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 seeks to enrich the lives of the citizens of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky by providing support to qualified organizations to meet educational, civic and cultural needs of the County – both today and for generations to come.
The Foundation was established in 2008 by a trust created by Felix E. Martin Jr. (1927-2007), a native and long-time resident of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, and is a supporting organization of the Community Foundation of Louisville.
Since that time, The Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation has focused its charitable work on investments in quality of life in Muhlenberg County, a county of over 31,000 people. While all grants which benefit the education, civic and cultural needs of the County are considered, the Foundation gives priority to grant projects which support economic and community development and youth services in Muhlenberg County.
Since the Foundation’s first grants were awarded in late 2008, the Foundation has distributed over $30 million dollars to support projects in Muhlenberg County.
Featured Grants & Programs
The Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation initiates grant programs and responds to grant requests in all areas which benefit the civic, cultural and educational needs of Muhlenberg County. While grant programs are diverse in scope and focus, several areas of need have produced signature programs. For a deeper look at some of our currently featured grants and programs, please click on the links below.
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 survey and analysis done by both local task forces and outside consultants. The Foundation supports organizations and projects that drive economic development growth, 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.
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 performing, as well as support for the Muhlenberg County Arts Council.