Bluegrass Scholars is in our Foundation Year. We're building the systems, programs, and community of supporters that will serve first-generation and underserved students across the Central Kentucky region for years to come.
The Founding 100 Campaign invites 100 founding donors to be with us at the start. Not because we need 100 large gifts, we don't. We need 100 people who believe in this work enough to stand behind it before the outcomes exist.
Every founding donor receives recognition as a Founding 100 member, regular updates from the founder, and the satisfaction of knowing their gift came in when it mattered most: at the very beginning.
501(c)(3) determination confirmed by the IRS (EIN 42-1918513)
A founding board of three Lexington-area leaders, seated and serving
Our first community workshop held April 22 at the Northside Library, with 20+ attending
Counselor partnerships at four high schools across the Bluegrass region
Speaking engagements at Woodford County Senior 101 and Bryan Station's Junior College Cash Countdown
Inaugural Admit Bound Academy cohort opened applications May 4 and launches Fall 2026
The infrastructure is being built scholar by scholar, conversation by conversation. Your founding gift accelerates everything that comes next.
$25 - Welcome materials for one family at a college workshop
$50 - A semester of essay coaching resources for one scholar
$100 - One scholar's seat on a college campus visit
$500 - A full month of one-on-one advising for one scholar
$1,000 - One Scholarship Saturday Lab for the entire cohort
$5,000 - A full year of Admit Bound Academy programming for one scholar
Considering a larger founding gift? I'd welcome a conversation. Reach me directly at hello.bluegrassscholars@gmail.com.
Recurring gifts at any level sustain the work year-round, and recurring is the single most impactful way to give.
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Schools, libraries, faith communities, civic organizations, and businesses, let's talk about how we can work together.
We're in the early days of our campaign. As founding donors join us and choose to be recognized publicly, their names will appear here.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes. Bluegrass Scholars is a 501(c)(3) public charity. EIN 42-1918513.
How is my gift used?
Founding gifts fund the inaugural cohort of the Admit Bound Academy, including college advising, scholarship strategy, FAFSA support, campus visits, and family workshops.
Can I give monthly instead of one-time?
Yes, and recurring gifts are especially valuable. Year-round work needs year-round support.
Can my company sponsor instead of giving personally?
Yes. Email hello.bluegrassscholars@gmail.com and we'll talk about sponsorship pathways.
When does the Founding 100 close?
When we reach 100 founding donors, or December 31, 2026, whichever comes first.