our lead, amplifying the positive effects. We invite the community to learn more about our grantees and consider contributing to their success, knowing that a small seed can grow into something extraordinary.”

The Community Impact Fund provides an annual flexible grant opportunity that provides resources for nonprofits that accelerate change, innovate solutions, and leverage partnerships and resources in Northern Kentucky. The Community Impact Fund relies on individual donors, business partnerships, and other support to bring grant opportunities to Northern Kentucky.

Information on the 2025 Community Impact Fund grant cycle will be available at the end of this year.

The community is encouraged to donate to the Community Impact Fund by: