E.O. Robinson Mountain Fund

OVERVIEW: The E.O. Robinson Mountain Fund supports education, healthcare and community programs in eastern Kentucky.

IP TAKE: Although this foundation does not have its own website or publicize grant guidelines, it accepts unsolicited funding requests, so Kentucky nonprofits should call the staff to inquire about the application process.

PROFILE: Incorporated in 1922 and given charitable status in 1949, the E.O. Robinson Mountain Fund is a foundation based in Lexington, Kentucky. Robinson was involved in Kentucky’s forest and timber industries in the early 20th century. He was a major influence in developing the forests of Kentucky into a natural resource for commercial purposes, ultimately providing lumber for homes and businesses to fuel the state’s growth. According to tax filings, the foundation’s grantmaking includes education, healthcare and community programs.

The foundation lacks transparency and does not have a website to guide grant seekers. However, it provides local support within the state in a wide variety of funding areas. While education, healthcare and community development are top causes, the fund also occasionally supports arts and culture, children and youth, human services and religion. Past support has gone to Alice Lloyd College, Hazard Community and Technical College, Kentucky Infant Development Station, and the Lexington Hope Lodge. In addition to grants, the fund also awards scholarships to Kentucky residents from select counties who are attending Eastern Kentucky University and majoring in allied health or nursing.

Foundation grants range between $5,000 and $50,000. Review the funder’s recent tax records to learn more about its local giving. The foundation’s giving is largely focused on the 30 counties of eastern Kentucky. Lexington, Kentucky is a stronghold for this foundation.

This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. These applications must be completed by mail and sent to the funder’s address at P.O. Box 54930, Lexington, Kentucky, 40555. The annual submission deadlines are March 1 and September 1.

PEOPLE:

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