News & Grants In Action | Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation

The next deadline for quarterly grant applications is April 15, 2024.

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.

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STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS

While applications for all projects benefitting Muhlenberg County will be considered for financial support, the Foundation’s grantmaking is concentrated in five strategic focus areas: economic development, quality education & training, community development & quality of place, community engagement & collaboration, and health & human services.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Consistently ranked by the community as the number one area of need for the County, the Foundation believes that successful economic development efforts will impact the community by providing employment, increased population and tax base, meaningful work, and community pride. The Foundation supports organizations and projects that drive economic development, partnering with the County to support Muhlenberg Economic Growth Alliance (MEGA) and other community-led projects that focus on workforce and soft skills development, entrepreneurship, and community vitality.

QUALITY EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Believing that education is the cornerstone of success in life, and guided by data showing that nearly 70% of jobs will require a postsecondary credential by 2027, the Foundation is committed to seeking and supporting programs which will prepare residents for skilled jobs and create a pipeline of qualified workforce. The Foundation is home to the SOAR Early Childhood Education program, Muhlenberg Achieves post-secondary success program, and the GED Learn & Earn Program, in addition to providing support for community initiatives focused on local educational opportunities.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND QUALITY OF PLACE

Quality of place is a key element in retaining and attracting residents and businesses to Muhlenberg County. The foundation believes that a successful community will provide engaging activities, cultural opportunities, and inviting public spaces, as well as quality-of-life needs such as access to high-speed internet. Working with the community, the Foundation has played a key role in developing and providing ongoing support for organizations such as the Greater Muhlenberg Parks & Recreation System, arts initiatives such as Felix E. Martin Jr. Hall for Creative and Performing Arts and grant programs such as Spruce Up the "Berg.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION

To effectively implement strategies for community growth, a network of engaged leaders who work collaboratively toward unified goals will be essential. To support this work in the community, the Foundation seeks projects focused on developing effective local leaders and expanding community knowledge and resources through programs such as the Muhlenberg Civic Leadership Institute and the Community Leadership Fund.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Even when economic and educational opportunities exist, many residents face barriers to accessing those opportunities. Barriers such as transportation, housing, and childcare keep some residents from improving their prospects for prosperity, and hinder Muhlenberg County as it strives to achieve its goals. The Foundation supports projects designed to reduce these barriers as well as providing support for community-led initiatives which provide greater access to resources such as food, health care, and recovery options.