The James Graham Brown Foundation cultivates progress and civic pride through philanthropic investments that promote the image of Kentucky and Louisville and the well‐being of its citizens.

The Foundation gives priority to organizations with a strong track record for success and to projects that will result in significant impact and enduring outcomes. With occasional exceptions, the Foundation does not generally make grants under $250,000. 

Funding concepts presented to JGBF must be endorsed by the organization’s Chief Executive Officer and should be among the organization’s top priorities. In most cases, the foundation prioritizes requests that not only demonstrate community need, but also have a broad base of financial support.

Funding Priorities:

Education & Workforce

JGBF makes grants with the goal of increasing social and economic mobility for underrepresented students. JGBF prioritizes proposals that support efforts to:

• Build and expand access to coordinated wraparound services.

• Create clear and equitable pathways from high school to college and to living-wage and high-wage jobs.

• Reduce academic achievement gaps within JCPS.

• Create greater alignment between K-12, postsecondary and workforce systems.

Community & Economic Prosperity

JGBF prioritizes proposals that do the following:

• Prioritize community voice.

• Prioritize community ownership and management.

• Create clear and equitable pathways to social and economic mobility.

• Pursue collaboration with anchor institutions.

• Invest in people and places.

• Strengthen community development institutions.

• Foster resident-informed strategic partnerships supporting cultural assets and amenities.

JGBF makes grants with the goal of accelerating long-term economic transition. JGBF prioritizes proposals that support efforts to:

• Strengthen community development institutions, networks and coordination to support responsible revitalization.

• Invest in people and places.

• Build capacity of organizations focusing on community-driven projects, particularly those building wealth for residents.

• Leverage collaboration with anchor institutions, particularly higher education entities.

• Build the capacity of effective community groups by strengthening and investing in programs and leadership.

• Support opportunities to change the narrative in target communities.

• Foster citizen-informed, strategic partnerships supporting cultural assets and amenities.

• Apply asset-based community development models.

Health and Well-being

-Quality of Life funding is primarily focused on Louisville, Kentucky, and supports grants to human services, civic and cultural, and philanthropic organizations.