Best Barber County Grants for Nonprofits in Kansas

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation offers Healthy Habits for Life Grants to support schools in promoting healthy lifestyle choices for K-12 students. With a maximum grant of $2,000 per school, programs may include initiatives that reduce cardiovascular risk, increase physical activity, and reinforce positive mental health. Schools are encouraged to collaborate on unique projects, such as gardens, health fairs, and fitness activities, aiming to instill lifelong healthy habits in students.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

The Early College Pathways program by the Patterson Family Foundation aims to empower students to earn both a high school diploma and college credit. This initiative fosters partnerships between school districts and accredited colleges, enhancing educational attainment while reducing costs. By supporting local career transitions and strengthening the workforce pipeline, it promotes sustainable growth in rural communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and educational entities serving Kansas and western Missouri, focusing on student success and community engagement.

The Preventative Care Access Grant from the Patterson Family Foundation aims to enhance healthcare delivery models in rural communities across Kansas and western Missouri. Organizations eligible for funding can develop innovative solutions such as mobile health and telehealth services to improve access to care. Registration is required before submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI), with deadlines set for April and July 2025. This initiative supports projects that directly benefit the foundation's target areas.

The Patterson Family Foundation's Innovation in Education Grant aims to enhance educational opportunities in rural communities. With a focus on creative proposals that foster new ideas for sustainable growth, the foundation invites eligible organizations in Kansas and western Missouri to apply. Registration is required before submitting a Letter of Intent, with specific deadlines for each funding round. This initiative underscores the foundation's commitment to supporting initiatives that empower local communities and promote long-term benefits.

The Kansas EMS Education Incentive Grant Program is designed to support licensed ambulance services in rural, frontier, and densely settled rural areas of Kansas by providing funding for recruiting, training, and certifying EMS providers. Eligible services include those in cities with populations less than 2,000 and in frontier or rural counties. The program prioritizes funding for initial training costs and continuing education, ensuring that communities can maintain essential emergency medical services.

The SEED Grant program, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, aims to revitalize Kansas communities with populations under 5,000 through funding for quality-of-life projects. Eligible projects include childcare and senior programming, community vibrancy initiatives, food retail access, and library enhancements. Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000, requiring a 10% match and completion within 12 months. This initiative fosters economic growth and community well-being in eligible counties across Kansas.

The Kansas EMS Education Incentive Grant Program supports licensed ambulance services in rural, frontier, and densely settled rural areas of Kansas. It aims to enhance the recruitment, training, and certification of EMS providers. Eligible services can apply for funding based on specific criteria, including costs for recruiting and initial training courses. The program also allocates funding amounts for continuing education and post-secondary education degrees, ensuring comprehensive support for EMS services throughout the grant cycles.

The Patterson Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering economic opportunity in rural areas through innovative proposals. They prioritize funding for regional innovation hubs and strategies aimed at industry diversification. Organizations eligible for support must be located in or serve communities in Kansas or western Missouri. With a strong commitment to education and community resilience, the Foundation aims to empower future generations while enhancing local economies.

The Promise on the Plains Grant, offered by United Way of the Plains, provides up to $10,000 to grassroots organizations that serve underserved communities in south-central Kansas. This initiative aims to enhance efforts in health, education, financial stability, and basic needs, fostering a thriving community. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits within the specified service area can apply, contributing to impactful change and addressing local resource gaps.

ConocoPhillips Charitable Investments focus on Water and Biodiversity Stewardship, promoting conservation and restoration of ecosystems. The initiative emphasizes collaboration with communities and organizations to enhance biodiversity, improve water availability, and foster innovative conservation practices. Proposals are evaluated based on their alignment with long-term conservation goals, community engagement, and innovative approaches. Eligible organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt charities or government subdivisions, while ineligible entities include those advancing political causes or engaging in discriminatory practices.

The Lewis H. Humphreys Charitable Trust Grant supports educational, cultural, human services, and healthcare programming for underserved populations in East Central Kansas. Established in 2004, the Trust offers grants for general operating, program, and capital support. Projects must meet compelling community needs and provide broad social benefits. Eligible organizations must specifically serve East Central Kansas residents. Grants are typically awarded for a duration of one year, aligning with the Trust's commitment to community enhancement.

The Water and Sewer Infrastructure Grant Program, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, allocates $1 million in 2024 to support essential water and sewer projects in communities with populations over 5,000. Each eligible project can receive up to $800,000, with a required 25% cash match. Funding is intended for infrastructure improvements, engineering costs, and administrative expenses, making it vital for enhancing community water systems.

The Regional Water Implementation Grant aims to enhance collaboration among water systems in Kansas by providing funding for preliminary engineering studies. With a maximum funding amount of $1,000,000 for 2024, this grant encourages projects that consolidate systems, expand water supply districts, and connect previously unlinked public water supply systems. A 50% match can be sourced from local or KDHE funds, promoting effective water management across the state.

Rooted in rural.

Committed to your community

The Patterson Family Foundation, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is a family-led foundation that extends the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson. The Foundation’s mission, “Working together to help rural communities thrive,” is carried forward through strategic grantmaking and other collaborative initiatives that serve rural counties across Kansas and western Missouri. 

Our Mission

Working together to help rural communities thrive.

Grant Types

Open Call Grants

Patterson Family Foundation’s Open Call Grants are publicly announced and submitted through the Grants Portal. Applications are reviewed using criteria aligned with the Foundation’s priorities, including community impact, feasibility, sustainability, and readiness to implement the proposed work in the Kansas or western Missouri rural community. 

This opportunity increases access to mental health support by expanding services, strengthening local care networks, and promoting prevention, harm reduction, and behavioral health education. Projects should create supportive environments that reduce stigma, increase awareness, and help residents access appropriate care. Applicants should plan to report on services delivered, residents served, improvements in access or awareness, and partnerships that enhance local mental health support.

The Literacy Advancement Grant, offered by the Patterson Family Foundation, aims to enhance foundational literacy skills in rural communities of Kansas and western Missouri. This grant supports public school districts and eligible nonprofits in implementing effective educational initiatives that foster reading comprehension and family engagement. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate community impact and sustainability in their proposals, ensuring a lasting benefit to local literacy efforts.

The South Central Community Foundation (SCCF) offers a $5,000 Children's Health Grant aimed at enhancing health initiatives for youths aged 18 and under within its service area. This grant is accessible to nonprofits, schools, churches, and cities located in Barber, Comanche, Kingman, Kiowa, Pratt, Rice, and Stafford counties. SCCF is committed to improving community health and providing resources to address local needs effectively.

The South Central Community Foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Barber, Comanche, Kingman, Kiowa, Pratt, Rice, and Stafford counties. Established in 1994, it serves as a resource for charitable activities, manages funds for a flexible endowment, and responds to community needs. The foundation is committed to ensuring that local charitable efforts thrive, fostering a brighter future for South Central Kansas.

Patterson Family Foundation

The Patterson Family Foundation was established to reinvest in rural communities and cultivate values of education and hard work for current and future generations. Currently, the Foundation is led by the adult children of the Patterson Family.

The Patterson Family Foundation, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is a family-led foundation that extends the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson. The Foundation’s mission, “Working together to help rural communities thrive,” is carried forward through strategic grantmaking and other collaborative initiatives that serve rural counties across Kansas and western Missouri. 

Where We Serve

We are geographically focused on assisting Kansas and western Missouri counties with fewer than 50,000 residents.

Our impact is realized through four interconnected priorities:

Economic Opportunity

• Our vision: Rural communities have resilient economies that offer diverse and stable career opportunities for all residents.
• We are committed to keeping rural economies strong by helping grow and retain great talent, attracting former and new residents, and investing in opportunities that strengthen and diversify local and regional economies

Education

• Our vision: All students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.
• A strong education system is at the heart of a thriving community, and we’re working alongside educators, families, and local leaders to help it grow. This means supporting and developing exceptional teachers, providing students with opportunities to develop skills and experience, and creating more hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for the future.

Healthcare

• Our vision: Communities have access to high-quality healthcare services, leading to improved health outcomes and increased well-being for all residents.
• Access to quality healthcare is essential for keeping rural communities strong. We work to expand the healthcare workforce, improve access to essential services, and empower all rural residents to lead long, healthy lives.

Community Engagement

• Our vision: Residents are actively engaged in decision-making process, contribute to community development, and have a strong sense of belonging and purpose.
• Strong communities are built through local leadership, volunteerism, and collaboration. We work alongside communities to drive grassroots engagement and empower multi-generational leaders. Through regional partnerships and strong community foundations, we help communities deepen relationships, expand opportunities, and steward local resources for future generations.

Open Call Grants

Patterson Family Foundation’s Open Call Grants are publicly announced and submitted through the Grants Portal. Applications are reviewed using criteria aligned with the Foundation’s priorities, including community impact, feasibility, sustainability, and readiness to implement the proposed work in the Kansas or western Missouri rural community. 

Open Call Grant: Adult Learning

This opportunity supports adult learners in building literacy, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning skills. Funding helps reduce barriers to participation and expands equitable access to evidence-based education that prepares adults for meaningful employment, civic engagement, and personal advancement. Projects should strengthen community-based programs, support innovation, and align adult learning with local workforce needs, with priority given to organizations in our rural catchment area or partnering with local employers. Applicants should plan to report on learner participation, skills or credentials gained, employment or career advancements, and partnerships that connect adult learners to local opportunities. 

Eligible uses of funds include:  

• Funding for new instructors and staff training 
• Instructional materials 
• Technology and digital learning tools 
• Outreach and recruitment 
• Support services that reduce participation barriers 
• Program evaluation and data collection   

The Kansas Community Development Block Grant Program aims to revitalize downtown areas by funding the rehabilitation of blighted commercial structures. This initiative, managed by the Kansas Department of Commerce, seeks to enhance the quality of life for residents and stimulate economic growth, particularly benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals. By strategically investing in key buildings, the program hopes to prevent further deterioration and act as a catalyst for positive change in local communities.

The South Central Community Foundation (SCCF) aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Barber, Comanche, Kingman, Kiowa, Pratt, Rice, and Stafford counties. Through its Community Grants program, SCCF provides up to $2,000 to eligible nonprofits, schools, churches, and local governments addressing community needs. The foundation prioritizes donor engagement, responds to emerging challenges, and supports charitable initiatives, fostering a sustainable community.

The Marjorie Gillig Grant, provided by the South Central Community Foundation, aims to enhance the lives of residents in Pratt County and the City of Kiowa, KS. This grant focuses on supporting nonprofits with projects in Music and Arts, Primary Education, Senior Activities, Community Organizations, Church Programs, and Mission Trips. By fostering community engagement and addressing local needs, the foundation seeks to promote long-lasting positive impacts.

The Entrepreneurship and Business Support Grant offered by the Patterson Family Foundation aims to foster small business growth and rural entrepreneurship. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to support business development, mentorship, and technical assistance programs. Notably, co-working spaces without programming and capital-only requests will not be funded. Organizations must be located within the Foundation’s Kansas or western Missouri catchment area and must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, or government entities.

The Childcare Grant from the Patterson Family Foundation supports organizations in Kansas and western Missouri that enhance childcare services. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, school districts, and government entities focused on expanding childcare capacity, improving facilities, and making services more affordable for working families. Applications will be accepted through a Letter of Intent starting April 1, 2025, with a commitment to fostering thriving rural communities. The foundation emphasizes collaboration and sustainability in childcare initiatives.

The Kingman/Norwich Innovative Learning Grant supports USD 331 teachers in enhancing innovative learning for the 2025-2026 school year. This grant aims to provide resources for enriching classroom experiences, professional development for educators, and accessibility to arts and leadership training. It targets initiatives that offer economically feasible opportunities for students and staff, fostering creativity and innovation within the curriculum.

The Leadership Grant from the South Central Community Foundation supports local leadership programs in Barber, Comanche, and Harper County. This initiative aims to assist organizations and schools with funding for class member tuition, supplies, and conference fees. The grant highlights the importance of developing community leaders and addressing emerging needs, while explicitly excluding salary and mileage costs. This is a valuable opportunity for enhancing leadership skills within the community.