KFC Foundation Grants KCEOC’s Wish with $10K to Expand Homeless Shelter

KCEOC CAP will have its wish come true, thanks to the KFC Foundation, which has awarded a $10,000 grant to help fund an expansion to KCEOC’s Emergency Support Center, to meet the growing number of people facing homelessness. “We are deeply grateful to the KFC Foundation for this Kentucky Fried Wishes grant, which will allow us to house 5-7 more beds, larger families, and have a fully handicap accessible space at our homeless shelter,” said Paul D. Dole, President/CEO of KCEOC Community Action Partnership. “We are seeing an influx of people and families needing help and experiencing homelessness for the first time. Most of our homeless clients are hard-working people who just can’t keep up with the rising cost of living and housing prices. Community Action is the poverty-fighting network. We’re here to offer a hand up, but our shelters are overflowing. We are grateful for this grant that will be a huge help for the expansion.”

Kentucky Fried Wishes, one of the KFC Foundation’s community giving programs, invites nonprofit organizations to apply for a grant to fund a capacity-building project that will have a lasting impact on their organization and community. “We’re thrilled to support such incredible non-profits like KCEOC CAP through Kentucky Fried Wishes,” said Emma Horn, Executive Director, KFC Foundation. “These grants help make dream projects a reality, strengthening organizations and creating lasting benefits for the communities they serve.” Kentucky Fried Wishes is just one way the KFC Foundation supports, empowers, and serves joy to KFC restaurant employees and communities.

The KFC Foundation also offers programs focused on education, financial assistance, and hardship relief for KFC restaurant employees, as well as a food donation program aimed at combating hunger and reducing food waste. The KFC Foundation receives financial support from Round Up fundraising and its annual donation program, a voluntary program where KFC franchisees donate to the KFC Foundation every time they order a case of Secret Recipe Fries.

For 60 years, KCEOC Community Action Partnership has been at the forefront of community empowerment since its establishment as one of the original 23 Community Action Agencies in 1964, following President Lyndon Johnson’s declaration of the “War on Poverty.” From early childhood education to housing and food assistance, weatherizing homes, to providing emergency services, our agency has tirelessly assisted thousands of residents in need. Evolving from a single-county focus to serving 16 counties in eastern and central Kentucky, we remain committed to adapting our services to the changing times, recognizing human potential, and creating opportunities for positive change. Our mission is not just a statement; it’s a commitment to fostering hope, improving communities, and making America a better place by helping individuals help themselves and each other.

For 25 years and counting, the KFC Foundation, an independent 501c3 organization, has provided over $39 million to support, empower, and serve joy to more than 17,500 individuals and over 4,500 nonprofits. The KFC Foundation’s charitable programs make things like education accessibility, financial and hardship assistance, and community giving possible by Round Up donations, purchases of KFC’s Secret Recipe Fries, and other contributions.