Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $632,500+ (cumulative since 2017)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 6 months (February LOI to August decision)
• Grant Range: Individual grants vary; $115,000 total for 2026 Community Impact Fund
• Geographic Focus: Boone, Campbell, and Kenton Counties in Northern Kentucky

Contact Details

Website: horizoncfnky.org
Phone: (859) 757-1552
Email: info@horizoncfnky.org
Grant Inquiries: Dawn Denham - ddenham@horizoncfnky.org | 859.468.2872

Overview

Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky (formerly Horizon Community Funds) was established in 2017 by a group of Northern Kentucky business and civic leaders to address the needs of a historically underserved region. With over $20 million in assets under management, the foundation serves as a catalyst for community transformation through strategic grantmaking, donor-advised funds, and giving circles. The organization has granted more than $632,500 through its Community Impact Fund since 2017, impacting over 50,000 Northern Kentuckians. In 2025, the foundation rebranded and relocated to the OneNKY Center in Covington, signaling its commitment to regional collaboration and growth.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Community Impact Fund: $115,000 total (2026) - Annual competitive grant supporting innovative nonprofit initiatives. Applications accepted February 1-28 via Letter of Intent
• The 410 Giving Circle: $18,000+ annually - Member-directed grants focusing on equity, education, and economic opportunity
• Donor-Advised Funds: Variable amounts - Individual and family funds supporting diverse causes
• Scholarship Programs: Multiple funds supporting student education

Priority Areas

• Innovation and bold, high-impact ideas
• Initiatives that accelerate progress and exhibit measurable outcomes
• Programs demonstrating collaboration between nonprofits
• Projects advancing equity across Northern Kentucky
• Mental health and substance use disorder programs
• Education and workforce development
• Economic opportunity initiatives

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals
• Political organizations or campaigns
• Non-charitable initiatives
• Fundraising event sponsorships
• Annual events or festivals
• Retroactive expenses (payment for activities already completed)
• Organizations that discriminate based on age, color, race, national origin, gender identity, marital status, ability, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs
• Capital projects or campaigns

Governance and Leadership

President and CEO: Nancy Grayson - Recognized leader with numerous awards including Cincinnati Enquirer Woman of the Year (2022) and Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Award (2021). Graduate of University of Kentucky (BA Political Science) and University of Cincinnati College of Law (JD).

Board of Trustees: 24 prominent local leaders including:

• Rich Boehne (Retired Chairman, The E.W. Scripps Company)
• Garren Colvin (President and CEO, St. Elizabeth Healthcare)
• Kris Knochelmann (Kenton County Judge Executive)
• Mike Schlotman (Executive VP & CFO, The Kroger Co.)

Key Staff:

• Aaron Slovin - Director of Accounting and Administration
• Dawn Denham - Director of Marketing and Engagement
• Ashleigh Luebbers - Operations and Communications Coordinator

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Community Impact Fund uses a two-stage application process:

1. Letter of Intent (LOI): Submit through online portal between February 1-28
2. Full Application: By invitation only, due May 29

Requirements for LOI include:

• Program purpose and description
• Itemized budget with funding amount requested
• Impact details and measurable outcomes
• Description of nonprofit collaboration (minimum one partner required)
• How the program differs from existing initiatives
• Sustainability plan beyond grant period

Decision Timeline

• February 1: LOI portal opens
• February 28: LOI deadline
• April 6: Full application invitations sent
• May 29: Full application deadline
• August: Funding decisions announced
• Total timeline: Approximately 6 months from LOI to decision

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly available. In 2025, eight organizations received grants from the Community Impact Fund out of total applicants (number not disclosed).

Reapplication Policy

Organizations should wait one year between grant applications to the Community Impact Fund.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and recent grant patterns:

• Demonstrate innovation: The foundation explicitly seeks "bold, high-impact ideas" that accelerate progress
• Show collaboration: Applications must include partnership with at least one other nonprofit - this is mandatory
• Focus on measurable outcomes: Include specific metrics and evaluation plans in your proposal
• Leverage resources: Show how the grant will attract or multiply other funding sources
• Address equity: Programs advancing equity across the region receive priority consideration
• Local focus: Ensure clear service to Boone, Campbell, or Kenton counties
• Avoid capital requests: The foundation explicitly does not fund capital projects or campaigns

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Collaboration is mandatory - Partner with at least one other nonprofit before applying • Six-month decision timeline - Plan accordingly from February LOI to August announcement • Innovation is key - Bold, transformative ideas are prioritized over traditional programming • One-year waiting period - Organizations must wait a year between applications • No retroactive funding - Never start your project before receiving funding confirmation • Equity focus strengthens applications - Programs addressing disparities receive priority • Leverage storytelling - With over 50,000 people impacted since 2017, show how your project contributes to regional transformation

References

• Horizon Community Foundation official website (horizoncfnky.org) - Accessed February 2026
• "Community Impact Fund Grant" page - horizoncfnky.org/our-grants/community-impact-fund-grant/
• "Our Team" page - horizoncfnky.org/building-a-community/our-team/
• GuideStar Profile for Horizon Community Foundation (EIN: 82-1388190)
• "Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky" - Inside Philanthropy
• "2026 Community Impact Fund Grant Cycle Announced" - Horizon news release
• "The 410 Giving Circle Awards $18,000 to Support Local Nonprofits" - LINK nky press release, November 14, 2025
• "Horizon Funds announces name change to Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky" - NKyTribune, July 2025