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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 a capacity-building project on their wish list.

There are three application windows in 2025. The KFC Foundation will award up to 20 grants per cycle.

See below for the project categories, grant cycles, and program guidelines.

The next application is open January 13-31, 2025

2025 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
  • Wildlife conservation exhibit creation

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
  • Animal shelter upgrades
  • Building repairs or renovations

*Your project may fall under several project categories. You may re-apply in another category if your project isn’t funded in one 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 capacity-building projects that will make a lasting impact for your organization and community.

Think of this as a “capital light” project that will allow you to serve more people and/or serve your population more efficiently.

We want to invest in projects that help you expand your program offerings, repair a critical infrastructure, or create new resources.

Preference is given to projects that can be completed within 6-12 months of receiving the grant.

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

Will this grant cover salaries?

Funding cannot be used to cover salaries of employees of the organization. This includes administrative costs and indirect costs.

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.

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.