Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a pre-grant request and a formal application?
Submitting a pre-grant request is required if a grant seeker has never received a grant from the Foundation or if it has been several years since a grant was awarded.  Please keep in mind that the Foundation receives many more pre-grant requests than could possibly be funded.  If the pre-grant request fits within the funding priorities and interests of the Foundation, the organization may be invited to complete a formal application.   The formal application will be reviewed at specific times of the year – social services formal applications in April; cultural & civic formal applications are reviewed in June and education formal applications are reviewed in August of each year.

Can I submit a pre-grant request at any time of the year?
Yes, pre-grant requests may be submitted any time during the year, but formal applications will be reviewed only at specific times by program areas.

I am a small business owner, am I eligible to apply?
No, only organizations that have obtained a tax-exempt designation under Section 501(c)(3) of the I.R.S. code may apply.

Why do you accept applications from social services organizations but not health organizations?
The Foundation has made a commitment to strategically partner with the James Graham Brown Cancer Center in its efforts to become a premier cancer research and clinical center in the United States.  Therefore over the next five years, the Foundation will focus health related grant-making to the Cancer Center.

I missed the formal application deadline, can I still apply?
We review formal applications based on the program area in which it falls.  If you have missed the formal application deadline, the request will be reviewed the following year.  Please call the Foundation office with any questions and to discuss the process.

I am a high school senior that wishes to apply for a college scholarship.
The Foundation has established endowed scholarships at Centre College, Bellarmine University, Georgetown College, Kentucky Wesleyan College and Thomas More College in Kentucky.  The scholarships are administered through the colleges.  Applicant should contact college directly with scholarship questions.

I am a high school senior that wishes to apply for the Brown Fellows Program.

Please go the BFP website (www.brownfellowsprogram.org) for more information about the program or contact the website or admissions office at Centre College or the University of Louisville.

Are performing arts organizations eligible to apply for funding?
No, because in Mr. Brown’s will he specifically mandated that the Foundation not support directly or indirectly the Performing Arts. 

My non-profit status is pending, am I eligible to apply?
No, the Foundation prefers to review applications from organizations with established non-profit status.

My organization needs minor capital repairs.  Am I eligible to apply?
The Foundation prefers to support large capital campaigns intended to provide institutional growth and long-term sustainability for nonprofits in the Louisville region.

What is the geographic funding area of the Brown Foundation?
Grants are awarded in Kentucky and the Louisville Metropolitan Region.

Organization is located outside Metropolitan Louisville or Kentucky but the service area is in Kentucky, can we still apply?
No, the Foundation does not fund organizations outside of the state of Kentucky.  The general rule of thumb is where the grant award will be mailed.  If it is outside metropolitan Louisville or Kentucky, the organization is not eligible to apply.

Organization is located in Kentucky, but outside Metropolitan Louisville, are the requirements the same?
Campaigns outside the Louisville metropolitan area must show evidence of significant local community support before being considered by the foundation for funding.

I am a College Professor and my department is looking for research funding, are we eligible to apply?
Any requests from colleges must come through the University President’s office.  The Foundation does not accept requests from outside the President’s office.

My organization wants to apply for operational funding.
The Foundation generally has not supported requests for annual operating support or requests for assistance with ongoing activities of an organization.

My organization would like to apply for a program/project with religious purposes.
The Foundation generally does not fund grant requests from religious organizations for religious purposes (including theological seminaries).

Can an elementary, middle or high school apply for funding?
In 1984, the Trustees of the James Graham Brown Foundation, Inc. voted not to support any requests related to primary or secondary schooling, although broad-based programs with systemic impact in Jefferson County or the state may be eligible. 

My application met all the criteria, so why wasn’t it approved?
Applicants must recognize that if a proposal appears to meet all criteria to ensure support, the Board of Trustees as a whole must select among numerous proposals those that meet the present priorities of the Foundation.

Can my organization apply for an amount less than $25,000?
No, the Foundation does not accept requests for amounts less than $25,000.

I have a great idea for a project, can I meet with staff?
Staff is available to meet with potential grantees that are ready to apply for funding.  Staff can clarify the priorities and guidelines of the Foundation, but cannot serve as a consultant.  Prior to requesting a meeting please provide an executive summary of request and if appropriate, complete and return a pre-grant request.  Staff will initiate a meeting if necessary.  Staff discourages phone interviews to review potential requests.

May my board members contact the Trustees directly about a potential grant?
The trustees prefer that all questions about potential grant requests go through Foundation staff.

Does the Foundation ever sponsor tables at events?
No, the Foundation does not sponsor tables at events.

May a grantee send the Foundation gifts or other recognition items for a grant received?
The Foundation prefers not to receive gifts or other recognition items for a grant awarded.

After notification that we have received a grant from the Foundation, may we send out a press release or other announcement?
The Foundation requests that grantee provide it will a copy of press release prior to release.

We recently received a grant and would like to apply for another grant.
Please contact the Foundation to discuss the application process if you have recently received a grant from the Foundation.  The Foundation generally prefers that grants are closed out prior to the organization re-applying.