Microgrants
Check out opportunities for support from the KY Rural-Urban Exchange
Click the plus (+) to learn more about each opportunity! Our next application period is October 15 - November 13, 2026.
WHO CAN APPLY? Any RUX Network Member! Join today →
Members include cohort alumni, partners, sponsors, and Membership Program members.
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1. REGIONAL MEETUPS: Regional Meetups that connect RUXers across a Rhizome region with other community minded people and organizations.
Grant Amount: $350 (One per region)
What You’ll Do: Host a public meetup that uses creative strategies to connect Kentuckians and showcase remarkable places, stories, & people.
2. STORY SUPPERS: Gatherings that invite RUXers from near and far to exchange stories over a storycircle and meal in special places.
Grant Amount: $700 (One per region)
What You’ll Do: Host a meal and storycircle for 25-30 people in a place that is important to you/your region. The story circle prompt should examine connection to place. Grantees receive Story Circle training and a toolkit.
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Local workshops to advance discourse on a local issue and funding to support civic experiments that address the issue.
Grant Amount: $2500 (4 available)
Who Can Apply: Local teams of 2-3 RUXers who will host a workshop with 10+ local neighbors.
What You’ll Do: Host an Abundant Futures workshop + distribute microgrants for teams to address a local issue by consulting on eachother’s ideas, with $1500 to support the projects that come out of them. Grantees receive Abundant Futures training and toolkit.
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A seed grant to support projects led by two or more RUX members, alumni, or partners collaborating across distance and difference.
Grant Amount: $250-$2,000
What You’ll Do: Create & complete a project aligned with one of our themed funding pools. You’ll also attend two skill-building workshops & check-ins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Applications are open multiple times a year, depending on the program. Our next application period (for Rhizomes & Civic Strength Clubs) will be open October 15 - November 13, 2026.
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As of June 2026, all RUX microgrant recipients must enroll in Art of the Rural’s payroll system Gusto to receive their funds. Our staff is on hand to help you with this process
After enrolling, you will be able to select from a Direct Deposit or mailed check for your payout method.
And yes, RUX microgrant awards are taxable income. Please follow all necessary reporting steps and seek advice from an accounting professional.
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We are deeply grateful for the funding and partnership of local, regional, and national organizations, foundations, and businesses, which make our microgrant program possible. Microgrants are also supported by RUX Memberships, directly reinvesting monthly or annual donations into our statewide network.
Thank you, 2026 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.
Stories from Previous Grantees
