$1,500 in Community Impact Grants

APPLICATION OPENS - September 1, 2026

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Community Impact Grant Program provides three (3) $500 grants each year to support grassroots projects that improve the quality of life in Kern County. These grants are designed to empower local individuals, schools, neighborhood groups, and nonprofit organizations whose projects embody the spirit of service, leadership, and community engagement championed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Three (3) Community Impact Grants of $500 each will be awarded annually.

Funds must be used solely for the approved community project.

There are many ways to get involved with MLK Legacy Kern, from volunteering and donating to attending our events and spreading the word. Join our community today to make a difference.

  Applications are welcome from:

• Individuals (18 years or older) 
• Youth applicants with an adult sponsor 
• Neighborhood associations 
• Community groups 
• Faith-based organizations 
• Nonprofit organizations 
• Schools 
• Student clubs 
• Parent organizations 
• Service clubs 
• Community coalitions 

Applicants must be located in or serving Kern County. Organizations are not required to have 501(c)(3) status; however, projects must clearly demonstrate a public benefit.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

Education & Literacy

• Little Free Libraries 
• Reading programs 
• School supply drives 
• STEM activities 
• Financial literacy workshops 
• College readiness programs 

Youth Development

• Mentorship programs 
• Leadership workshops 
• Youth sports equipment 
• Career exploration events 
• Summer enrichment activities 

Food Security

• Community gardens 
• Food pantries 
• Backpack food programs 
• Senior meal initiatives 
• Community refrigerators 

Neighborhood Beautification

• Community cleanups 
• Tree planting 
• Murals 
• Park improvements 
• Neighborhood beautification projects 

Health & Wellness

• Mental health awareness events 
• Community fitness programs 
• Health education workshops 
• Hygiene kit distribution 

Senior Services

• Social engagement activities 
• Technology assistance 
• Home safety projects 
• Transportation assistance programs 

Environmental Stewardship

• Recycling initiatives 
• Water conservation education 
• Community gardens 
• Sustainability projects 

Community Building

• Cultural celebrations 
• Volunteer recruitment events 
• Intergenerational programs 
• Community resource fairs 

Grant funds may not be used for:

• Salaries or wages 
• Political activities 
• Religious instruction or proselytizing 
• Debt repayment 
• Personal expenses 
• Scholarships or tuition 
• Projects already completed 
• Ongoing operating expenses unrelated to the proposed project 

• Application Opens  - September 1, 2026
• Application Deadline - October 15, 2026
• Award Notification -  November 2026
• Grant Recognition - MLK Legacy Luncheon - January 16, 2027
• Project Completion - Within 6 months of award
• Final Report Due - August 2027