For Grant Seekers

Building Trust and Belonging Initiative

GCF is funding up to $20,000 for ideas led by individuals, informal community groups, nonprofits, religious organizations, or local governments that build trust, foster belonging, and strengthen relationships in Clark, Powell, and Estill Counties.

Trust and belonging are nurtured through relationships, shaped by conversation, collaboration, and small acts of courage. This grant initiative supports individuals and organizations working to cultivate those connections within their communities. The Building Trust and Belonging (BTB) initiative began as a pilot to explore how investing in people and organizations can help renew trust between individuals, across differences, and between communities and institutions. Through this work, we have learned that personal growth, deep listening, and shared experiences are just as essential as the projects being carried out. In response, the initiative offers both grant funding and a relational learning cohort to support the development of trusted relationships and encourage meaningful engagement.

Over time, this initiative seeks to mend divides and to deepen connection among people and institutions in ways that are inclusive and lasting. Trust plays a vital role in linking participation with genuine civic engagement. By focusing on relationships, we aim to create the conditions for healing and strengthen the roots of civic infrastructure so that all members of our community can thrive. Whether the work involves bridging divides, creating inclusive spaces, or helping others feel seen and valued, this funding opportunity offers a meaningful step toward a more connected and resilient future.

Submit your idea by September 18, 2026

Download the PDF Funding Announcement
Submit An Expression of Interest - COMING SOON
“The interconnectedness and growth of relationships among members of our BTB team was surprisingly really deep and meaningful. That deepened trust and shared experience has already paid off.”
— Savannah Barrett, Art of the Rural/RUX Kentucky
“We are continuing to cultivate relationships that were forged through the cohort meetings. [BTB] also demonstrated and inspired us to support one another and not just reach out when there is a need, but to support events, donate, and really build community.”
— Donna Carter, Clark County Equity Coalition

This grant is for you if:

  • You want to bring people together across differences — whether cultural, political, generational, or otherwise.

  • You care deeply about building connection, trust, and belonging in your community and are ready to take meaningful action.

  • You believe that everyone deserves to feel seen, respected, and like they belong.

  • You’re ready to take a step, of any scale, to strengthen relationships in your neighborhood, organization, or community.

  • You’re willing to listen, learn, and lead alongside others.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Building Trust & Belonging is a grant program and learning cohort that supports ideas focused on strengthening trust, fostering belonging, and building relationships in Clark, Powell, and Estill counties. The program combines grant funding with a shared learning experience because we believe lasting community change happens through both projects and relationships.

  • Individuals, informal community groups, nonprofit organizations, religious organizations, local governments, and quasi-government organizations are all welcome to apply. If you have an idea but are not part of an organization, we may be able to help you identify a fiscal sponsor.

  • We are looking for ideas that help people feel more connected, trusted, and like they belong in their communities. Your idea might bring people together across differences, create opportunities for listening and collaboration, strengthen neighborhood relationships, or foster empathy and inclusion.

    Whether your idea centers on healing, celebration, learning, or relationship-building, what matters most is that it helps build or restore trust and belonging.

  • Eligible applicants may request up to $20,000 for projects benefiting Clark, Powell, and/or Estill counties.

  • Building Trust & Belonging is designed to be more relational than transactional.

    Rather than asking everyone to complete a lengthy application, we begin with a brief Expression of Interest. Selected applicants are then invited to meet with GCF staff before a final group is asked to submit a full application. This approach reduces barriers, encourages conversation, and helps applicants invest time in a full proposal only when there is strong alignment with the initiative.

  • Yes. All grantees participate in a shared learning cohort throughout the grant period.

    The cohort includes five in-person gatherings where participants reflect on their work, learn alongside peers, share progress, and explore strategies for building trust and belonging. Team participation is an expectation of receiving a grant award.

  • We will consider how well your idea aligns with the purpose of the initiative, its potential to strengthen relationships and inclusion, the clarity and feasibility of your proposal, and your willingness to learn alongside others through the cohort experience.

  • Expressions of Interest are due September 18, 2026.

Still have questions?

We're happy to help. Contact Senior Program Officer Beth Willett Jones if you'd like to talk through your idea or have questions about eligibility or the application process.