Be inspired for good, forever
Serving Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor, and Wayne counties in Kentucky.
Welcome
Welcome to the Lake Area Foundation. As a community foundation, we hope to be the “resource central” for ideas, information and inspiration to help you make a difference in our communities.
Our organization began with a simple idea: charitable giving should be easy, flexible and effective.
We plan to develop a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to give something back in a way that matters to them.
The principal of these funds remains intact forever; with the income generated annually invested back into the community through grants that tackle today’s needs and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.
We began operations in May 2012 and continue to grow our endowments in an effort to strengthen the communities of the ten counties that participate in the Lake Area Foundation. Our board is a cross-section of the communities’ leaders, and our staff are local advocates who are honored to help make a difference.
LAF GRANT CYCLE – FALL 2026
The Lake Area Foundation is accepting Fall 2026 applications for grants of up to $5,000 through the Lake Cumberland Area Development Fund and Russell County Development Fund.
Applications Open: October 1st, 2026
Courtesy Review Deadline: October 28th, 2026
Final Application Deadline: October 30th, 2026, at 4:00 P.M. Central
Award Announcements: Approximately 2-3 weeks after the Final Application Deadline.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Lake Cumberland Area Development Fund (LCADF): Grants for projects directly benefiting an eligible county other than Russell County, whether or not Russell County is also served. Projects benefiting only Russell County must apply under RCDF.
> > Fall 2026 LCADF Notice of Funding Opportunity (PDF)
Russell County Development Fund (RCDF): Grants for projects directly benefiting only Russell County. Projects benefiting any other eligible county in addition to Russell County must apply under LCADF.
> > Fall 2026 RCDF Notice of Funding Opportunity (PDF)
APPLICATION MATERIALS
The LAF Grant Application has been redesigned for this cycle. Applicants should download the current application and review the Application Instructions before applying.
> > Download the Fillable Application (PDF)
> > Download the Manual Application (PDF)
> > Download the Application Instructions (PDF)
> > Download an Example of a Completed Application (PDF)
> > Download the Grant Request and Match Calculator (Excel)
COURTESY REVIEWS
Applications received by October 28th, 2026 will be checked for completeness and technical correctness. If a correctable issue is identified, the applicant will have an opportunity to correct it and resubmit by the final deadline. Applications and resubmissions received after that date will be accepted as submitted.
Applications must be received in hard copy by the final deadline. Review the applicable Notice of Funding Opportunity for complete eligibility, match, submission, and review requirements.
Combating hunger
Helping Families
Providing Scholarships
