Best Agriculture Grants in Kansas

Organizations offering agricultural education, leadership, or career training for high school students through young professionals, including those in Kansas, can apply for CHS Foundation’s Ag Leadership Grant. Projects should build a diverse talent pipeline for agriculture and promote understanding of the agricultural cooperative business model, with priority for regional or national programs impacting multiple states.

Kansas 501(c)(3) organizations working in agriculture or the cooperative industry can access funding through CHS Foundation for national- or state-level projects. Eligible nonprofits in CHS’s broader trade area, including Kansas, may apply for initiatives that benefit agriculture or cooperatives, while strictly local projects are directed to the separate Seeds for Stewardship program.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Students in Kansas pursuing agriculture or business studies can receive scholarship support to further their education. With a mission to strengthen local education, The Community Foundation of Dickinson County provides two US $1,500 Reilly Family scholarships honoring the Reilly family’s legacy in farming, business leadership, and community service.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Agriculture professionals partnering with at least three independent farms or ranches in Kansas can access funding for on-farm sustainable agriculture research, demonstration, and education projects. Grants from North Central Region SARE support initiatives like testing cropping or grazing systems, developing new marketing or value-added approaches, boosting food security, and building resilient agricultural systems, with awards up to US $50,000.

Kansas students pursuing agriculture, education, nursing, or trade fields at accredited in-state colleges or vocational schools can receive scholarship support through the CF Sunshine Scholarship. Focused on post-secondary study, Greater Salina Community Foundation invites eligible graduates of Cloud County or Washington County high schools to apply, which may benefit those preparing for agricultural careers.

High school seniors and graduates from Cloud County, Kansas, planning to attend an accredited Kansas college, university, community college, or technical/vocational school can receive scholarships supporting post-secondary education. Grants from Greater Salina Community Foundation help Kansas agriculture-focused students, especially those in 4-H, FFA, or majoring in agriculture or education, with awards ranging from US $1,500 - US $2,000.

Organizations running agricultural cooperative education programs in Kansas and other CHS trade area states can apply for CHS Foundation’s Cooperative Education Grant to support program-related costs. Eligible projects educate middle school through college students and young producers about the ag cooperative business model, use innovative approaches and technology, and operate at a state or national level.

Colleges and universities in Kansas offering agriculture, agronomy, ag mechanics, engineering, or data science programs can apply for CHS Foundation’s competitive funding to develop data analytics and precision agriculture initiatives. Projects may include curriculum, degree program enhancements, recruitment, and hands-on learning that prepare students to use technology and data across the agricultural supply chain.

Kansas students pursuing two-year degrees or certificates in high-wage, high-demand fields at eligible institutions can receive last-dollar scholarships covering tuition, fees, books, and materials up to US $20,000. Agriculture-related programs designated as promise-eligible by the Kansas Board of Regents in Kansas may qualify when tied to local high-wage, high-demand employment needs.

Graduating Marion County, Kansas high school seniors pursuing college, university, or vocational-technical education can receive $2,500 in scholarship support, with preference for agriculture-related majors. With a mission to build stronger communities, Central Kansas Community Foundation helps local students advance higher or vocational education that may prepare them for agricultural careers.

Kansas high school seniors pursuing college or vocational training in education and/or agriculture can access funding through Central Kansas Community Foundation’s Colin and Sally Rowell Memorial Scholarship Fund. Applicants must be graduating from a Butler County, KS high school and demonstrate financial need and potential for success in their chosen postsecondary program.

Graduating high school seniors in Kansas pursuing college, university, or vocational-technical education can receive scholarship support for their postsecondary studies, including agriculture-related and vocational fields. With a mission to build stronger communities, Central Kansas Community Foundation prioritizes Douglass High School students in wrestling and those planning careers in equine studies, agriculture, entrepreneurial studies, or trades who demonstrate financial need.

High school seniors and current Kansas State University students interested in sustainable agriculture-related innovation can receive US $5,000 for studies within KSU’s Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation. Greater Kansas City Community Foundation’s David K. Smoot Innovation Memorial Scholarship supports majors like engineering, technology, supply chain, natural resources, and environmental sciences in Kansas.

About Us

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is the nation's first state department of agriculture. The agency is devoted to the total support of agriculture in Kansas. The department works for the entire Kansas agriculture sector, including farmers, ranchers, food establishments and agribusinesses. The department is dedicated to providing support and assistance to make Kansas businesses successful and encouraging more farms, ranches and other agriculture business to expand in or relocate to Kansas.

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

Program Overview

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is a federal grant opportunity provided by the USDA to state departments of agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by

leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops;

assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops;

expanding availability and access to specialty crops; and

addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers.

Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops including floriculture.

FY27 Specialty Crop Block Grants

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is expected to receive $325,000 from the USDA to fund projects to enhance the competitiveness of the Kansas specialty crop industry. Projects of particular interest to KDA are those that explore improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems, increasing nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops, and specialty crop research.

Applicants may apply for up to $100,000 for a specific project with a duration of up to three years. Matching funds are not required. Applications for grant funds should show how the project potentially impacts and produces measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public rather than a single organization, institution, or individual. Applicants must be a legal entity and have the legal capacity to contract.

Agricultural organizations and projects in Lyon County, Kansas seeking to create positive, long-term community impact can apply for grants supporting scholarships, agricultural initiatives, and potential agribusiness development. Focused on agriculture, Emporia Community Foundation invites Kansas agriculture groups to propose charitable projects, with awards recommended by the Emporia Lions Club and its board.

Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation

Our mission is to empower our donors, affiliates and charitable partners through education, stewardship and regional collaboration, to create thriving communities and impact present and future generations.

Poore Family Farms Fund Grant

The Poore Family Farms Fund was established to honor the legacy rooted in seven generations of farming by the Emery Poore Family. Grants are available to USD 392’s FFA Program for the following purposes:

• Equipment Funding: Grants may be used to purchase modern equipment that supports vocational training programs, ensuring students have access to state-of-the-art tools and technology.
• Materials and Supplies: Financial support for essential materials and supplies will enhance the hands-on learning experience, preparing students for real-world vocational careers.
• Teacher Development: Investment in professional development for vocational teachers will include travel, mileage, meals, workshops, certifications, and other educational opportunities to keep educators at the forefront of vocational training.
• Student Development: To benefit or encourage the education and development of the students of the FFA / CTE agricultural community including travel, mileage, meals, convention expenses, judging opportunities and FFA licensed Jackets and apparel for events.

High school seniors and college students in Kansas and Missouri pursuing agriculture degrees at qualifying four-year institutions can receive scholarship support for higher education. The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation’s Susan Pepperdine Memorial Scholarship Fund awards US $1,000 to eligible students maintaining at least a 3.0–3.5 GPA, which may benefit future agricultural professionals in Kansas.

High school seniors and college students in Kansas pursuing agriculture degrees can apply for the Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants Scholarship, awarding US $1,000 for higher education costs. Administered by Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, it prioritizes students in Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Nebraska, with others in the central U.S. also considered.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

About

The Caring Community Foundation (CCF) is about connecting, growing and giving – growing funds for the future of our local communities and connecting donors to needs they care about, right here at home. The CCF was initiated in 2015 to serve the general geographic area of Pottawatomie, Marshall, Nemaha and Jackson Counties in Kansas. From its inception, the Foundation has been busy pursuing its action-oriented vision: Enhancing Vibrant Communities!

As a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity accepted by the IRS, the Caring Community Foundation is an independent entity created to fill the need for a local organization to support local charitable causes. As a community foundation, the CCF can help support a wide variety of charitable causes for individuals, families, organizations and communities. Whether you are interested in education, healthcare, sports, agriculture, community support, or something else, contributing to the Foundation can make a difference for the cause dearest to you!

Caring Community Foundation (CCF) Grant

The Caring Community Foundation (CCF) exists to help enhance the vibrant communities of rural northeast Kansas. We want to develop strong relationships with our local non-profits who serve community needs with the hope that our collective efforts will revitalize our hometowns. We believe this will help make optimal communities in which to raise a family, access quality education, grow businesses, and experience art and culture.

The CCF is making $6,000 available through a competitive grant process to nonprofits based in our service area (see heart graphic). These grants will be provided by the CCF Community Fund, which is supported by our donors. We are grateful to all for making these grants possible!

Proposals are to be submitted electronically, or on paper, by Monday, August 10, 2026 to Valerie Ramage, Executive Director, Caring Community Foundation at vramage@ccfks.org or P.O. Box 54, Onaga, KS. 66521. Awards will be announced by September 11, 2026. Projects must be completed by October 31, 2027. A final narrative and budget report of the project is due to vramage@ccfks.org by December 1st, 2027. Non-compliance with these terms by an awardee, as determined by the Caring Community Foundation Board of Directors, will require the awardee to return the award to the CCF within 60 days of notification of such determination.

What can be funded: Charitable efforts that support community development or service, local arts, health, education, and/or local non-profit organization success.

About the Emporia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To connect caring people with causes that build stronger communities within the Emporia area which includes Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties.

What We Do

The Emporia Community Foundation (ECF) connects the diverse citizens and communities of Lyon and its six contiguous counties through the charitable actions of a variety of funds established for the purpose of bettering the lives of individuals within its communities. As a 501c3 Foundation, the ECF continues the traditional Kansas heritage of providing nonprofit service and supporting the charitable giving requests of donors who wish to enrich the quality of life of local citizens.

Flint Hills Community Fund - Community & Rural Programs

A portion of the annual distributions of the Flint Hills Community Fund will be used to provide support for: community and rural development: museums/historic preservation; and agriculture and conservation. Grants awarded annually for the distributions will be to applicants in the following counties in this order: Chase (2026)**, Greenwood (2027), Lyon (2028), Morris (2029), Butler (2030) and Marion (2031) Counties. 

Kansas cities and counties that are non-HUD entitlement areas can access funding for housing rehabilitation, demolition, and neighborhood development benefiting low- to moderate-income residents in Kansas. Kansas Department of Commerce provides Kansas agriculture-related communities and other eligible local governments with up to US $500,000 for housing improvements, blight removal, and related public facility upgrades.

For-profit businesses and agricultural cooperatives in eligible Kansas communities can seek up to US $750,000 in loan-based funding for economic development projects. Focused on agriculture and local economic growth, Kansas Department of Commerce invites applicants to finance infrastructure, land, facilities, equipment, inventory, payroll, and other working capital, with potential 25% loan forgiveness when projects meet requirements.