Donovan Memorial Endowment accepting proposals to enrich UK spaces
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 2, 2026) — University of Kentucky faculty, staff and students are invited to submit project proposals for funding through the Herman Lee and Nell Stuart Donovan Memorial Endowment for the 2026-27 academic year. Established in 1963 by former UK President Herman Lee Donovan, the endowment was created through a permanent trust with the purpose of enhancing the university environment through the appreciation of beauty.
In accordance with the trust’s guidelines, funds may not be used for ordinary or recurring operational or maintenance expenses. Instead, support is intended for projects such as the acquisition of books or artwork, the purchase of flowers and shrubs, or the promotion of musical programs. Proposed projects should enrich educational opportunities by fostering an appreciation of beauty in the spaces where students live and study.
The endowment will accept proposals requesting up to $7,500. The application, which is available on the Donovan Memorial Endowment webpage, is due March 13
The Donovan Trust Advisory Committee approved funding for the following projects during the 2025-26 academic year:
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College of Fine Arts, Music Education and Music Therapy Lab — commissioned a mural celebrating Kentucky musical artists
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UK Libraries, The Chair Collection — acquired chairs designed by prominent 20th century designers
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J. David Rosenberg College of Law, Soothing Sensory Space — enhanced a law library space with seating and décor to promote student well-being
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College of Fine Arts, Japanese Photography for UK Art Museum — acquired rare photographic prints
For questions, contact kim.lush@uky.edu.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.