Louisville, KY, January 8, 2026
Churchill Downs is set to host Winsday: Great Thrills for the Greater Good, offering local nonprofits an opportunity to fundraise during Kentucky Derby Week. This event allows up to 50 selected organizations to connect with supporters, earn cash prizes, and promote their missions without any fees. Ticket sales will benefit these nonprofits directly, reinforcing community engagement and support for local charities. Interested organizations must register by the deadline to participate in this impactful initiative.
Support Local Nonprofits at Winsday 2026 in Louisville, KY
Join the excitement during Kentucky Derby Week to uplift local charities.
Louisville, Kentucky – Churchill Downs has announced the opening of submissions for local charitable organizations to participate in the much-anticipated event, “Winsday: Great Thrills for the Greater Good,” scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2026, during Kentucky Derby Week. This initiative, in collaboration with the Community Foundation of Louisville, aims to support local nonprofits by offering them an exceptional platform to fundraise, unlock cash prizes, network with community partners, and promote their missions, all at no cost. It showcases a commendable effort by local leaders to foster community engagement while streamlining support for charitable activities.
The event is a testament to how local organizing can stimulate goodwill and civic involvement without excessive bureaucracy. By providing nonprofits with unique tools and opportunities, Winsday empowers them to thrive and make a meaningful impact within their communities. It’s a shining example of how private partnerships can effectively mobilize resources and inspire collective action to support philanthropic initiatives.
Event Overview
Churchill Downs has opened participation for up to 50 area nonprofit organizations, allowing them to connect with their supporters in a vibrant race day setting. Each selected organization will receive a unique ticket link to distribute, enabling their supporters to purchase individual box seats priced at just $39. For every ticket sold through these links, Churchill Downs will donate $5 directly to the nonprofit, amplifying the impact of community fundraising efforts.
Participation Details
Nonprofits interested in being part of this exciting event can register at the Community Foundation of Louisville’s website. The registration deadline is noon on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Following this, a live drawing will occur on Friday, January 23, to determine which organizations will partake in the event. By February 13, ticket sales links will be issued to the nonprofit participants, paving the way for a collaborative fundraising effort.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for participation, organizations must meet specific eligibility requirements. They must be IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charities serving or based in the designated counties of Jefferson, Shelby, Oldham, Spencer, or Bullitt in Kentucky, or Clark, Floyd, and Harrison counties in Indiana. Schools and churches are also eligible if they can provide valid IRS documentation or a federal EIN. This inclusivity fosters a diverse array of nonprofit participation, broadening the scope of community benefit.
Benefits for Nonprofits
The numerous benefits for participating organizations are extraordinary. Besides receiving direct financial contributions through ticket sales, nonprofits can also vie for cash prizes and gain invaluable exposure on a widely celebrated race day. This unique fundraising model capitalizes on the energy of Derby Week, ensuring that nonprofits not only have the chance to collect funds but also to connect with potential new supporters and partners, thus enhancing their outreach and operational capacity.
Community Support
The involvement of local community members is crucial for the success of Winsday. Individuals interested in supporting their favorite nonprofits can purchase tickets through the unique links provided by those organizations. By attending and participating in the event, community members can play an active role in strengthening their local charities, thereby reaffirming their commitment to civic engagement and collective growth.
Conclusion
Winsday 2026 represents a formidable opportunity for local nonprofits to elevate their missions, engage with the community, and secure vital funding during one of the most celebrated periods in Louisville—Kentucky Derby Week. With low barriers to entry and robust support from local stakeholders, this event exemplifies the power of collaboration and the importance of giving back. We encourage everyone to stay engaged in community development efforts, support local charities, and join the festivities in April 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is “Winsday: Great Thrills for the Greater Good”?
“Winsday” is a special event held during Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs, dedicated to supporting local nonprofit organizations. It offers nonprofits a platform to fundraise, unlock cash prizes, network with community partners, and amplify their missions to a wider audience—all at no cost.
When is “Winsday” scheduled?
“Winsday” is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2026, during Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs.
How can nonprofit organizations participate?
Nonprofit organizations can register to participate in “Winsday” by visiting the Community Foundation of Louisville’s website. Registration closes at noon on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. A live drawing will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, to select the 50 participating organizations.
What are the eligibility requirements for nonprofit organizations?
Eligible organizations must be IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charities serving or headquartered in Jefferson, Shelby, Oldham, Spencer, or Bullitt counties in Kentucky, or Clark, Floyd, and Harrison counties in Indiana. Schools and churches with valid IRS documentation or a federal EIN are also eligible. Programs or projects with a fiscal sponsor must register under their 501(c)(3) sponsor, provide the EIN, and proof of sponsorship. 509(a)(3) supporting organizations must state their designation (Type I, II, or III) and may need to provide extra documentation. Private non-operating foundations are not eligible. Nonprofits that participated in 2025 are not eligible for 2026 but can reapply in 2027.
What benefits do participating nonprofits receive?
Participating nonprofits receive a unique ticket link to distribute to supporters. For every box seat ticket sold through these links, Churchill Downs will donate $5 to the respective organization. Additionally, nonprofits have the opportunity to fundraise, unlock cash prizes, network with community partners, and amplify their missions to a wider audience—all at no cost.
How can individuals support participating nonprofits?
Individuals can support participating nonprofits by purchasing box seat tickets through the unique ticket links provided by the organizations. For every box seat ticket sold through these links, Churchill Downs will donate $5 to the respective organization.
Key Features of “Winsday: Great Thrills for the Greater Good”
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Date | Wednesday, April 29, 2026 |
| Location | Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky |
| Registration Deadline | Noon on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 |
| Live Drawing for Participants | Friday, January 23, 2026 |
| Ticket Sales Links Issued | By Friday, February 13, 2026 |
| Eligible Nonprofit Organizations | IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charities serving or headquartered in specified counties in Kentucky and Indiana |
| Ticket Prices | Individual box seats at $39; complete boxes of six and eight seats available |
| Donation per Ticket Sold | $5 donated to the respective nonprofit organization for every box seat ticket sold through their unique link |
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