Best Johnson County Grants for Nonprofits in Kansas

About UCS

Focusing on Data, Advocacy, and Planning for a healthier, stronger Johnson County

Since 1967, United Community Services has been a catalyst and resource to ensure that the human service system meets the needs of Johnson County, Kansas, residents. UCS is part of United Way of Greater Kansas City’s Impact 100 and provides information, trends analysis and documentation to enhance community-wide planning and decision-making. By promoting upstream, proactive approaches, UCS supports sustainable solutions that improve the long-term well-being of the entire community.

Mission & Vision

The mission of UCS is to provide data analysis, lead collaborative planning and mobilize resources to enhance the availability and delivery of health and human services.

Our vision is that all people have the opportunity to fulfill their potential and contribute to the health and well-being of the community.

Substance Use Continuum of Care Fund

Overview

The Substance Use Continuum of Care Fund (SUF) launched in 2024 as a coordinated review and funding recommendation process for the Alcohol Tax Fund (ATF) and local portions of the Opioid Settlement Fund (OSF)—allowing applicants to apply for both in a single application. 

Since the 1970s, UCS has increased resources and access to substance abuse services through the Drug and Alcoholism Council (DAC) of Johnson County—a volunteer advisory body that oversees county alcohol/drug planning and allocations. This benefits the community by preventing and treating substance abuse, leading to lower healthcare costs, reduced crimes, child abuse and neglect, and increased employment and productivity.

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation 

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is a nationally respected leader in charitable giving, dedicated to improving quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing philanthropy, educating and connecting donors to community needs, and leading on critical local issues. Founded in 1978 with a simple belief that charitable giving should be accessible to all, the Foundation has grown into one of the largest and most innovative public charities in the country, offering donor advised funds and other giving vehicles that make philanthropy convenient, efficient, and impactful. Today, it manages more than $7 billion in assets, administers over 7,000 charitable funds, and has distributed more than $8 billion in grants, consistently ranking among the top community foundations nationwide.

Monica Abbott Softball Scholarship Fund

Monica Abbott Softball Scholarship Fund awards scholarship support to female high school seniors who have played softball and demonstrated leadership. Eligible applicants must be graduating from a high school in the Greater Kansas City area, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7, and provide a letter of recommendation that speaks to their leadership qualities. Applicants are also required to submit a photo, preferably a senior photo, headshot, or softball team photo, for potential use on the Abbott Athletics social media page if selected. The scholarship provides an award of $1,500 to support the recipient’s postsecondary education.

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is a leading philanthropic organization founded in 1978 that inspires and facilitates charitable giving to improve quality of life in the Greater Kansas City region and beyond. From its modest beginnings, the Foundation has grown into one of the nation’s most respected public charities, managing billions in charitable assets and administering thousands of funds for individuals, families, and businesses. Through donor-advised funds and other giving vehicles, it helps donors give strategically and effectively while providing education, leadership on key community issues, and personalized guidance that amplifies lasting community impact.

Bruce T. Hall Scholarship Fund

The Bruce T. Hall Scholarship Fund supports students in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area who are pursuing an advanced degree in social work. Eligible applicants must be at least five years into their professional career and have returned to college to obtain an advanced degree at an accredited college or university within the Greater Kansas City region, as defined by specified counties in Missouri and Kansas. Preference is given to applicants in good standing with the Episcopal Church, though church affiliation is not required. Scholarship award amounts vary and are intended to assist working professionals advancing their careers in social work.

Forever Friends Diana Lain Hughes Scholarship

The primary purpose of the Forever Friend Diana Lain Hughes Scholarship Fund is to provide annual scholarships to one or more graduating high school seniors or former graduates of the Shawnee Mission School District who demonstrate an interest in a career in teaching, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy or speech-language pathology.

Award

• $2,000

General Hospital #2 Perpetual Trust Fund

To provide scholarships for African-American students enrolled in the Registered Nursing program in any accredited school of nursing in the five county Greater Kansas City area (Jackson, Clay and Platte Counties in Missouri; and Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas) and in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Award

• $1,000