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Next application window: May 1-31

Making communities better and brighter, one wish at a time

Kentucky Fried Wishes

Non-profit organizations can apply for a $10,000 grant to fund an actionable project on their wish list.

In 2024, the KFC Foundation will award up to $1 million to 100 non-profit organizations to make their Kentucky Fried Wishes come true.

Twenty-five grants will be awarded per quarterly cycle. See below for the project categories, grant cycles, and program guidelines.

Next Application Window: May 1-31

2024 Kentucky Fried Wishes Grant Cycles

Empowering through Education & Training

Examples:

  • Community-wide CPR certification program
  • Library for afterschool literacy program
  • Equipment and curriculum for job skill training for adults with disabilities

Improving Health & Wellbeing

Examples:

  • Mobile health clinic creation
  • Playground improvements
  • Domestic violence shelter upgrades
  • Accommodations for individuals with disabilities

Expanding Access to Food & Shelter

Examples:

  • Food pantry remodel
  • Community garden creation
  • Building repairs and renovations
  • Beautification of community space

Caring for the Environment, Animals & More

Examples:

  • Permanent wildlife conservation exhibit
  • New vehicle for mobile vet clinic
  • Park improvements
  • Other reasonable project requests that haven’t been covered in the categories

*Your project may fall under several project categories. Feel free to re-apply if your project isn’t funded in one quarterly cycle.

Program Guidelines

Who is eligible to apply for a Kentucky Fried Wishes grant?

Any recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization, governmental entity or other IRS recognized charitable organization that have maintained good standing with the Internal Revenue Service for at least two years.

The non-profit must be based in the United States and serve individuals in the United States.

Eligible non-profit organizations must operate on the local level (or be an affiliate/chapter of a larger organization that operates locally) and directly benefit their surrounding community.

What types of projects will the Kentucky Fried Wishes grant fund?

We’re looking for tangible, actionable projects that are feasible to accomplish with the $10,000 grant and will make an immediate impact in your community.

If you have a larger project (i.e., 100-mile trail restoration), break it down into something that $10,000 could cover in full (i.e., 10-mile trail restoration out of our 100-mile project). If additional funding is needed, detailed plans for securing additional resources must be provided in the Project Budget.

Projects should be timely, with preference given to those that can be completed within a 6-12 month period.

What will the Kentucky Fried Wishes grant not cover?

Funding will not be granted for:

  • Salaries for staff
    • e.g. Part-time staff managing programs
  • Scholarships, including waived program or membership fees
    • e.g. Discounts for summer youth programs
  • Ongoing or recurring programs or events
    • e.g. Back-to-school supply drives
  • Sponsoring events
    • e.g. Sponsoring a gala or little league baseball team

Can funding be used for equipment purchases and contract labor?

A Kentucky Fried Wish grant might be used to fund equipment or contract labor if:

  • Professional services are needed to complete a project
    • e.g. Hiring a landscaper to plan a community garden, videographer or CPR instructor to train participants
  • Equipment purchases to complete the project are acceptable
    • e.g. Field paint and striping machine, water filtration system

What are the expectations of grant recipients?

All grant recipients will be expected to agree to and be responsible for:

  • Signing a contract agreeing to grant requirements and completing a W-9 tax form
  • Following through with the project as it was proposed, including spending funds as requested in the application
  • Submitting photos/videos, a report of project expenses, and any unspent funds to the KFC Foundation within twelve months of the grant notification date (we prefer that the project use all the funds, but if that does not seem likely, please contact KFC Foundation staff to discuss the situation)
  • Completing a grant report at both six months and twelve months after the project has been awarded
  • Recognizing the KFC Foundation in the project and allowing it to be publicized and shared by the KFC Foundation

When will I hear back about the grant?

Final determinations will be made within 60 days of the submission deadline.

Can I submit multiple grant applications for different projects?

Non-profits may submit one grant application per quarterly cycle.

If I’ve won a Kentucky Fried Wishes grant in the past, can I win again?

Non-profits can win one $10,000 grant per calendar year.

Non-profits who have won a grant from the KFC Foundation in the past must complete all winner reporting requirements to be considered for another grant.

What is the KFC Foundation?

The KFC Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) organization that has provided over $31 million to support, empower and serve joy to more than 9,300 KFC restaurant employees, students and community non-profits across the U.S. The KFC Foundation’s charitable programs focus on education accessibility, financial & hardship assistance and community giving, all made possible by at-register Round-Up donations, purchases of KFC’s Secret Recipe Fries and other donations.

The KFC Foundation has partnered with Crisis Text Line® to provide free 24/7 text-based mental health support and crisis intervention for the KFC family.

Need someone to talk to?
Text "Fries" to 741741 to text confidentially with a compassionate, trained Crisis Counselor.

To be eligible for the KFC Foundation’s programs, you must work at a KFC restaurant in the U.S. that participates in the KFC Foundation’s Franchise Donation Program.