The Community Foundation Of Louisville Depository Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $55.9 million (2024, across all CFL entities)
• Assets: Over $874 million (Community Foundation of Louisville system)
• Geographic Focus: Louisville Metro and greater Kentucky region
• Depository Entity Grants: $17.9 million (2020)
• Founded: 1984 (Community Foundation of Louisville system)

Contact Details

Community Foundation of Louisville 325 W. Main Street, Suite 1110 Louisville, KY 40202

Phone: 502-585-4649 Website: https://www.cflouisville.org Email: Contact through website or strategic initiatives team

Key Contact for Grantmaking:

• Amber Burns-Jones, Executive Director, Grantmaking
• Michael Pfaff, Director, Grants Administration

Overview

The Community Foundation of Louisville Depository Inc (EIN 31-1140889) is one of three legal entities that comprise the Community Foundation of Louisville system, which was founded in 1984. This specific entity serves as a financial intermediary to facilitate donor charitable giving through the distribution of grants and contributions to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations under Section 509(A). The Depository awarded $17.9 million in grants in 2020.

The broader Community Foundation of Louisville system manages over $874 million in assets across 2,200+ charitable funds and has distributed $1.2 billion in grants since its founding. In 2024 alone, the Foundation made 616 awards totaling $55.9 million. The Foundation's strategic approach centers on advancing racial equity, stewarding philanthropic assets, increasing capital to community resources, and creating sustainable progress throughout Louisville and Kentucky. Under President and CEO Ron Gallo's leadership since 2020, the Foundation has embraced trust-based philanthropy practices that prioritize relationship-building and reduce barriers for applicants.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Sparking Change Mini-Grants

• Amount: $1,000 per grant
• Frequency: Three grants awarded monthly
• Eligibility: Nonprofits with operating budgets under $250,000
• Application: Apply once per calendar year; considered monthly thereafter
• Focus: Louisville's People, Louisville's Prosperity, and Louisville's Well-Being action areas

Charles & Jack Fund for LGBTQ+ Advancement

• Amount: Up to $20,000
• Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving LGBTQ+ youth (aged 24 and under) in Metro Louisville and Kentucky
• Application cycle: Annual (typically closed by early year)

Alden Fellows

• Amount: Up to $10,000
• Eligibility: Executive Directors of 501(c)(3) nonprofits headquartered in and serving Jefferson County, Kentucky
• Purpose: Professional development and certifications
• Awards: Up to five fellows selected annually

Vogt Invention and Innovation Awards

• Amount: $25,000 per recipient
• Recipients: Up to six early-stage businesses annually
• Includes: 10-week accelerator program, coaching, mentorship, and strategic introductions
• Focus: Entrepreneurs who retain full business ownership
• Track record: 114 grants totaling $4.3+ million; 40% to women or founders of color; recipients have attracted $207+ million in follow-on investment

Bill Fischer Award

• Focus: Visual artists in Louisville Metro Area
• Purpose: Enhancing community creativity

Community Safety & Healing Fund

• Application cycle: Annual (specific amounts vary)

Artemis Fund

• Focus: Youth development organizations
• Application cycle: Annual

Affiliate Community Foundation Grants

• Green River Area Community Foundation: Serves Daviess, Hancock, McLean, Ohio, Union, and Webster counties in Kentucky; grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits

• Shelby County Community Foundation: Supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits working substantially in Shelby County, Kentucky

• Oldham County Community Foundation: Supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits working substantially in Oldham County, Kentucky

Scholarships

• Amount: $1,000 to $20,000 per scholarship
• Recipients: 483 scholarships totaling $2.7 million awarded in 2025
• Over 90 scholarship opportunities available
• Geographic focus: Kentucky and Southern Indiana students

Give for Good Louisville

• Annual community giving event (not a traditional grant program)
• 2025: $10.4 million raised for 646 organizations
• Registration opens June annually

Strategic Initiatives (Non-Traditional Grant Programs)

Fund for Louisville

• Focus: Capacity-building grants since 2018
• Historical impact: $2.5 million to 148 nonprofits over seven years (2014-2021)
• Priority: Black-led and Black-serving nonprofit organizations in historically disinvested areas
• Supports: Strategic planning, staff training, feasibility studies, technology improvements
• Status: Currently engaging Work Group to define next signature initiative

Invest Louisville (Impact Investing, Not Traditional Grants)

• Structure: Loans, debt guarantees, lines of credit (repayable capital)
• Amount: $9 million deployed in first year (2024)
• Target: $15 million additional capital by end of 2025
• Focus: Affordable housing, job creation, community development in under-resourced areas
• Example: $1.5 million loan to Re:Land Group for 233 units of affordable housing
• Eligibility: For-profit and nonprofit organizations

Racial Justice Cohort

• Grant amount: $40,000 unrestricted grants per organization
• Recipients: 12 Black-led organizations
• Approach: Trust-based philanthropy model with relationship-building focus

Priority Areas

• Advancing racial equity and social justice
• Youth development and LGBTQ+ youth support
• Affordable and accessible housing
• Community development in historically disinvested areas
• Entrepreneurship and economic development
• Education and scholarships
• Capacity building for small nonprofits (under $250,000 budgets)
• Visual arts and creativity
• Community safety and healing

What They Don't Fund

• Event tickets
• Personal irrevocable pledges
• Membership dues with significant benefits
• Minimum grant amount: $100 (for donor-advised grants)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Ron Gallo, President and CEO Joined the Foundation in July 2020 during a challenging time in Louisville's history. Known for his commitment to racial equity and trust-based philanthropy.

Key quotes from Ron Gallo:

• "We have to get more capital to Black folks."
• "Once the power differential is removed, you get more honesty and creativity from those seeking grants."
• "Anyone can be a philanthropist by giving money, time, and even just an acknowledgement."
• On arriving in Louisville: "I saw a community that was troubled but not afraid to reckon with its past and to engage in real solutions."

Executive Team:

• Matthew Bacon - Chief Operating Officer / Chief Financial Officer
• Heather Cash - Chief Philanthropy Officer
• Valerie Sickles - Chief Marketing Officer
• Amber Burns-Jones - Executive Director, Grantmaking
• Harrison Kirby - Executive Director, Data and Community Impact
• Chelsea VanHook - Executive Director, Impact Investing

Board of Directors

Officers:

• Lopa Mehrotra (Chair) - Community Volunteer
• Carl Williams, Sr. (Vice Chair) - 20/twenty Strategic Consultants
• Michael W. Gough (Treasurer) - Norton Healthcare
• Dana Jackson (Secretary) - Dana Jackson Consulting
• Elizabeth Fust (Chair Emeritus) - Gathering Strength, Inc.

Directors: Summer Auerbach, Karina Barillas, Terrian Barnes, Tiffany Benjamin, Tendai Charasika, Moses Icyishaka, Amber Halloran, Valle Jones, Stephen Kertis, Melanie McCoy, Butch Mosby, Ted Nixon, Carlos Hernandez Ocampo, Beth Peabody, Dr. Armon Perry, Elizabeth Rounsavall, Curt Scott, Kris Sirchio

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Application processes vary by grant program. The Foundation uses a mix of open competitive applications, rolling applications, and invitation-based approaches depending on the specific fund.

General Competitive Grant Programs:

• Most programs open applications annually
• Applications typically available through the Foundation's website
• Various deadlines throughout the year depending on program
• Many programs open in Spring and close later in the year

Specific Application Approaches:

• Sparking Change Mini-Grants: Rolling basis; nonprofits apply once per calendar year and are considered monthly (can only receive once per year)

• Affiliate Community Foundations (Green River, Shelby County, Oldham County): Applications typically open in Spring with Summer deadlines

• Alden Fellows, Vogt Awards, Charles & Jack Fund: Fixed annual application cycles (specific dates vary by year)

Donor-Advised Grants: Grants from donor-advised funds are recommended by fundholders through the Foundation's online platform, with staff processing within five business days. Board of Directors has final approval.

Contact for Application Guidance: Strategic Initiatives Team: 502-585-4649 Organizations are encouraged to subscribe to the Foundation's monthly newsletter for grant cycle updates.

Decision Timeline

General grant processing: Typically 5 business days for donor-advised fund grants

Competitive grant programs: Timelines vary by program; most programs announce recipients within weeks to months after application deadline

Sparking Change Mini-Grants: Three recipients selected monthly

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. In 2024, the Foundation made 616 awards from total annual giving of $55.9 million, suggesting selective but substantial grant-making activity.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations can reapply to competitive grant programs in subsequent years. For Sparking Change Mini-Grants, organizations can only receive the grant once per calendar year but remain in consideration monthly after applying once within that year.

Application Success Factors

Trust-Based Philanthropy Approach

The Community Foundation of Louisville has adopted trust-based philanthropy practices, representing a significant shift in their grantmaking philosophy. This approach:

• Simplifies application processes (one organization received $20,000 without writing a traditional five-page grant application)
• Removes power differentials between funder and grantee
• Builds relationships with those closest to the issues
• Allows nonprofits to speak about their constituents "with decency and humanity" rather than to "appease funders"

Specific Success Factors

1. Alignment with Racial Equity Priorities The Foundation's current strategic focus centers heavily on advancing racial equity and supporting Black-led and Black-serving organizations. Organizations working on dismantling systems preventing racial and economic equity while constructing new systems promoting justice are strongly aligned with funding priorities.

2. Focus on Historically Disinvested Communities Programs increasingly target Louisville's historically disinvested neighborhoods. Projects demonstrating work in or impact on these communities align well with current priorities.

3. Capacity Building for Small Organizations The Foundation shows particular interest in supporting smaller nonprofits (under $250,000 operating budgets) with capacity-building opportunities including strategic planning, staff training, feasibility studies, and technology improvements.

4. Community-Centered Approach Per Ron Gallo's leadership philosophy: "We seek to create a fair, just, and inclusive society for all" and believe in "sharing decision-making, eliminating barriers, and making equity a cornerstone of everything we do." Applications that demonstrate community involvement and shared decision-making align with this philosophy.

5. Long-Term Sustainability Focus The Foundation seeks investments that create lasting impact. The Racial Justice Cohort model provided multi-year, unrestricted funding to allow organizations to build sustainable operations rather than project-specific funding.

6. For Entrepreneurs (Vogt Awards) 40% of past Vogt Awards have gone to women or founders of color, and the program emphasizes allowing founders to retain full ownership while receiving non-dilutive capital and mentorship. Applications demonstrating innovation and scalability are valued.

Recent Funded Projects as Examples

• LGBTQ+ Youth Services: Seven organizations serving queer youth across Kentucky received $20,000 grants through the Charles & Jack Fund
• Affordable Housing: Re:Land Group received $1.5 million (loan) for 233 units of affordable housing in Park Hill/Algonquin Acres neighborhood
• Small Nonprofit Support: Organizations like Elevate Louisville and Robert Jamison Ministries received Sparking Change Mini-Grants
• Racial Justice Cohort: 12 Black-led organizations each received $40,000 unrestricted grants

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Embrace the trust-based approach: The Foundation values honest, human-centered narratives over formulaic grant applications. Focus on authentic storytelling about your community and constituents.

• Prioritize racial equity alignment: If your organization works on advancing racial equity, supporting Black-led initiatives, or serving historically disinvested communities, emphasize this prominently in applications.

• Consider capacity building: Smaller organizations (under $250,000 budgets) should explore both Sparking Change Mini-Grants and capacity-building opportunities rather than just program funding.

• Build relationships early: With the Foundation's emphasis on trust-based philanthropy and relationship-building, engaging with staff before application deadlines can be valuable. Contact the Strategic Initiatives Team at 502-585-4649.

• Subscribe to the newsletter: Grant cycles and opportunities are announced through the monthly newsletter, which is essential for staying current on application windows.

• Multi-year perspective: The Foundation increasingly favors multi-year, renewable funding relationships over one-time project grants, particularly for organizations aligned with equity priorities.

• For entrepreneurs: The Vogt Awards offer rare non-dilutive capital. Applications should emphasize innovation, scalability, and how mentorship/networking will accelerate growth while maintaining full ownership.

References

1. Community Foundation of Louisville official website: https://www.cflouisville.org (accessed January 2026)
2. "Grant Opportunities," Community Foundation of Louisville: https://www.cflouisville.org/competitive-grant-opportunities/ (accessed January 2026)
3. "Funding," Community Foundation of Louisville: https://www.cflouisville.org/funding/ (accessed January 2026)
4. "Who We Are," Community Foundation of Louisville: https://www.cflouisville.org/who-we-are/ (accessed January 2026)
5. "Board of Directors," Community Foundation of Louisville: https://www.cflouisville.org/board-of-directors/ (accessed January 2026)
6. "Staff," Community Foundation of Louisville: https://www.cflouisville.org/staff/ (accessed January 2026)
7. "One-on-One with Ron Gallo," Community Foundation of Louisville: https://www.cflouisville.org/one-on-one-with-ron-gallo/ (accessed January 2026)
8. "The Racial Justice Cohort - A New Way to do Philanthropy," Community Foundation of Louisville: https://www.cflouisville.org/the-racial-justice-cohort-a-new-way-to-do-philanthropy/ (accessed January 2026)
9. "Three Local Organizations Receive High Impact Investment Capital through Invest Louisville," Community Foundation of Louisville: https://www.cflouisville.org/three-local-organizations-receive-high-impact-investment-capital-through-invest-louisville/ (accessed January 2026)
10. "Introducing Invest Louisville," Community Foundation of Louisville: https://www.cflouisville.org/introducing-invest-louisville/ (accessed January 2026)
11. "Community Foundation of Louisville announces first round of Sparking Change Mini-Grants recipients," Community Foundation of Louisville: https://www.cflouisville.org/community-foundation-of-louisville-announces-first-round-of-sparking-change-mini-grants-recipients/ (accessed January 2026)
12. "Six Local Queer Youth-Serving Organizations Selected for Grants," Community Foundation of Louisville: https://www.cflouisville.org/six-local-queer-youth-serving-organizations-selected-for-grants-of-up-to-20000-from-the-charles-jack-fund-for-lgbtq-advancement/ (accessed January 2026)
13. "The Community Foundation of Louisville Announces 2025 Alden Fellows Recipients," Community Foundation of Louisville: https://www.cflouisville.org/the-community-foundation-of-louisville-announces-2025-alden-fellows-recipients/ (accessed January 2026)
14. "Stoking Fire of Entrepreneurship in Louisville: Vogt Invention and Innovation Awards," Community Foundation of Louisville: https://www.cflouisville.org/stoking-fire-of-entrepreneurship-in-louisville-vogt-invention-and-innovation-awards/ (accessed January 2026)
15. "Community Foundation of Louisville Announces New Grant Strategy to Focus on Systems Change for Racial Justice," Community Foundation of Louisville: https://www.cflouisville.org/fund-for-louisville-new-direction/ (accessed January 2026)
16. "What You Made Possible in 2025: A Year of Impact and Innovation," Community Foundation of Louisville: https://www.cflouisville.org/what-you-made-possible-in-2025/ (accessed January 2026)
17. The Community Foundation of Louisville Depository profile, Cause IQ: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-community-foundation-of-louisville-depository,311140889/ (accessed January 2026)
18. Form 990 filings, ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (accessed January 2026)