Kentucky Infrastructure Grants

CJI’s Leadership Circle is soliciting proposals from grassroots organizations led by formerly incarcerated and directly impacted individuals. The program aims to transform and reimagine the U.S. criminal legal system by building alternative community-based solutions and organizing to prevent the criminalization of marginalized identities and communities. This initiative directly aligns with CJI's mission to support meaningful, transformative, and systemic change within the criminal legal system, empowering future leaders who have often experienced incarceration themselves. The foundation's strategic priority is to support movement-building organizing that creates a new world, a "world they demand NOW." The target beneficiaries are formerly incarcerated individuals and directly impacted people, including primary family members, as well as marginalized groups within their communities (e.g., poor, houseless, young, elders, queer, trans, people with mental illness, people with disabilities). The program's impact goals include ending mass criminalization and incarceration, creating safe and healthy communities that do not rely on arrest and incarceration, and re-establishing rights and access for those formerly incarcerated or newly criminalized. The Leadership Circle's theory of change emphasizes shared authority among donors and community organizers, many of whom have lived experience with incarceration, to drive systemic change. The program prioritizes several key areas. This includes building alternatives to traditional carceral systems, investing in approaches that end mass criminalization, creating policies to reform and dismantle repressive legal systems, and uplifting the leadership and experience of those affected by the criminal legal system. Other focuses include re-establishing rights for formerly incarcerated individuals, promoting transformative and restorative justice, and supporting culturally appropriate healing programs connected to the criminal justice movement. CJI also has specific funding preferences for organizations led by formerly incarcerated individuals, groups operating in difficult political environments, those developing new leaders from marginalized backgrounds, and work addressing discrimination against incarcerated or detained people, particularly in the South, Indian country, and other rural areas. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the development of community-based interventions, changes in policies and institutions (like parole and probation), and a demonstrable commitment to systems change through organizing. The program seeks to empower new leaders, particularly from marginalized communities, and foster innovative collaborations among diverse organizations. While specific quantitative metrics are not provided in the description, the emphasis on "movement-building organizing" and "achieving systems change" suggests that the success will be measured by the demonstrable impact on criminal legal system reform and the empowerment of affected communities. CJI is particularly committed to supporting smaller, emerging organizations with budgets of $1 million or less, indicating a focus on grassroots impact and capacity building.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit emergency medical services in Kentucky to develop and implement innovative care protocols that improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary emergency department visits in rural areas.

This grant provides funding to under-resourced communities in the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions to develop strategic plans that address local economic development challenges.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit emergency medical services in Kentucky to establish or expand community paramedicine programs that improve healthcare access and coordination in rural areas.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods for improving local football fields, ensuring safe and accessible play spaces for community youth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Appalachian region for projects that promote economic diversification and workforce development in communities impacted by coal industry job losses.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist local governments and public entities in Kentucky with organizing events to safely collect and manage household hazardous waste while promoting community education on proper disposal practices.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Lexington, Kentucky, that are working to improve housing access and prevent homelessness in the community.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions in the Cumberland Plateau and Southern Appalachians to restore ecosystems, improve habitats, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit and community organizations in Madison County to implement innovative public health projects that address local health challenges and support historically marginalized communities.

This program provides financial support to individual Black, Indigenous, and People of Color artists in Greater Cincinnati to create and showcase projects that explore themes of truth and innovation related to social justice and equity in July 2025.

This grant provides funding to local governments and organizations in Kentucky to improve recycling programs and public education on waste management through collaborative projects.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative economic development projects across multiple Appalachian states, targeting local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions to drive regional transformation and growth.

This program provides financial assistance to Russell County businesses for improving their storefronts and signage, enhancing their visual appeal and promoting local economic activity.

This program provides financial assistance to historically underserved farmers in the southeastern U.S. for essential infrastructure improvements and support for new farming operations.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in specific counties of Kentucky and Southern Indiana for projects that promote education, financial wellbeing, and community development.

This funding opportunity supports projects in the Appalachian region that help individuals recovering from substance use disorders gain access to job training and employment services, fostering sustainable recovery and economic independence.

This grant provides funding to local governments in Kentucky to improve composting and recycling efforts, promoting sustainable waste management practices across the state.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio that are focused on improving economic and social mobility for at-risk populations.

This program provides matching funds to nonprofit organizations in specific U.S. regions for energy efficiency upgrades to their existing buildings, helping them save on utility costs and enhance sustainability.