Georgetown – October 31, 2026 -- Toyota Kentucky has awarded $1.4 million in grants this year to nonprofit organizations across Central Kentucky, directing the funds to STEM education, mentoring, workforce training and career placement programs.
Four organizations receive special $40,000 grants for the plant's 40th anniversary
As Toyota's largest plant marks its 40th anniversary, the company singled out four recipients for $40,000 grants each. The awards reflect its community investment priorities of workforce readiness, STEM education and community resilience.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass, which runs mentoring programs for young people.
- AMEN House, which addresses food insecurity for students and families.
- Jubilee Jobs of Lexington, which provides workforce training and career support.
- Kentucky FIRST Robotics, which delivers hands-on STEM and robotics experiences.
Toyota ties grant funding to regional workforce supply
The company links the programs to the pipeline of skilled labor in the region. David Fernandes, president of Toyota Kentucky, said young people have moved from robotics competitions and mentoring programs into college classrooms and then careers, which he described as the long-term impact the investments aim to create.
Kelli Gowan, executive director of KY FIRST Robotics, said the support gives students hands-on experience in technical and teamwork skills.
Toyota Kentucky has invested more than $166 million in charitable causes since 1986
Toyota broke ground in Georgetown in 1986. Its cumulative charitable investment across the Commonwealth now exceeds $166 million.