Community investment

LG&E and KU are committed to investing in the communities we serve through initiatives that promote the well-being of the people we serve. We do this through our donations to non-profit organizations that focus on education, the environment, diversity and activities benefiting our low-income customers.

These donations support events, activities and organizations each year, demonstrating our support and appreciation to our customers and communities throughout our service territory. From music festivals to harvest festivals; children's organizations to family support groups; community events in rural communities to large metro areas; and an array of other events and organizations are supported by LG&E and KU each year.

Grant applications

We invest in the improvement of the quality of life in our communities.

Community Grant applications will be accepted in February and October. Award notifications will be sent approximately two months after each application period. With the addition of multiple application cycles, organizations may apply at a time which best suits their funding needs and fiscal calendars. We encourage you to make all requests of the LG&E and KU Foundation through the Community Grants program during one of these periods.

Also, please be aware that if you are applying for event sponsorship support only, you are encouraged to use the new Event Sponsorship application, available in February and October as well.

More information on our grant programs:

Investment in Kentucky

children from Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass
Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing

Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing, a preserve in southwest Jefferson County that captures 19th century farm life on the Ohio River. We support the annual Mayor’s Brunch to benefit the general fund; the holiday festival with free admission and activities for the community; and restoration of the chapel, where countless weddings have taken place. 

Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County and Louisville Urban League

Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County and Louisville Urban League non-profits that assist African-Americans, other minority groups and the disadvantaged in attaining social and economic equality and stability. In Lexington-Fayette County, funding is helping to replace dilapidated structures with quality affordable homes and duplexes. KU funds will also support an exciting education and workforce development program that will create certified fiber-optic technicians through a community college partnership.

Through the years, we’ve supported the Louisville Urban League’s various programs to empower local residents and its annual fundraising efforts, including a $50,000 contribution to the Ben Richmond Legacy Empowerment Fund to ensure the organization’s continued success during a leadership change.

Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana and Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass

Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana and Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass that help students learn life skills, work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. LG&E and KU employees serve as classroom mentors, raise funds in the annual Turkey Bowl and support the overall mission of JA. LG&E and KU were early adopters of the JA BizTowns in Louisville and Lexington, having “storefronts” in both. Students who spend the day at these locations experience what it’s like to apply and interview for a job, keep a work schedule, manage a personal budget and even fill the roles of LG&E and KU employees.

And the list continues...

Near Harrodsburg, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is an international destination that brings 150,000 visitors to Central Kentucky each year. The Southwest Community Festival in Jefferson County, the W.C. Handy Blues and Barbeque Festival in Henderson, the World Chicken Festival in London, and all attract visitors to the Commonwealth who patronize local hotels and restaurants.

Environmental Investment

LG&E and KU support tree plantings, greening initiatives and wildlife habitats, as well as a commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Environmental stewardship is demonstrated not only in environmental improvements at our facilities, but also in our community investments. LG&E and KU support tree plantings and wildlife habitats and a commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Since launching the Plant for the Planet grant program in 2009, thousands of trees have been planted in various urban and rural settings offering public access, parks and nature preserves. Many successful projects also have used unique approaches to incorporate trees in other landscape settings. 

Each April, we distribute tree seedlings in association with Arbor Day and Earth Month events around the Commonwealth, ranging from Reforest the Bluegrass in Lexington to Yew Dell Gardens in Crestwood. Employees distribute thousands of the tree seedlings from customer walk-in centers in Lexington, Danville, Earlington and Liberty, Ky., and in Norton and Pennington Gap, Va.

Thanks to our “Party for the Planet” sponsorships, families state-wide celebrate Earth Month at the Louisville Zoo and Arbor Day at the Lexington Arboretum throughout April. Annually, some 100,000 zoo guests enjoy discounted admission and free activities, including zookeeper presentations, eco-exhibits, workshops and recycled art contests. Arboretum guests receive free admission to the Children’s Garden, and hundreds of tree seedlings are handed out by employee volunteers at the event.

Investment in Virginia

ODP employees volunteering for the Day of Caring event

ODP supports Feeding America Southwest Virginia; Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc.; “Fit Farmer” 5-K runs and obstacle courses for kids; Kiwanis clothing drives for children; and the Appalachian Community Action & Development Agency, Inc.

Our support of the Southwest Virginia Legislative Reception in Richmond, Va., directly impacts the region’s future. Hosted by the Wise County Industrial Development Authority, this event brings together business leaders, elected officials and economic development professionals to promote growth in ODP communities. Additionally, we support an annual fundraiser for the Wise County Chamber of Commerce.

From new libraries and tree planting initiatives to harvest festivals, we invest in projects and programs that enhance the world around us.