Kentucky Cattlemens Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $45,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $65,000
• Geographic Focus: Kentucky (statewide)

Contact Details

• Website: www.kycattle.org/foundation
• Phone: (859) 278-0899
• Address: 176 Pasadena Dr Ste 4, Lexington, KY 40503

Overview

The Kentucky Cattlemens Foundation Inc., established in 1993, is a 501(c)(3) public charity with assets of $12.4 million dedicated to supporting Kentucky's beef cattle industry through education, leadership development, and industry advancement. The Foundation works closely with the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association to provide scholarships, youth leadership programs, and producer development initiatives. Most notably, the Foundation recently received a $22 million appropriation from the Kentucky General Assembly in April 2024 to establish the Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center, demonstrating their capacity to facilitate large-scale infrastructure projects that benefit the industry.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Organizational Grants: $10,000 - $65,000 (focused on beef industry and agricultural education)
• Youth Scholarships: Five $1,500 scholarships annually (application deadline: March 31)
• Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center: $22 million state-funded project (2024-2026)

Priority Areas

• Agricultural education and workforce development
• Youth leadership development in the beef industry
• Beef producer education and development
• Agricultural innovation and research
• Food systems and value-added agriculture
• Rural community development connected to beef production

What They Don't Fund

• Non-agricultural programs
• Projects outside Kentucky
• Organizations without connection to beef cattle industry
• General community services unrelated to agriculture

Governance and Leadership

• Foundation Chair: Dr. David Williams
• Executive Vice President (KCA): Dave Maples (manages Foundation projects)

Dave Maples manages projects for the Kentucky Cattlemen's Foundation, Kentucky Beef Council, Kentucky Beef Network, and Southeastern Livestock Network, providing continuity and expertise across multiple agricultural initiatives.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Foundation does not appear to have a public application process for organizational grants. Grant awards seem to be made through board discretion to known partners and organizations within the Kentucky beef industry ecosystem. Organizations seeking funding should establish relationships with the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association and demonstrate clear alignment with the beef industry.

Getting on Their Radar

• Join the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association as an organizational member
• Participate in KCA events and programs
• Partner on existing programs like the KJCA Leadership Camp or adult Leadership Development Program
• Contact Dave Maples at the KCA office to discuss potential project alignment
• Collaborate with the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture on beef-related initiatives

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed for organizational grants

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

No information available

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's funding patterns and priorities:

• Projects must directly benefit Kentucky's beef cattle industry
• Educational programs targeting youth or producer development are strongly favored
• Partnerships with the University of Kentucky agricultural programs strengthen proposals
• Organizations with KCA membership or existing relationships have clear advantages
• Projects should demonstrate measurable impact on beef industry sustainability or growth
• Innovation in agricultural practices or technology alignment with the new Livestock Innovation Center could be compelling

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a highly specialized funder focused exclusively on Kentucky's beef cattle industry
• No public application process exists; relationships and industry connections are essential
• Youth education and leadership development are core funding priorities with established programs
• The $22 million Livestock Innovation Center shows capacity for large-scale projects through legislative partnerships
• Organizations must have clear beef industry connection - general agricultural or rural programs unlikely to qualify
• Best suited for: 4-H/FFA programs, agricultural colleges, beef producer associations, or agricultural innovation organizations
• Contact Dave Maples at KCA to explore potential partnership opportunities before developing proposals

References

• Kentucky Cattlemen's Foundation website (www.kycattle.org/foundation) - Accessed February 2025
• Instrumentl 990 Report for Kentucky Cattlemens Foundation Inc. - Accessed February 2025
• "Kentucky Cattlemen's Association breaks ground on Livestock Innovation Center" - UK Martin-Gatton College News, October 22, 2024
• Kentucky Cattlemen's Association Youth Scholarship information - College Board BigFuture
• KJCA Leadership Camp information - KCA website
• Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center FAQ (www.livestockinnovationcenter.org) - Accessed February 2025