Apply now! 2026 Intercultural Microgrant Program
Our fourth-annual cycle is now accepting applications for cross-sector proposals from all Kentuckians!
About the Program
The Kentucky Intercultural Microgrant Program provides seed grants to support projects led by two or more RUX members, alumni, or partners collaborating across distance and difference.
Launched with support from DevouGood, Kentucky Civic Trust, Kentucky Foundation for Women, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Snowy Owl Foundation, and additional donors, the Microgrant Program supports the statewide RUX network to lead projects that celebrate and connect Kentucky's people and places.
Grants range from $250-$2,000 for short-term projects that foster dialogue, connection, or collaboration among Kentuckians from disparate backgrounds, identities, or experiences.
Applications are open Monday, May 18, through Friday, June 12 at 11:59pm Central.
About the Application Process
Applications are reviewed and scored by a panel of cross-sector professionals throughout Kentucky, including partners, former grantees, and members of the RUX network.
Timeline:
Monday, May 18 - Friday, June 12: Application Available
Wednesday, June 3, 12:00pm ET/11:00am CT: Project Info & Support Webinar - RSVP here!
Friday, June 26: Award Notification
Tuesday, June 30: Award announcement & kickoff events
Monday, August 31: Check-in meetings with Awardees - Selection committee members and staff will be assigned awardees to meet with and support with planning, concept development, and implementation of their project.
Wednesday, September 30: Second round of check-in meetings
Friday, October 30: Creative Project Due
Monday, November 30: Project Evaluation Due
Application Guidelines
Awards will range from $250-2000.
We encourage applicants to leverage this seed funding to entice partnerships and/or matching funds, but do not require a cash match.
The primary applicant must be a network member of the Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange (RUX). This includes cohort members, cohort alumni, and Membership Program members.
Supporting applicants can be alumni, members, or former/current RUX partners, committee members, or facilities from a RUX host community. You can become a RUX member at kyrux.org/membership
We encourage teams that represent meaningful collaboration across lines of ideological, geographic, racial, and economic difference.
Past and current RUX host communities include Bowling Green, Campbellsville, Covington, Estill County, Harlan County, Horse Cave, Knott County, Lexington, Louisville, Morehead, Muhlenberg County, Owensboro, Paducah, and Whitesburg. If you need help finding RUX network members that might be a good fit for your project, email us at kentuckyrux@gmail.com.
Projects must take place in Kentucky.
Please note: If you currently receive funds from KFW for the same project, you are not eligible to receive support from this microgrant.
Grants must include a partnership between two individuals, two organizations, or an individual and an organization. Organizations do not need to be nonprofit, but can be.
Projects that invite the public to participate are preferred.
Primary and secondary applicants will be required to develop a creative product by October 30, 2026, and complete an evaluation by November 30, 2026.
If you need help finding alumni, organizations, or host committee members that might be a good fit for your project, email us at kentuckyrux@gmail.com.
Sector-Based Opportunities
🎶 Josh May Memorial Fund Microgrant
🎨 Kentucky Foundation for Women Microgrants
🌱 Civic Health Microgrants
🚲 DevouGood Creative Transportation Microgrants
🛶 Kentucky Waterways Alliance Microgrants
Learn more about the funding pools above and apply at kyrux.org/microgrants
Thank you, partners & sponsors!
We are accepting proposals from individuals, organizations, and funding partners to entice microgrant projects in your geographic area or area of interest by expanding microgrant funding and/or providing a project match. To partner, contact Exchange Director Savannah Barrett at savannah@artoftherural.org.