Muhlenberg County to receive $1M in grants from Felix Martin Foundation

Yahoo

24-05-2025

The Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation announced more than $1 million in grants to Muhlenberg County groups and nonprofit organizations, including a $400,000 grant to help middle school and high school students prepare for college and careers.
The foundation was created in 2008 by Felix E. Martin Jr., a Greenville native and World War II and Korea veteran who worked as an engineer and public relations supervisor for Southern Bell Telephone Co. After inheriting about $270,000 from his father, Martin went into investing and amassed an estate worth more than $60 million at the time of his death in 2007.
According to the foundation's website, Martin left $50 million of his estate to create the organization, which focuses solely on 'the education, civic and cultural needs of the residents of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.'
The $400,000 to Muhlenberg County Public Schools will go toward a number of programs. A press release from the Martin Foundation Friday said the funds will provide continued support to the 'Muhlenberg Achieves' program and the 'Ignite' program. 'Muhlenberg Achieves' aims at helping students prepare for college and post-secondary certifications. The 'Ignite' program is for middle school students, providing 'mentorship, career exploration and life skills lessons.'
The foundation's education grant will also be used to help adult learnings seeking to complete their high school education through the 'GED Learn & Earn' program. The grant also provides funds to the Muhlenber Civic Leadership Institute, a leadership program.
Carla Embry, community relations specialist for Muhlenberg County Public Schools, said the foundation plays a large role in the county.
'There are lot of things the foundation is doing in our county,' Embry said. 'We are very fortunate.'
The foundation also provided a $200,000 grant which will support initiative like the Chamber Youth Leadership Program, the Muhlenberg County Humane Society's 'spay and neuter days,' cleanup in Central City and Drakesboro and the county health department's 'Longest Day of Play' in June. The grant will also be used for ballfield improvements at county parks, walking trail improvements and for expungement assistance program through Muhlenberg Economic Growth Alliance.
Finally, the foundation is providing $325,000 in community grants for local nonprofit groups. The foundation is taking applications for the new grant cycle, with the deadline to apply July 14. Organizations can apply for the grant through the foundation's website, felixmartinfoundation.org.
According to a press release, the foundation has given out more than $43 million in grants since 2008. The organization's priorities are 'economic development, quality education and training, community development and quality of place, community engagement and collaboration, health and human services,' a press release says.
Officials from the foundation could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon.