Grant Requirements

To Request a Grant Application:

WHAS Crusade for Children grants are made to non-profit agencies, schools and hospitals that help children with identified health care, educational, and emotional wellness needs up to age 18. Interested applicants should email a brief description of their organization and the purpose for their grant request to Grants Manager Janene Hickerson by clicking here or call (502) 582-7522.

Application Process & Timeline

  • Applications for FY 2026-27 closed on January 9, 2026.
  • Applications for FY 2027-28 will open on October 2, 2026 and close on January 8, 2027 at 5:00 p.m. EST.
  • New Applicants: Access to online Grant Applications is by invitation only. To request an invitation, a non-profit agency, school or hospital should send an email (email should be sent/signed by the agency director or school superintendent) to the WHAS Crusade for Children at the address listed below.
  • Former Grant Recipients:  All agencies that received a grant this year are notified about applying for next year.
  • Winter/Spring:  Agencies that qualify are scheduled for a grant hearing with the Crusade Advisory Panel. Every agency requesting funds must meet with the panel to explain their grant needs and to answer questions.
  • June:  Final grant determinations are made after the Crusade telethon, which is the first full weekend in June.
  • July 1st (or earlier): Emails notifying agencies of grant awards sent.
  • Sept. 1 – Aug. 31:  Grant funds are expendable.

 

WHAS Crusade for Children Grant Requirements:

    • Grants are for direct services only.
    • No grants are made to individuals or families.
    • Grants are made for specific programs or equipment that provide direct benefit to children with identified health care, educational, and emotional wellness needs and are not general operating grants.
    • No grants are made for administrative needs.
    • Agencies serving special needs children from Kentucky and southern Indiana are eligible to receive grants. The Crusade must have financial support from a county before grants can be made to a school, hospital or agency located in that county. Consideration is given to facilities that serve children from many counties.

 

The WHAS Crusade for Children does NOT pay for the following items:

    • Overhead costs, such as administrative positions, postage, copies, etc.
    • PR or public awareness campaigns
    • Benefits or any portion of employee benefits
    • Extended warranties or installation for equipment of any type
    • Taxes (the Crusade only funds tax exempt agencies who should only pay limited or no taxes)
    • Shipping or freight expenses
    • Employee continuing education/training or travel expenses/lodging
    • Personal items, such as food, t-shirts, costumes, etc.

 

Application support material
Applicants must provide the following support materials with their grant application:

  • Current IRS 990
  • Current independent audit or Board approved financial statements
  • Current board member list
  • IRS determination letter
  • Current annual report

 

WHAS Crusade for Children
Grant Application
520 W. Chestnut St.
Louisville, KY 40202

You can also send an email:
Janene Hickerson
Grants Manager
To e-mail Janene, click here

For additional questions about the WHAS Crusade for Children grant process, please call Grants Manager Janene Hickerson at (502) 582-7522 or send an email by clicking here.