Brown-Forman Foundation announces $50 million investment in west Louisville organizations

The Brown-Forman Foundation announced a $50 million investment in five west Louisville organizations during a press conference at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage on Tuesday. 

The major investment by the Brown-Forman Foundation will be split among five organizations over the next ten years, which include:

• $5 million for AMPED
• $10 million for the Louisville Central Community Center
• $5 million for the Louisville Urban League
• $10 million for Simmons College of Kentucky
• $20 million for the West End School

During the press conference, the organizations spoke on the ways the funds will be used to advance educational opportunities including early childhood and adult learning. 

“Providing access to education and opportunities is key to ensuring our children can be successful. These programs have made a strong commitment to offer that support along every step of the educational journey. They have a tremendous grasp on what the needs are, and they know how to meet them. The Brown‑Forman Foundation is honored to help amplify that response over the next decade,” said Brown‑Forman Foundation Chairman and President Ralph de Chabert, a member of the Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force. 

“Instead of trying to re-invent the wheel, Brown-Forman chose to invest in the community organizations who have always been focused on improving and revitalizing the west end community. This is an excellent example of how industry leaders are essential to uplifting community organizations to make real, substantial change and improve community outcomes,” said Kentucky Chamber Foundation Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Executive Director Joe Frazier in response to the announcement.