SOAR is the Foundation’s early childhood education program focused on helping Muhlenberg children arrive at kindergarten ready to learn. SOAR believes that a strong start for children will allow them to succeed in school throughout their academic careers, and move onto eventual success in the workplace. SOAR hosts multiple programs and events focused primarily on early childhood literacy including READY! for Kindergarten, the Books ‘n Cream summer reading program, Kindergarten Camp, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the Reach Out and Read program.
About The Foundation
The Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation is committed to empowering the residents of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, building on the strengths of the community as they shape the best possible place to live, work and raise a family. To fulfill this vision, the Foundation actively seeks projects and partnerships, supporting transformative ideas that build a more vibrant community and expand opportunities for all who live in Muhlenberg County.
Established through a trust created in 2008 by Felix E. Martin Jr. (1927-2007) for the “civic, cultural, and educational benefit of the citizens of Muhlenberg County,” the Foundation has since distributed over $32 million to benefit the community of approximately 31,000 residents.
The Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation is a supporting organization of the Community Foundation of Louisville, and is dedicated to supporting needs in Muhlenberg County - both today and for generations to come.
Featured Grants
While applications for all projects benefitting Muhlenberg County will be considered for financial support, the Foundation’s grantmaking is strategically focused on economic development, education and training, community development, community engagement and collaboration, and health and human services.
The Muhlenberg Achieves postsecondary success program strives to increase postsecondary educational attainment for Muhlenberg County residents of all ages. Partnering with Muhlenberg County Schools, the program provides opportunities such as tours at various Kentucky colleges and universities, support to assist students in the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), informational seminars about postsecondary educational opportunities, as well as the e-coach mentoring program. In addition, the Muhlenberg Achieves program works with Madisonville Community College to support adults striving to return to school to complete their GED or associates degree.
The GED Learn & Earn program is offered in partnership with Madisonville Community College's Muhlenberg County Adult Education Center (ACE2) where enrolled Muhlenberg County residents can earn cash stipends while in pursuit of their GED.
Economic development has been identified as one of Muhlenberg County’s primary needs, based on surveys and analysis done by both local task forces and outside consultants. The Foundation supports organizations and projects that drive economic development, partnering with the County to support the Muhlenberg Alliance for Progress and projects which focus on workforce and soft skills development, entrepreneurship and community vitality. Recent projects have included programs supporting the County’s efforts to achieve Work Ready Community status, as well as expanded broadband service, and the establishment of training programs such as the Advanced Integrated Technology program at Muhlenberg County High School and a new aviation program at Madisonville Community College.
Responding to a vital need for youth services in Muhlenberg County, the Foundation worked with local volunteers, playing a key role in establishing the Greater Muhlenberg Parks and Recreation System (GMPRS). Since that time, the Foundation provides operating support for GMPRS and has partnered with them to not only provide updates and improvements for local parks across the County, but also to provide funding for the construction of Muhlenberg County Park, which includes an $8 million outdoor athletic complex and a new indoor athletic facility, currently being constructed.
The Foundation believes that an active arts community is vital to quality of life in Muhlenberg County, and will also play a key role in economic development for the County. The Foundation played a key role in the establishment and ongoing operating costs of Felix E. Martin Jr. Hall, which opened in March 2012 and now hosts events ranging from local student performances to community events to professional touring productions and concerts. In addition, the Foundation provides support for local arts camps and school performances, as well as support for the Muhlenberg County Arts Council.