Best Workforce Grants in Kansas

Kansas 501(c) and 170(c) organizations focused on workforce preparation, job readiness, or related community services can receive up to US $1,000 in matched donations through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program for recent retirees. Eligible nonprofits must be within the Regions footprint and receive monetary gifts from qualifying Regions retirees.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Kansas working on workforce preparation, job readiness, education, or related community development can apply for matching gifts that double donations from eligible Regions Bank associates. This national program may benefit workforce initiatives that fit Regions Foundation priorities and are supported by employee giving.

Focused on healthcare workforce development, Patterson Family Foundation invites Kansas rural 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, and government entities to strengthen critical healthcare roles. Eligible programs support education, licensure, recruitment, and retention of healthcare professionals in rural communities within the foundation’s Kansas catchment and may advance local workforce preparation and job readiness efforts.

Nonprofit organizations hosting community events or fundraising in Kansas can seek community sponsorships supporting workforce preparation, job readiness, and related community development efforts. Focused on financial well-being and seven community impact areas, First National Bank of Omaha provides unrestricted support for events, general operations, and arts and culture seasons that benefit its Kansas communities.

Nonprofit organizations planning capital campaigns or major projects that support workforce preparation, job readiness, or related community development in Kansas can apply for First National Bank of Omaha’s capital or major donations. Funding supports construction, renovation, or other large-scale initiatives within FNBO’s focus areas, which include education, workforce development, and community health and wellbeing.

Nonprofit organizations building pathways out of poverty through education, job training, or workforce readiness in Kansas can access funding and intensive capacity-building support. Arbor Brothers supports workforce preparation and job readiness with unrestricted, multi-year grants of US $125,000 - US $175,000 per year plus consulting, for 501(c)(3)s (or fiscally sponsored groups) meeting its budget and staffing criteria.

Kansas 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and churches can seek approximately US $200,000 to launch bold, scalable projects that advance upward mobility, including workforce preparation and job readiness. With a mission to improve health statewide, Kansas Health Foundation supports regional or statewide efforts, especially in communities facing concentrated economic hardship, that implement Blueprint for Upward Mobility strategies within one year.

Kansas Office of Apprenticeship

The Kansas Office of Apprenticeship (KOA) supports the development and expansion of Registered Apprenticeship programs across the state and administers the Kansas Apprenticeship Council (KAC), which ensures programs meet state and federal apprenticeship standards.

Mission: To meet the needs of the Kansas economy and its citizens, the office of Apprenticeship will actively grow a robust system that supports our apprenticeship stakeholders, sponsors, intermediaries, and apprentices. We do this by strategically empowering partnerships that serve a diverse and inclusive workforce through occupational proficiency, for generations to come.

Rural Apprenticeship Innovation for a Stronger Economy (RAISE) Grant

Overview

The Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship are committed to meeting Kansas’ high-wage, high-demand workforce needs by expanding Registered Apprenticeship programs in counties with populations under 50,000 residents. This grant provides direct operational support to new and existing programs—such as business support, marketing, and training equipment—to help them grow, expand services, and reach more Kansans.

Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to provide seed funding for long-term investments in the expansion of new or established Registered Apprenticeship programs in rural Kansas with populations under 50,000. Registered Apprenticeships are a sustainable and economical way to connect residents to meaningful training for long term careers, retain talent in rural areas, and keep Kansas competitive.

Goals

• Support expansion of Registered Apprenticeship programs in rural Kansas counties.
• Increase Registered Apprenticeship enrollment by at least 10% year over year in high-wage, high-demand occupations

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on workforce preparation, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can seek funding to advance economic and racial equity. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation support organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, with priority for leaders of color and programs addressing multiple pillars of work, home, and play.

Kansas workforce and education entities with established registered apprenticeship programs can access funding to expand workforce preparation and job readiness efforts in Kansas. Kansas organizations such as Joint Apprenticeship Training Councils, state educational institutions, businesses, nonprofits, and workforce boards may receive up to US $100,000 from the Kansas Department of Commerce to grow high-demand apprenticeships, including staffing, marketing, and training equipment.

Kansas 501(c)(3) public charities with $100,000+ budgets can seek funding for workforce preparation, youth development, and related programs in communities where RBC Wealth Management operates. RBC Foundation USA supports efforts that build in-demand skills, provide work experiences, and expand career pathways, along with select community prosperity and environmental sustainability initiatives.

Rural Kansas communities and organizations pursuing workforce preparation, job readiness, or other local development projects can seek support to hire a dedicated Rural Champion for one year. With a mission to empower communities, Kansas Department of Commerce provides stipends and requires a 25% cash and in-kind match to plan and implement critical community strategies through 2028.

Eligible Kansas employers and educator preparation programs can obtain tuition reimbursement for registered teacher apprentices through this workforce training grant, with awards up to US $2,750 per apprentice each year. With a mission to expand teacher educator apprenticeships, Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship provides Kansas workforce preparation and job readiness initiatives with multi-year support for tuition, fees, books, and materials.

Nonprofit organizations supporting workforce development, entrepreneurship, or adult financial education in Kansas can seek funding to expand economic and social opportunity programs. With a mission to strengthen communities, First National Bank of Omaha provides Impact Grants that back affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, job creation, small business development, and adult education initiatives improving financial well-being.

WorKS: Kansas Public Broadcasting Content Grant

This program aims to increase awareness of workforce development tools, strengthen digital literacy, and celebrate the potential of innovation across Kansas’ rural regions.

The WorKS funding was created by the legislature in 2025 in the State budget bill SB 125. The goal of this program is to provide public broadcasting stations funding to produce original, educational content highlighting rural workforce opportunities, remote work readiness, and emerging technologies that can transform how Kansans live and work in rural communities. 

Funding Amount

• Total Funding Available: $500,000
• Minimum Award Amount: $10,000
• Max Award Amount: $100,000
• Match Amount: In-Kind allowed. Match encouraged, but not required

Kansas workforce development and job readiness nonprofits, including 501(c)(3) emergency response, youth, and training organizations, can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for programs in communities served by Union Pacific; awards US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability initiatives that demonstrate clear need, strong capacity, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Westminster Presbyterian Church Scholarship aims to address contemporary community needs by providing financial support for education and job training. This initiative, led by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, emphasizes a holistic approach to community welfare, including arts, infrastructure, and wellness. It is designed for individuals who are currently employed full-time and seeking further education or job training opportunities.

The Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation offers Single Program Grants to support impactful programs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. These grants, ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, prioritize initiatives that enhance independence and service delivery. Eligible organizations must be US 501(c)(3) non-profits, and unsolicited proposals are not accepted. The foundation emphasizes community-based solutions and invites qualified applicants to submit a Letter of Inquiry followed by a full proposal.

Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation

The Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals who are blind or visually impaired by fostering independence and self-sufficiency. Its mission is to support programs that help people with vision loss lead independent, productive lives, while its vision is an accessible and inclusive world where individuals have the tools, resources, and opportunities to fully participate in society.

The Foundation’s funding priorities focus on supporting nonprofit organizations and initiatives that provide education, training, and rehabilitation services, assistive technology innovations, vision care and access to aids, and capacity building for professionals serving the visually impaired community. It also invests in programs that enhance employment opportunities, promote independence, and improve service delivery systems for people with vision loss, emphasizing practical, community-based solutions and long-term impact.

Small Discretionary Grants

The Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation (RDPFS) Track #3 Small Discretionary Grants provide flexible, year-round funding for smaller-scale initiatives that support individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Grant requests are accepted on a rolling basis and awarded at the discretion of the Executive Director. Awards are made until available funds are exhausted, allowing the Foundation to respond to timely or emerging needs.

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

The Rare Impact Fund, founded by Selena Gomez, is dedicated to transforming mental health support for young people. With a commitment to mobilizing $100 million, the fund aims to enhance access to mental health services and promote a stigma-free community. Through public Requests for Proposals, the initiative seeks to strengthen the nonclinical youth mental health workforce, ensuring effective support systems that reflect the diverse backgrounds of youth. This innovative approach fosters lasting change in mental health care.

Angel Post Deployment Test Program

Through a collaborative partnership with UNCF, XYZ Corporation has established a scholarship program to help STEM students get on the fast track to a rewarding career. In addition to direct financial support, Intel-sponsored scholarships offer the benefits of exposure to potential job opportunities, networking with fellow scholars, insight to other Intel scholarships, research, training opportunities, and access to Intel mentors offering support on technical, non-technical, cultural, and dissertation-related needs.

The Walser Foundation

Every car you buy or service at Walser fuels something bigger.

A portion of every sale supports the Walser Foundation, funding post-secondary education, career training, and workforce development initiatives. These programs help shape the next generation of innovators and change-makers in the communities we serve.

The Walser Foundation invests in brighter futures through grants, scholarships, and select sponsorships that empower generations with the stability and mobility to shape their own futures and the community around them.

Community Partners Grant

The Walser Foundation accepts grant applications from designated 501(c)3 organizations based in Minnesota and Kansas that focus on post-secondary education and workforce development.

Funding Priorities

The Walser Foundation is focused on existing grant partners in 2026. We are unable to accept new applicant inquiries until 2027. As we shift our giving focus to post-secondary education and workforce development, 2026 is a transition year dedicated to exiting and returning partners. Our giving will be directly aligned with the following areas:

• Career and technical education
• Career-connected learning opportunities
• College and career readiness
• Internships
• Job placement programs
• Scholarships
• Secondary and post-secondary education
• Technical apprenticeships

Every Kindness is a Gift

Dollar Tree Gift Card Program 2026

Every Kindness is a Gift is a gift card grant program made possible through the generosity of Dollar Tree and managed by the team here at Gift Card Bank. We are a nonprofit organization that specializes in the distribution of gift cards and our mission is to improve well-being and build financial stability by supporting people through their time of need.

Through Every Kindness is a Gift, nonprofit organizations and Title I schools located in the 48 contiguous states may apply to receive a grant of Dollar Tree gift cards.

Gift cards received through these grants are meant to be distributed directly to individuals and families in need. A primary goal of the program is to give gift card recipients the dignity of choice by empowering them to shop for what they need themselves. By putting gift cards directly in the hands of our neighbors in need, we are able to increase access to essentials like food, school supplies, paper products, cleaning products, and hygiene items.

In 2026, there will be two rounds of grant distributions. In each round, we will award a number of grants between $2,500 and $10,000.

Round One is a summer distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round One will arrive in late June, while kids are on break and back-to-school is around the corner. Round Two is a holiday distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round Two will arrive in early November, as the end-of-year holidays approach.

We know that these are times of year when budgets are tight. Through these gift card grants, we hope to connect individuals and families directly to the essential resources they need during difficult months.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

AWS Future Leaders Program 2026

Become an AWS Future Leader

The AWS Future Leaders Program is a career-transforming opportunity for early-career professionals looking to step into leadership within the welding industry.

Gain unparalleled access to industry experts, contribute to AWS’s governance, and shape the future of welding. Our mission is to empower the next generation of leaders with diverse perspectives, ensuring the welding industry reflects the needs of tomorrow.

Why join the AWS Future Leaders Program

Shape the future of welding. Gain mentorship, leadership experience, and industry connections while representing the next generation of welding professionals.

U.S. Small Business Administration

SBA works to ignite change and spark action so small businesses can confidently start, grow, expand, or recover. Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.

Manufacturing grants

SBA provides grants to help empower small manufacturers.

Empower To Grow (E2G) Manufacturing in America Grant

The goal of this grant is to provide workforce development in key manufacturing industries, such as timber, energy, aluminum, steel, digital, and automotive.

SBA is looking for organizations that will provide technical proficiency and essential skills, including operating machinery, quality control, welding, utilizing industrial software, and workplace safety. 

AGC Education and Research Foundation

Thanks to visionary volunteer leadership of AGC industry leaders, the AGC Education and Research Foundation, founded in 1968, has for 50 years made good on its commitment to support the future of our industry through its robust scholarship program and innovative projects.

Workforce Development Scholarship

In 2015, the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and its Build Your Future initiative made a generous contribution to help fund the first Workforce Development scholarships for students pursuing craft and technical programs, allowing 19 applicants to receive the inaugural scholarships. Scholarships are $1,000 per year, renewable for up to two years.

This is the application for the Workforce Development Scholarship. This scholarship is for students pursuing associate degrees, technical training or certificates to enter the construction industry. Please review the Criteria Page to ensure you qualify for the Workforce Development Scholarship. Scholarships are $1,000 per year, renewable for up to two years. If you are attending a four year university and intend to earn a Bachelor's degree please make sure to apply for our Undergraduate Scholarship application.