Community investment

Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing, a preserve in southwest Jefferson County that captures 19th century farm life on the Ohio River. We support the annual Mayor’s Brunch to benefit the general fund; the holiday festival with free admission and activities for the community; and restoration of the chapel, where countless weddings have taken place. 

Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County and Louisville Urban League non-profits that assist African-Americans, other minority groups and the disadvantaged in attaining social and economic equality and stability. In Lexington-Fayette County, funding is helping to replace dilapidated structures with quality affordable homes and duplexes. KU funds will also support an exciting education and workforce development program that will create certified fiber-optic technicians through a community college partnership. Through the years, we’ve supported the Louisville Urban League’s various programs to empower local residents and its annual fundraising efforts, including a $50,000 contribution to the Ben Richmond Legacy Empowerment Fund to ensure the organization’s continued success during a leadership change.

Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana and Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass that help students learn life skills, work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. LG&E and KU employees serve as classroom mentors, raise funds in the annual Turkey Bowl and support the overall mission of JA. LG&E and KU were early adopters of the JA BizTowns in Louisville and Lexington, having “storefronts” in both. Students who spend the day at these locations experience what it’s like to apply and interview for a job, keep a work schedule, manage a personal budget and even fill the roles of LG&E and KU employees.

Near Harrodsburg, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is an international destination that brings 150,000 visitors to Central Kentucky each year. The Southwest Community Festival in Jefferson County, the W.C. Handy Blues and Barbeque Festival in Henderson, the World Chicken Festival in London, and all attract visitors to the Commonwealth who patronize local hotels and restaurants.

LG&E and KU support tree plantings, greening initiatives and wildlife habitats, as well as a commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle. Environmental stewardship is demonstrated not only in environmental improvements at our facilities, but also in our community investments. LG&E and KU support tree plantings and wildlife habitats and a commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle. Since launching the Plant for the Planet grant program in 2009, thousands of trees have been planted in various urban and rural settings offering public access, parks and nature preserves. Many successful projects also have used unique approaches to incorporate trees in other landscape settings.  Each April, we distribute tree seedlings in association with Arbor Day and Earth Month events around the Commonwealth, ranging from Reforest the Bluegrass in Lexington to Yew Dell Gardens in Crestwood. Employees distribute thousands of the tree seedlings from customer walk-in centers in Lexington, Danville, Earlington and Liberty, Ky., and in Norton and Pennington Gap, Va. Thanks to our “Party for the Planet” sponsorships, families state-wide celebrate Earth Month at the Louisville Zoo and Arbor Day at the Lexington Arboretum throughout April. Annually, some 100,000 zoo guests enjoy discounted admission and free activities, including zookeeper presentations, eco-exhibits, workshops and recycled art contests. Arboretum guests receive free admission to the Children’s Garden, and hundreds of tree seedlings are handed out by employee volunteers at the event.