Grassroots Work: Challenges & Opportunities
Grassroots organizations play a vital role in meeting community needs, yet many operate with limited funding, capacity, and structural support. These challenges often make it difficult for early-stage agencies to grow, scale, or access traditional resources.
At the same time, grassroots leaders bring powerful opportunities—deep community insight, cultural relevance, and innovative solutions rooted in lived experience. When given the right support, these organizations have the potential to transform neighborhoods, empower youth, and create lasting change.
News
Center for Nonprofit Excellence closes after 25 years following funding challenges
The Buttafly Center is listed as one of the agencies that has received funding support from Safe Louisville's 2025 Comprehensive Violence Reduction Plan... click
here to review the plan.
Buttafly stays connected to Advocacy...
Tarsha Semakula, founder of The Buttafly Group,sits as panelist on the current, "State of Black Louisville 2025.", hosted by #GETTINGALLPEOPLE
Buttafly is involved in the Current 2025 Workgroups
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Victim Support, Advocacy, &Awareness & Policy/ City of Louisville
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Evaluation,Funding &Longevity/ City of Louisville
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Fiscal Mapping Advisory Committee/ Metro United Way
Grassroots organizations are often the heartbeat of community change, yet they frequently face barriers when accessing resources, funding opportunities, and structural support. This site exists to acknowledge their work and provide a central place for tools, insight, and information as they continue their mission to serve our community.
Many emerging organizations lack access to developmental support that can help them grow. While we are actively working to gather more information, resources, and community connections, this page will continue to expand as those details become available.
For now, we invite leaders, founders, and community advocates to explore the material we do have and check back regularly for updates.
Creating a space for our growing Ukuaji alumni community./ For more information, contact Living Motivation, Inc. @livingmotivationinc@gmail.com
Funding Inequities in Grassroots Organizations
Examining the barriers, gaps, and opportunities for Louisville’s community-rooted agencies.
This white paper explores the funding inequities faced by grassroots and BIPOC-led organizations in Louisville, highlighting how long-standing systemic barriers limit their access to resources and support. It examines the current landscape, the impact of “philanthropic redlining,” and the critical role small community-based organizations play in serving marginalized youth. The findings underscore why investing in grassroots leaders is essential to creating a more equitable, resilient, and thriving Louisville.