Vetting & Donating Standards

The Thoroughbred Chapter of HOKC, Inc. is a Kentucky nonprofit corporation and an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to supporting worthy causes primarily within Lexington, Kentucky, and the surrounding Central Kentucky region.

The Chapter does not operate a grant-making program as administered by the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels headquarters in Louisville. Instead, the Chapter's charitable support is provided through donations approved and distributed at the local chapter level.

Membership dues collected by the Chapter are used solely for administrative and operational expenses necessary to conduct the Chapter's activities. Such expenses may include meeting venue rentals, website hosting, domain registration, office and paper supplies, postage, insurance, and other routine administrative costs.

 Membership dues are not used for charitable donations.

Funds received separately as charitable contributions or donations are maintained for charitable purposes and may be distributed to qualifying nonprofit organizations at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

When considering charitable donations, the Chapter evaluates nonprofit organizations based upon demonstrated need, mission alignment, community impact, organizational capacity, and the potential benefit to the communities served. As part of our due diligence process, the Chapter reviews publicly available information, verifies nonprofit status and organizational legitimacy, and communicates directly with organizational leadership when appropriate.

Currently, the Chapter's vetting process includes researching the nonprofit entity and making direct contact with its chief executive officer, executive director, or comparable organizational leader. This process has historically been conducted by the sitting President of the Board, with assistance from other members of the Board of Directors as needed.

The Board of Directors reviews all recommendations and votes on the approval of charitable donations. Donation decisions are based upon identified needs, available charitable resources, and the organization's ability to effectively utilize the funds for charitable purposes.

The Thoroughbred Chapter of HOKC, Inc. remains committed to transparency, accountability, integrity, compassion, and responsible stewardship of charitable resources in all charitable activities.