
By Nancy Grayson
President & CEO, Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky
Since our founding in 2017, Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky has been guided by a simple but powerful belief: when a community comes together with purpose, generosity, and trust, meaningful change follows.
As we reflect on our milestones to date, it's clear that our growth and impact are a direct reflection of the extraordinary generosity of Northern Kentucky. Horizon is proud to be ranked the 21st fastest-growing community foundation in the United States out of 903, according to the Community Foundation Census by the Community Foundation and Training Institute. In less than a decade, more than $118 million has been raised to support our region, and over $50 million has been granted back into the community. These milestones are not just measures of financial success—they represent a shared commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant Northern Kentucky.
One of the most powerful examples of that commitment in action is the NKY Food Support Fund. Formed in the fall of 2025 in response to the federal government shutdown and the pause in SNAP benefits, the fund demonstrated how quickly and effectively our community can respond in times of urgent need. Horizon marshaled charitable resources quickly, raising nearly $300,000 in just one week to address this time-sensitive crisis.
Building on the collaborative model established during the pandemic, a network of 19 nonprofit partners was rapidly reactivated and coordinated by Be Concerned. Together, they ensured food reached neighbors who needed it most, without delay or duplication. Through this effort, more than 103,000 Northern Kentuckians from over 56,000 households received food support, and the coordinated system delivered two and a half times the impact of the NKY Coronavirus Relief Fund. This work is a powerful example of what happens when collaboration, efficiency, and trust come together in service of a common goal.
At Horizon, we are proud to serve as a mobilizing force for good… bringing people, resources, and ideas together to meet urgent needs and invest in long-term solutions. But the future of this work depends on continued partnership.
If you are a professional advisor, we invite you to partner with us to help your clients maximize their charitable giving and tax strategies while making a meaningful local impact. If you are a community member, consider how you can amplify your generosity to support the causes and neighbors you care about most. And if you are a nonprofit organization, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate, strengthen networks, and grow your impact alongside others who share your mission.
Together, we can continue to build a Northern Kentucky where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.



