How A Community Foundation Powers Northern Kentucky

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Want proof that local generosity can move like a startup and deliver like a system? We sit down with Nancy Grayson, President and CEO of Horizon Community Foundation, to unpack how Northern Kentucky’s giving engine turns neighbor intent into real-world outcomes across Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties.

Nancy explains what a community foundation actually does—public charity, fiduciary, matchmaker—and why that structure matters for people who want to help but need a reliable path. We walk through a powerful pandemic playbook: raising over $2 million, streamlining grants with light reporting, and coordinating a 30-plus pantry network so bulk buys stretched every dollar. When SNAP benefits paused, that same network delivered again, supporting 25,000 neighbors fast. The theme is speed with oversight: lean processes, data you can trust, and partners who quarterback logistics so nonprofits can focus on service.

Education takes center stage as we explore a four-year, $2 million pilot with Partners for Change focused on out-of-school time and family engagement in the river cities. Built on best practices, clear metrics, and fidelity to the model, the pilot is attracting new funding while giving small and large donors a way to back measurable student gains. We also zoom out with a data scan of roughly 300 core nonprofits, revealing where collaboration can reduce duplication and where fresh dollars can unlock impact.

If you’ve ever wanted to start a scholarship, seed a fund, or just make a modest gift that adds up, you’ll love the 410 Give Where You Live giving circle. Members contribute $410, attend short easy meetings, nominate a local nonprofit, hear real stories from neighbors, and vote from their phones. It’s speed philanthropy that’s already granted over $300,000 to 31 organizations—and it just merged with a larger annual grant track to balance quick wins with deeper focus areas.

Ready to turn intent into impact with people who care about your backyard? Join the 410 Give Where You Live, explore active funds, or start your own at www.horizoncfnky.org. If this conversation sparked ideas, subscribe, share with a neighbor, and leave a review to help more locals find us.