The ACLU of Kentucky is comprised of two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky and the ACLU of Kentucky Foundation. Although both the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky and the ACLU of Kentucky Foundation are part of the same overall organization, it is necessary that the ACLU have two separate organizations in order for us do a broad range of work in protecting civil liberties. This Web site collectively refers to the two organizations under the name "ACLU of Kentucky."

Although there is some overlap in the work done by each organization, certain activities the ACLU of Kentucky does to protect civil liberties must be done by one organization and not the other. This is primarily in the area of lobbying. The American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky engages in legislative lobbying. As an organization that is eligible to receive contributions that are tax-deductible by the contributor, federal law limits the extent to which the ACLU of Kentucky Foundation may engage in lobbying activities. Therefore, most of the lobbying activity done by the ACLU of Kentucky and discussed in this Web site is done by the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky. By contrast, most of the ACLU of Kentucky's litigation and public education efforts described in this Web site are done by the ACLU of Kentucky Foundation.

You may make a contribution to either the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky, the ACLU of Kentucky Foundation, or both. A contribution to either organization will be used to support, promote and defend civil liberties. However, each organization will only use the funds contributed directly to it to carry out the specific activities it conducts as part of the overall ACLU mission. A donor may make a tax-deductible gift only to the ACLU of Kentucky Foundation. A donor who chooses to "Join" and become a card-carrying member of the ACLU is making a contribution to the American Civil Liberties Union. Membership dues and other gifts to the American Civil Liberties Union are not tax deductible.

To join and become a card-carrying member of the ACLU, click here. To make a tax-deductible gift to the ACLU of Kentucky Foundation, click here.