Churchill Downs Incorporated Foundation
Official foundation page for Churchill Downs Incorporated (Louisville, KY). The foundation is a 501(c)(3) supporting the equine industry and neighborhood quality-of-life initiatives; it accepts grant requests (board reviews bi‑annually) and provides an online grant application. Contact details and corporate CSR links are on the parent corporate site.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A registered 501(c)(3) focused on equine welfare, retired racehorse adoption, equine therapy, or neighborhood quality‑of‑life work—especially organizations with programs or partnerships in Kentucky but also credible out‑of‑state projects.
Good Fit
- • 501(c)(3) status with ability to provide IRS determination letter and project budget.
- • Programs focused on horse welfare, racehorse retirement/adoption, equine therapy, or community quality‑of‑life.
- • Demonstrated impact or partnership in Kentucky (or clear relevance to the racing/equine sector).
- • Request sizes in the foundation’s observed range (roughly $5K–$50K, with occasional larger awards).
- • Ability to follow biannual deadlines and sponsorship timing rules (sponsorships submitted two months before events).
Geography
The latest year shows grants to organizations in 12 states, indicating a multi‑state/national footprint, although a majority (58%) of dollars stayed in Kentucky.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded 27 distinct recipients in 2024 with 19 new grantees that year and 8 returning grantees across three years, showing a broad and growing recipient set.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of openness includes 19 new recipients in the latest year plus a visible online application process, submission instructions, and named contacts, so unfamiliar applicants appear plausibly able to enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
