Best Ford County Grants for Nonprofits in Kansas

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, and government entities working on rural economic and community development in Ford County, Kansas can seek US $25,000 - US $500,000 to test innovative economic opportunity solutions. With a mission to reinvest in rural communities, Patterson Family Foundation prioritizes regional innovation hubs and industry diversification strategies within its Kansas and western Missouri catchment.

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 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.

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.

Ford County, Kansas communities and local governments can access funding through the Kansas Department of Commerce to rehabilitate blighted downtown commercial buildings. This Community Development Block Grant program supports projects that improve commercial districts, preserve key structures, and expand economic opportunities, principally benefiting low- and moderate-income residents across eligible Kansas counties.

The EXCEL Industries, Inc. Legacy Scholarship, managed by the Central Kansas Community Foundation, aims to support high school seniors and college students pursuing higher education or vocational training. Eligible applicants are children or grandchildren of full-time EXCEL Industries employees with at least two years of service. The scholarship encourages students to study various fields, particularly in STEM or business, promoting educational advancement and community growth in central Kansas.

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.

About Us

Mission

The mission of CKCF is Building Stronger Communities Through Charitable Giving. Located in Newton, CKCF is a host foundation to 18 affiliates in the central Kansas region, supporting rural philanthropy.

History

The CKCF based in Newton, Kansas is thriving as a viable community foundation serving Newton while also being host to numerous affiliate community foundations throughout central Kansas. The Central Kansas Community Foundation was originally founded in 1994. Following a stable history serving a tri-county area the foundation merged in 2009 with the well-established Greater Newton Community Foundation. Today, the CKCF continues to demonstrate a commitment to strengthening communities across the entire Central Kansas region.

Wayne Willis Foundation Scholarship Fund

The scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to current graduating high school seniors or college/graduate students who are furthering their careers through a degree in wildlife management or conservation of natural resources.

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 Patterson Family Foundation offers Chronic Disease Prevention, Screening, and Education Grants aimed at community initiatives that enhance health management. This funding supports programs that increase awareness of chronic conditions, promote healthy behaviors, and provide access to screening and education in rural areas. Projects must demonstrate community impact and readiness for implementation, focusing on early detection and long-term health improvement for residents in Kansas and western Missouri.

Rural 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, and government entities improving education in Ford County, Kansas can apply for US $25,000 - US $500,000 to test innovative, long-term projects. With a mission to help rural communities thrive, Patterson Family Foundation prioritizes project-based and experiential learning in its Kansas and western Missouri catchment.

Ford County, Kansas 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, and government entities expanding preventative healthcare access can access funding through Patterson Family Foundation. Grants of US $100,000 - US $500,000 support rural health delivery models like telehealth, mobile health, community paramedicine, and community health workers serving eligible Kansas and western Missouri counties, including Ford County.

Focused on tourism promotion, organizations in Ford County, Kansas can seek funding to market attractions and events to overnight visitors, with awards up to US $5,000. The Dodge City Convention & Visitors Bureau supports graphic design, printing, advertising, and promotional materials that increase travel and enhance the image of local events and attractions.

Ford County, Kansas nonprofits, school districts, and government entities can seek support for skilled trades training, apprenticeships, and workforce upskilling programs in fields like HVAC, welding, healthcare, and law. Focused on rural workforce development, Patterson Family Foundation invites eligible organizations serving its Kansas and western Missouri catchment to apply.

High schools, school districts, and 501(c)(3) organizations in Ford County, Kansas can seek funding to expand or modernize career and technical education programs that prepare students for high-demand industries. Focused on rural workforce preparation and career readiness, the Patterson Family Foundation supports multi-year projects and allows limited indirect costs when projects serve its Kansas and western Missouri catchment.

Ford County, Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, and government entities supporting early childhood care can seek funding to expand childcare capacity, improve facilities, and increase affordability for families. Focused on rural communities, Patterson Family Foundation invites eligible organizations serving its Kansas and western Missouri catchment to apply for US $100,000 - US $500,000, including potential multi-year support.

Mission Catholic dioceses in Ford County, Kansas can apply for Catholic Extension’s Francis Grants to fund major diocesan events and leadership development. Eligible dioceses may receive support for occasions like a new bishop’s ordination, significant anniversaries, papal visits, or a bishop’s continuing education in approved U.S. mission territories.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools supporting community needs, conservation, or youth programs in Ford County, Kansas can request charitable sponsorships or donations to bolster events and initiatives. With a mission to strengthen communities, Black Hills Corporation Foundation provides eligible groups within its service territory with support for critical needs, environmental stewardship, and future leaders.

Ford County, Kansas Catholic school educators and diocesan leaders can access funding through Catholic Extension to join Loyola Marymount University’s Catholic School Leadership Academy. This one-year online certificate in Catholic school administration builds mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, with tuition and travel support for participants nominated by their principal and approved by the diocesan superintendent.

K–12 schools in Ford County, Kansas can apply for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation’s Healthy Habits for Life grants, offering up to US $2,000 for student health and wellness initiatives. Funding supports programs that boost physical activity, improve nutrition, reduce obesity and cardiovascular risk, and reinforce positive mental health.

Catholic dioceses with parishes in Ford County, Kansas can seek support to expand pastoral and social outreach ministries, including catechesis, family life, evangelization media, liturgical programs, and social services. With a mission to strengthen Catholic communities, Catholic Extension provides programmatic funding directly to approved Extension Dioceses, not to individual parishes or secular nonprofits.

Catholic dioceses seeking to strengthen fundraising, financial management, and operational efficiency in Ford County, Kansas can apply for Building Capacity support, including Catholic school institutional strengthening. Focused on Catholic capacity-building, Catholic Extension invites approved Extension Dioceses, including those serving Ford County, to request funding for development staff, technology, audits, planning, and related initiatives.

Catholic dioceses and parishes serving young people in Ford County, Kansas can seek support for ministries that provide Catholic faith formation for children, teens, young adults, and families. Catholic Extension funds diocesan and parish-level campus ministry, youth ministry, religious education, and young adult programs in designated under-resourced Extension Dioceses across the U.S.

Catholic dioceses in Ford County, Kansas can seek funding to recruit, educate, and provide ongoing formation for seminarians, deacons, and lay or religious leaders. Catholic Extension provides support for tuition, professional development, recruitment, and leadership training initiatives in its approved mission dioceses, helping build strong, well-trained church leadership for parish and diocesan life.

Catholic dioceses and ministries providing core Catholic pastoral and administrative services in Ford County, Kansas can seek support to sustain under-resourced parishes and missions. With a mission to strengthen Catholic presence in mission territories, Catholic Extension provides Extension Dioceses with salary subsidies and essential operating funds for priests, religious, lay leaders, and basic church operations.

Catholic dioceses and parishes in Ford County, Kansas that are part of an Extension Diocese can seek funding to construct, expand, or renovate Catholic churches and related facilities. Catholic Extension provides up to US $100,000 for major building projects and up to 100% of minor repair or equipment needs for the most under-resourced communities.

Ford County, Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public school districts, and government entities that support rural entrepreneurs can apply for Patterson Family Foundation’s Entrepreneurship and Business Support Grant. Focus areas include business development programs, mentorship, technical assistance, networking, and entrepreneur recruitment to strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and track outcomes for participating businesses.