LOUISVILLE, KY — Heaven Hill Brands today announced $25,000 in Spirited Neighbor Microgrants to support nonprofit organizations serving Louisville’s West End. As part of Heaven Hill Brands’ ongoing Spirited Neighbor Microgrant Program, eight community programs will receive grants ranging from $500 to $5,000.
The Spirited Neighbor Microgrant is a key part of Heaven Hill Brand’s broader Spirited Neighbor Initiative, a five-year, $800,000 investment designed to foster collaboration with nonprofits, public organizations, and the community at large. This initiative is focused on key areas like education, mental health, and economic development, helping create a stronger, more connected West Louisville.
Organizations were selected by a grant committee based on their demonstrated neighborhood impact, alignment with the initiative’s focus areas, and readiness to deliver meaningful, lasting results in the community. Nonprofits interested in applying for the next round of microgrants can submit applications through May 15 on the Heaven Hill Brands Spirited Neighbor website.
2026 Spirited Neighbor Microgrant Recipients
Backpack Giveaway – The Descendants of California Neighborhood
Total Awarded: $1,000
The Backpack Giveaway is an annual event hosted by The Descendants of the California Neighborhood to equip students with the supplies needed for a confident start to the school year. Students are provided with free backpacks, school supplies, clothing and other resources helping to ease the financial burden of back-to-school season. Grant funding will increase program reach, allowing the organization to serve more families.
Bridging the Gap: Driving Futures Forward – The Boys & Girls Club
Total Awarded: $3,500
The California Boys & Girls Club has proudly served youth and families in West Louisville for decades, offering safe spaces and life-enhancing programming that supports academic achievement, leadership development, and career readiness. This grant will help reduce transportation barriers by funding a program that picks youth up from the neighborhood and takes them to a nearby club, connecting them to programming and resources.
Feed the West – Change Today, Change Tomorrow
Total Awarded: $5,000
Feed the West is a weekly food justice program operated through Change Today, Change Tomorrow. The program provides weekly no-cost grocery access where residents receive pantry staples, fresh produce, culturally relevant foods, and household essentials. This grant will support food purchases to fill gaps in donated surplus, improve household choice, and help expand nutrition education and youth involvement on-site.
Igniting Potential Through Youth Mentorship – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana
Total Awarded: $5,000
Since 1967, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana has worked to create and sustain mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. The Igniting Potential Through Youth Mentorship project provides mentorship to 50 youth and young adults living in California zip codes. This project addresses critical needs in education, mental health, social emotional skills, as well as violence and substance use prevention. Funding will strengthen one-to-one youth mentorship, helping young people build confidence, resilience, and a strong vision for their future.
LCCC Maternity and Pediatric Pilot Clinic – Louisville Central Community Centers
Total Awarded: $2,000
For generations, Louisville Central Community Centers has provided integrated health, education, and family support services. Spirited Neighbor funding will help launch the LCCC Maternity and Pediatric Pilot Clinic, an initiative focused on expanding access to maternal and pediatric healthcare. The clinic is designed to provide coordinated, culturally responsive care for mothers and children, integrating health services with broader family support systems.
West Louisville Small Business Saturday – Louisville Independent Business Alliance
Total Awarded: $2,000
West Louisville Business Strategy works to strengthen the local economy by championing independent businesses and fostering inclusive economic growth. Hosted by the Louisville Independent Business Alliance, Spirited Neighbor funding will support a targeted initiative designed to spotlight and uplift locally owned businesses growing the event beyond a single day and into a wider initiative. The event creates opportunities for residents to shop small, discover neighborhood entrepreneurs, and reinvest dollars directly into the community’s economic ecosystem.
Youth Summer Job Program – The Descendants of the California Neighborhood
Total Awarded: $1,500
The Youth Summer Job Program provides paid work and skill-building opportunities to youth in the California Neighborhood. Hosted by The Descendants of the California Neighborhood and guided by adult mentors, youth will clean up the streets, assist with minor landscaping, and help beautify the neighborhood. Funding will allow the six-week program to expand to include more youth and provide better equipment and supplies.
15-Passenger Van – Change Today, Change Tomorrow
Total Awarded: $5,000
To increase resident access and opportunity, Change Today, Change Tomorrow provides transportation to residents who otherwise would be unable to attend programs such as Feed the West, leadership sessions, and other neighborhood activations. This grant will help cover fuel, basic maintenance and supplies to safely operate the van, ensuring that transportation is not a barrier to participation in community engagement.
Through the Spirited Neighbor program, Heaven Hill continues to show up as a good neighbor and partner in its communities. By investing in organizations deeply rooted in the California Neighborhood, Heaven Hill remains committed to helping build a stronger West Louisville.
ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is one of the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits producers and marketers, as well as the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon, and a back-to-back 2024 and 2025 Best Managed Company as appointed by Deloitte Private and the Wall Street Journal. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Heaven Hill, Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Widow Jane, Larceny, Old Fitzgerald, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson’s Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul and Ocho Tequila; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur
