Best Grants for Education Nonprofits in Kansas

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving greater Kansas City can seek funding for education, healthcare, social services, Jewish community, and arts programs that create transformational change. Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation provides US $150,000 - US $500,000 for special programs, capacity building, and capital projects benefiting underserved, low-income residents in Jackson, Clay, Platte, Wyandotte, and Johnson counties.

Education and community-focused nonprofits in Kansas counties where BOK Financial operates may be eligible for BOKF Foundation’s charitable contributions, supporting basic needs, education, and economic development. Organizations working on poverty, hunger, healthcare, housing, safety, workforce development, or job training can apply online year-round, excluding individuals and other ineligible entities.

Education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving the greater Kansas City region in Kansas can seek funding for programs and capital projects that enrich the community and support learning. Grants from Hall Family Foundation help Kansas education organizations advance early learning, K–12, post-secondary success, and wraparound or out-of-classroom supports that remove barriers for children and families.

Schools and educational nonprofits in Kansas creating monarch habitat gardens can receive free milkweed plugs for large-scale restoration projects. With a mission to support monarch conservation, Monarch Watch provides free plants to priority sites that meet space, maintenance, educational, and administrative support requirements, helping integrate environmental education into school and community programs.

Public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits preserving historic Route 66 sites can apply for $2,500 - $10,000 to support restoration, interpretation, and related projects in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. With a mission to protect historic places, National Trust for Historic Preservation supports projects that may include education-focused programming and materials along the Route 66 corridor.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation, in collaboration with the Greater Salina Community Foundation, offers community grants aimed at enhancing life quality in North Central Kansas. These grants prioritize projects in education, health care, social services, conservation, arts, and community beautification. Notably, preference is given to initiatives fostering community involvement and volunteerism, while excluding funding for tax-supported programs or general operational expenses.

Education and community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies in Kansas counties such as Johnson, Wyandotte, and Leavenworth can seek funding for arts, education, health, human services, environment, and public interest projects. The Helen S. Boylan Foundation favors new initiatives, program expansions, capital improvements, and building renovations, with occasional consideration for multi-year and general operating support.

501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal entities, and local governments in Kansas serving Douglas County residents can apply for Douglas County Community Foundation’s Community Grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $10,000 for local projects. Funding can support education alongside arts and culture, youth, community development, environment, health, housing, animal welfare, and human services initiatives.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations in Kansas can seek US $2,500 - US $5,000 for planning and education projects in historic preservation, including staff support, consultants, and outreach materials. With a mission to advance preservation, National Trust for Historic Preservation helps organizations whose educational work may intersect with community or place-based learning initiatives.

Education nonprofits, school districts, and government entities in rural Kansas expanding dual-credit, AP, IB, or STEM courses can apply for US $50,000 - US $500,000 to increase advanced learning access for students. Grants from Patterson Family Foundation help rural communities thrive by strengthening high school educational opportunities and equity in eligible Kansas counties.

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.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, and government entities in rural Kansas can apply for Patterson Family Foundation’s Healthcare Workforce Development funding to strengthen healthcare education, licensure, and recruitment or retention programs. Education-focused nonprofits preparing or training healthcare professionals for rural service may be especially well positioned for this opportunity.

Rural 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, and government entities in Kansas or western Missouri can seek funding to test innovative approaches that deepen community engagement across all generations. With a mission to help rural communities thrive, Patterson Family Foundation provides US $25,000 - US $500,000 for projects that strengthen civic life, education, and local leadership.

Kansas and western Missouri 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, and government entities improving rural healthcare can access funding through Patterson Family Foundation for innovative projects with long-term impact. Education-focused nonprofits that expand maternal care, telehealth, or healthcare access in rural communities may be eligible if they serve counties within the foundation’s catchment.

Education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, and government entities in rural Kansas communities can apply for Patterson Family Foundation’s Innovation in Education Grant, with awards from US $25,000 - US $500,000 for creative, high-impact projects. Funding can support project-based or experiential learning and other innovative approaches that strengthen long-term educational outcomes in rural areas.

Kansas 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, and government entities can seek US $100,000 - US $500,000 to launch or expand rural healthcare delivery models that increase preventative care access. Grants from Patterson Family Foundation help Kansas communities, including those with education-related health initiatives, fund mobile health, telehealth, community paramedicine, and similar services in eligible rural counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, and government entities providing specialty healthcare services in rural Kansas can apply for the Specialty Care Access Grant Program to bring care closer to their communities. Patterson Family Foundation supports projects such as maternal, oncology, dental, chronic condition, and mental/behavioral health services, which may benefit education-focused nonprofits with related health programming.

The Trades Workforce Development Grant, offered by the Patterson Family Foundation, aims to support skill development in high-demand trades like HVAC, plumbing, and welding. Organizations in Kansas and western Missouri can apply starting April 1, 2025. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance community engagement and offer pathways to quality jobs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities. Early submission of the Letter of Intent is encouraged for timely review and consideration.

Patterson Family Foundation

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. 

At the Patterson Family Foundation, we believe that thriving rural communities aren’t just about the numbers—they’re about the people who choose to live there. A strong and engaged community is built on essentials like access to good jobs, quality healthcare, educational opportunities, and a sense of belonging. But keeping rural communities strong doesn’t happen on its own—it takes all of us working together. That’s why we focus on working with local leaders, businesses, and organizations to invest in the areas that matter most, ensuring that rural places don’t just get by but thrive for generations to come.

Community Needs Grant

We continue to invest in community-focused work through dedicated programs and initiatives that strengthen local leadership and support long-term community vitality. Our Community Engagement opportunities for the 2026 cycle are offered through targeted, collaborative efforts rather than an open call application process, allowing us to work closely with communities and organizations on high-impact, locally driven projects.

This opportunity supports projects that strengthen resident retention and encourage former residents to return by enhancing the spaces, services, and community assets that make rural places appealing to live, work, and build a future. Projects should help communities create environments where people feel connected, supported, and inspired to stay or come home. Applicants should plan to report on community participation, improvements to key spaces or assets, and early indicators of resident retention or increased engagement from returning residents. 

Kansas nonprofits and other organizations supporting women’s reproductive health can access funding through Wichita Community Foundation’s Dr. George & Jeanne Tiller Fund; awards up to US $25,000 for programs serving women in need. Eligible projects include sex education, medical testing, fellowships, disease-specific initiatives, substance abuse programs, and related educational efforts that may benefit education-focused nonprofits.

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits running arts, education, health, or welfare programs that directly benefit K–12 youth in Greater Kansas City can apply for project funding. Grants from Edward G and Kathryn E Mader Foundation support child-focused initiatives in eligible Kansas and Missouri counties, which may include education nonprofits seeking program-specific support rather than operating costs.

Focused on education, The Kerr Foundation invites Kansas 501(c)(3) organizations to seek support for capital, program, or operating projects. Nonprofits working in education, arts and culture, health, or human services, particularly those creating opportunities for young people, may be eligible alongside similar organizations across its broader regional funding area.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations planning or educating around battlefield and historic site preservation, including in Kansas, can apply for National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Battlefield Preservation Fund grants of US $2,500 - US $10,000. Grants support planning, professional expertise, capacity building, and public education or outreach initiatives, including efforts that may engage students or broader educational audiences.

Rural public entities, nonprofit corporations, higher education institutions, tribes, and rural cooperatives in Kansas can apply for USDA: Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $500,000 for small rural business support. Funding can cover technical assistance, facilities, revolving loan funds, business incubators, and community or technology-based economic development that may benefit education-focused workforce and training efforts.

Kansas education, faith, government, and nonprofit organizations seeking leadership development to address major organizational challenges in Kansas can access funding through Kansas Leadership Center’s Leadership Transformation Grants. Support focuses on saturating organizations with KLC’s leadership training framework to build adaptive capacity, strengthen culture, and make lasting progress on key issues, which may benefit education-focused nonprofits.

The Emporia Community Foundation (ECF) provides grants to support innovative projects that address community needs in health, education, recreation, and cultural affairs. Targeting the counties of Lyon, Chase, Greenwood, Morris, Osage, Coffey, and Wabaunsee, ECF aims to enhance the quality of life for local citizens. Preference is given to initiatives not directly tax-supported, ensuring that community-driven efforts can thrive and contribute to a stronger, more connected region.

About Us

Our History

Since its founding, The H & R Block Foundation has been committed to assisting underserved individuals and improving the quality of all aspects of life. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that increase access to the arts, build stable neighborhoods, offer diverse learning opportunities, and expand access to services that respond to all individuals’ physical and emotional needs. The Foundation continues to support the H&R Block culture by aligning resources and leadership to create positive social change.

Grants

Community Impact

The H & R Block Foundation awards grants that help nonprofits improve or strengthen services, enhance operations, and achieve greater results. The Foundation’s grant strategy focuses on the following:

• Helping underserved individuals pursue and attain post-secondary education
• Improving the quality of life throughout neighborhoods in greater Kansas City
• Enhancing nonprofits’ operational efficiency and service delivery and strengthening major community assets and institutions

Since its inception, The H & R Block Foundation has invested over $84 million in various charitable organizations.

Grants FAQ

The Foundation’s areas of focus are:

• Arts & Culture
• Education
• Health & Human Service
• Neighborhood Revitalization

There are no fixed minimum or maximum amounts, though most grants do not exceed $150,000.  

The Foundation’s sister organization, the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation makes single-year and multiyear grants that typically fall in the range of $150,000 to $500,000. Grants may be funded by either Foundation, as determined by Foundation staff.