Best Ford County Grants for Nonprofits in Kansas

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas Grant provides an opportunity for residents to contribute to their community through philanthropic efforts. Open from September 1 to October 1, 2023, it supports non-profit organizations, schools, and government entities. The Foundation enables citizens to make impactful gifts, from memorial contributions to ongoing support for children's issues, ensuring that charitable efforts enhance the quality of life in Southwest Kansas.

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.

Licensed ground ambulance services in Ford County, Kansas and other eligible rural, frontier, or densely settled rural areas can receive up to US $5,110 per EMS student for education costs. Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services provides funding for recruiting, initial EMS training, continuing education, and post-secondary EMS degrees, covering tuition, books, required lab fees, equipment, and course insurance.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Fiscal Year 2027 National Sea Grant College Program Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship offers an opportunity for students to engage in marine policy through a fellowship funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). With anticipated funding for at least 35 applications, each receiving $97,200, this program encourages applicants to connect with their local Sea Grant program for support. Early registration with SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons is crucial for eligibility.