Students from across the state participate in the Festival Foundation's Academic Challenge.

The Base To Build An Even Better Community

The Derby Festival® works each year to provide community service that directly contributes to the cultural, educational, charitable and economic development of the community. To further that mission, it has created the Kentucky Derby Festival® Foundation, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit charity. The Foundation receives and manages charitable contributions on behalf of the Kentucky Derby Festival®, Inc., its supporters and the general public.

The Foundation perpetuates the Festival's impact on the community. It hopes to develop projects that highlight the Festival's influence on the area's cultural heritage. Its mission is to further the Festival's educational and charitable mission through exhibitions and performances. The Foundation adds to the Festival's mission of providing creative entertainment that enhances the community.

Current KDF Foundation projects:

• Production of the Derby Festival® Foundation Pro Am Golf Tournament.
• Production of the Derby Festival® Foundation Academic Challenge. The largest quick recall tournament in the country meets the foundation's goal to help improve the quality of life and educational opportunities for children.
• Establishment of a permanent Festival heritage exhibit at the Kentucky Derby Museum. The exhibit contains Derby Festival® memorabilia including the Crown, Robe and Scepter of the Derby Queen.
• Production of an ongoing oral history project. Each year, four or five people who have played a significant role in the Festival's development are interviewed about their recollections.
• The Foundation also has supported groups including: WHAS Crusade for Children, Cystic Fibrosis Research, Derek Anderson Foundation and Music Theatre Louisville.

People interested in helping, can make their tax-deductible donation to the Kentucky Derby Festival® Foundation, and mail it to Kentucky Derby Festival® Foundation, 1001 South Third Street, Louisville, KY 40203. Also, a person can join the Thorobred®s, a membership group that supports the Foundation and its efforts.

To Support the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation - download this brochure to find out how.

To Request a grant from the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation - download and complete this application form.