Nonprofit Organizations Submission for 2026 ‘Winsday’ Now Open
‘Winsday’ Returns on Kentucky Derby Week in Partnership with Community Foundation of Louisville
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026) – Submissions are now open for local charitable organizations to participate in “Winsday” presented by Resolute Racing on Wednesday, April 29, part of Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs.
In partnership with the Community Foundation of Louisville, “Winsday: Great Thrills for the Greater Good” will continue to be a special day dedicated to supporting local nonprofit organizations.
Up to 50 area nonprofit organizations are invited to join the Winsday celebration. By participating, organizations have a unique opportunity to fundraise, unlock cash prizes, network with community partners and amplify its mission to a wider audience – all at no cost. Selected organizations will receive a unique ticket link to distribute to supporters. For every box seat ticket sold through the links, Churchill Downs will donate $5 to that organization, directly contributing to their vital funding and benefiting their incredible work.
“‘Winsday’ makes a direct impact on the lives of many across Louisville and the Kentuckiana region,” said Claire Simms, Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Churchill Downs Incorporated. “Churchill Downs is thrilled to partner with the Community Foundation of Louisville again for this incredible celebration of the pivotal role nonprofits play in our community.”
Individual box seats start at $39 and can be purchased in complete boxes of six and eight seats.
Winsday provides participating nonprofits with multiple ways to raise funds, including special cash prizes and increasing awareness for their organization on race day.
Eligible nonprofit organizations may register to be a part of “Winsday: Great Thrills for the Greater Good” at www.cflouisville.org/events/winsday.
Registration will close at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 21 and a live drawing will be held Friday, Jan. 23 to choose the 50 participating organizations. Ticket sales links unique to each of the 50 registered nonprofits will be issued by Friday, Feb. 13.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Organizations that are IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charities and serve or have headquarters in Jefferson, Shelby, Oldham, Spencer, or Bullitt counties in Kentucky or Clark, Floyd, and Harrison counties in Indiana may participate.
- Schools and churches with valid IRS documentation or a federal EIN are 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. View last year’s nonprofit participants.
Tickets for the 152nd Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby can be secured by visiting www.KentuckyDerby.com,www.DerbyExperiences.com or by calling (502) 636-4447.
About Churchill Downs Racetrack
Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”), the world’s most legendary racetrack, has been the home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in the Spring, September and Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area, and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility. www.ChurchillDowns.com.
About Community Foundation of Louisville
Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville mobilizes people, networks, and capital to spark meaningful change in and beyond Louisville. With over $800 million in assets, over 2,200 charitable funds, and collaborations with hundreds of local partners, we connect philanthropic investments with relevant causes. The Foundation has addressed and continues to address a wide range of community needs. The key priorities of the Foundation’s mission are to remove barriers to accessing capital and resources and to open opportunities for all. Learn more at cflouisville.org.
Media Contacts
Hayley Armstrong
Brand Communications Manager
Churchill Downs Racetrack
Phone: 502-356-7796
Email: [email protected]
Jeanna Burkhead Cunningham
Communications Manager
Churchill Downs Incorporated
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 502-616-6844
