The Marilyn and William Young Foundation, established in 1998 in Owensboro, Kentucky, is a private philanthropic organization dedicated to enhancing community well-being and economic opportunity in Owensboro and Daviess County. The Foundation operates with a mission to serve as a capacity-building resource, with an emphasis on fostering skill development, supporting forward-thinking leadership, and promoting coordinated efforts that improve the quality of life for area residents.
Beginning in 2024, the Foundation realigned its grantmaking strategy to focus on four core areas. The first, Leadership Development, targets the cultivation of skilled public and private sector leaders who can navigate change, mobilize diverse community stakeholders, and make decisions in the long-term interest of the region. The second focus area, Accessible Arts Experiences, funds initiatives that increase the sustainability of arts and cultural programming, recognizing their importance to both community life and the local tourism economy. The third area, Family Support Systems, supports innovative strategies aimed at helping low-income and undereducated individuals improve their access to educational opportunities, fostering pathways to livable wages, economic stability, and family well-being. A final category, Community Grants, provides limited one-time funding for immediate needs that clearly benefit the local community.
The Foundation does not fund endowments, annual appeals, religious organizations, event sponsorships, individual applicants, operating costs, or any initiative that does not directly benefit the citizens of Owensboro or Daviess County. Additionally, organizations that engage in any form of discrimination based on legally protected characteristics are ineligible for funding. All applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations.
To initiate the application process, interested organizations must first submit a Letter of Intent to Apply, which the Foundation accepts on a rolling basis throughout the year. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to complete a full grant application. Applications are only accessible through a password-protected portal provided upon invitation. For assistance during the application process, applicants may contact Sara Hemingway at (270) 663-1043 or via email at sara@mwyoungfoundation.org.
