Kentucky Bar Foundation to Award Record-Breaking $311,910 in Grants at its Annual Luncheon. Features Groundbreaking Fundraising Workshop. Community Trust and Investment Company Announced as Signature Sponsor.
Date: June 6th, 2025 Location: The Hyatt Regency Lexington Annual Luncheon: Grant Awards Ceremony at noon
The Kentucky Bar Foundation (KBF) will host its annual luncheon on June 6th, presenting nearly $311,910 in grants to nonprofit organizations across the state—the largest grant distribution in the Foundation's history. This year's event is proudly supported by Community Trust and Investment Company as the signature sponsor. Preceding the luncheon, innovative philanthropy expert Kelly Wesley Taylor, J.D., will lead a transformative workshop for the 2025 grantees designed to empower nonprofit leaders in navigating today's complex fundraising landscape.
"We are incredibly grateful to Community Trust and Investment Company for their generous support as our signature sponsor this year," said Susan Duncan, Executive Director of the Kentucky Bar Foundation. "Community Trust and Investment Company has consistently demonstrated their dedication to strengthening the fabric of Kentucky communities through meaningful investment and service. Their values of community engagement and responsible stewardship align perfectly with our mission. This partnership allows us to maximize our impact and ensure that the vital work of our grantees continues to reach those who need it most."
Record-Breaking Grant Program Reaches All Corners of Kentucky
This year's historic $311,910 in funding—an all-time high for the Foundation—will benefit 34 organizations spanning all seven Supreme Court Districts across the entire Commonwealth. The diverse range of recipients include agencies working in child advocacy, criminal and juvenile justice, citizenship, civil legal services, domestic violence prevention, housing assistance, supervised visitation programs, and veterans' support services.
The grants also fund critical law school pipeline programs, including the Kentucky Mock Trial Association and the Kentucky Youth Assembly, which help develop the next generation of legal professionals in the state. Each of the three law schools also receive $10,000 in scholarships.
"The geographic and programmatic diversity of this year's grantees reflects our commitment to ensuring access to justice for all Kentuckians," said Sadhna True, Chair of the KBF Grants Committee. "From rural communities to urban centers, these organizations are doing vital work that transforms lives and strengthens our justice system. We're particularly proud that our funding reaches every Supreme Court District, allowing us to make a truly statewide impact."
Fundraising Resilience and Sustainability Workshop
The day will begin with a workshop for the 2025 grantees led by Kelly Wesley Taylor, focused on nonprofit sustainability in today's economic landscape. Participants will learn strategies for developing adaptive revenue models and leveraging technology for organizational efficiency. Kelly brings legal expertise and fundraising innovation from her experience at the University of Louisville, Harvard University, and as founder of Taylor Bell Consulting. She holds a Juris Doctor from Brandeis School of Law and a Bachelor's in Political Science from the University of Kentucky.
"In today's dynamic environment, diversifying revenue is no longer optional—it's vital for survival," Taylor explains. "This workshop will equip nonprofit leaders with practical tools to not just survive but thrive."
Event Details:
- Date: June 6th, 2025
- Location: The Hyatt Regency Lexington
- Annual Luncheon: Grant Awards Ceremony at noon
For more information about the Kentucky Bar Foundation and this year's grants program, please visit kybarfoundation.org.
About the Kentucky Bar Foundation: The Kentucky Bar Foundation, established in 1958, is the charitable arm of the Kentucky Bar Association. The Foundation is dedicated to improving the administration of justice and providing legal services to the poor and underserved throughout Kentucky. Through its grant programs and initiatives, the KBF works to ensure that all Kentuckians have access to justice regardless of economic status.
