Kentucky, December 27, 2025
The Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana has announced a grant distribution of over $2.3 million to 21 nonprofit organizations across six counties in Kentucky. The funding aims to support vulnerable populations and enhance community health services, education, and social support systems. Established to foster healthy communities, the foundation’s initiatives are designed to bridge gaps in service provision and ensure long-term wellbeing for residents of the region.
Legacy Foundation Awards Significant Grants to Nonprofits in Kentucky
Support for Vulnerable Populations and Health Initiatives
Louisville, Kentucky – The Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana has announced a substantial grant distribution of over $2.3 million to support 21 nonprofit organizations across six counties in the Louisville area. This committed funding aims to assist vulnerable populations and enhance the health and wellbeing of communities within the region.
This generous funding, totaling $2,350,000, is set to benefit various organizations in Jefferson, Shelby, Bullitt, Nelson, and Hardin counties in Kentucky, as well as Clark County in Indiana. The focus is on meeting crucial community needs, including health services, education, and social support systems essential for fostering resilience and growth.
Foundation’s Mission and Background
Established in 2019, the Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana operates with a clear mission: to cultivate healthy communities for all, particularly for those who are vulnerable, through impact-driven philanthropy. This foundation plays a vital role in six counties: Jefferson, Shelby, Bullitt, Nelson, and Hardin in Kentucky, along with Clark County in Indiana. As part of CHI Saint Joseph Health in Lexington, which is affiliated with CommonSpirit Health, it aims to promote public health through strategic funding.
Previously, the Legacy Foundation was founded in the 1980s as a fundraising entity supporting Jewish Hospital in Louisville. Transitioning through various iterations, it became the Jewish Hospital and St. Mary’s Foundation before evolving into its current form in 2019, when it diverted its focus towards community grantmaking.
Impact on Local Communities
The recent funding announcement highlights the significant impact the Legacy Foundation can have on local nonprofits. By providing resources to these organizations, the foundation is enabling them to address pressing community issues effectively. This includes improving health outcomes, increasing educational opportunities, and enhancing social support systems, which are all critical components for fostering stability and growth within Kentucky’s dynamic communities.
As these nonprofits implement their programs, the community stands to benefit greatly from enhanced health services and educational supports, ultimately promoting a healthier populace. Initiatives funded by the Legacy Foundation can help bridge gaps in service provision, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the attention and resources they need to thrive.
Investing in Community Health and Education
This $2.3 million funding presents an opportunity to strengthen community networks, foster collaboration among local organizations, and encourage innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of Kentucky residents. By emphasizing health and education, the Legacy Foundation is not only addressing immediate needs but is also investing in the long-term wellbeing of these communities.
Smaller nonprofits often struggle to secure sustainable funding, which can stymie their efforts to create lasting change. The financial injection from the Legacy Foundation provides these organizations with the necessary tools to innovate and adapt, ensuring that they can continue to serve the community effectively.
Conclusion: Supporting Local Initiatives
In summary, the Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana’s recent grant distribution represents a powerful investment in the health and future of Kentucky communities. By focusing on vulnerable populations and essential services, this initiative reflects a commitment to uplifting local entities and fostering growth through strategic philanthropy. As Lexington and the surrounding areas continue to evolve, supporting local businesses and initiatives that exemplify resilience and innovation remains crucial for sustained economic and social progress.
Community members are encouraged to engage with and support these local nonprofits, recognizing their vital role in creating a healthier and more connected future for all residents in Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana?
- The Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana is a community grantmaking foundation that focuses on cultivating healthy communities for all, especially those who are vulnerable, through impact-driven philanthropy. It operates in six area counties: Jefferson, Shelby, Bullitt, Nelson, and Hardin in Kentucky, and Clark in Indiana. The foundation is part of CHI Saint Joseph Health in Lexington, which is part of CommonSpirit Health, a national healthcare system.
- How much funding did the Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana award?
- The Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana awarded over $2.3 million in grants to 21 nonprofit organizations across six counties in the Louisville area. The total funding amounts to $2,350,000.
- Which counties are benefiting from these grants?
- The grants will benefit organizations in Jefferson, Shelby, Bullitt, Nelson, and Hardin counties in Kentucky, as well as Clark County in Indiana.
- What is the mission of the Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana?
- The mission of the Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana is to cultivate healthy communities for all, especially those who are vulnerable, through impact-driven philanthropy. The foundation focuses on supporting programs that assist vulnerable populations and promote healthier communities.
- What is the history of the Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana?
- Originally established as a fundraising foundation in the 1980s, it supported the facilities, services, and programs of Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. Over time, it became the Jewish Hospital and St. Mary’s Foundation, and then in 2019, when the former Jewish & St. Mary’s Healthcare facilities were divested to the University of Louisville, it became a community grantmaking foundation known as the Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | $2,350,000 |
| Number of Nonprofits Supported | 21 |
| Counties Benefiting | Jefferson, Shelby, Bullitt, Nelson, and Hardin counties in Kentucky; Clark County in Indiana |
| Foundation’s Mission | To cultivate healthy communities for all, especially those who are vulnerable, through impact-driven philanthropy |
| Foundation’s History | Established in the 1980s as a fundraising foundation for Jewish Hospital in Louisville; became the Jewish Hospital and St. Mary’s Foundation; rebranded as the Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana in 2019 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Honoring John F. Nunan: A Legacy of Historic Preservation
Yajaira Aich West Named 250Lex Ambassador for August
Sanders-Brown Center Celebrates 40 Years of Alzheimer’s Research
Pope Leo XIV: The First American Pontiff Embraces Reform and Inclusivity
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass Awarded $125,000 Grant
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.


