Best Grants for Capital Funding in Kansas

The Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation focuses on enhancing the quality of life in greater Kansas City through strategic philanthropy. It supports organizations dedicated to nonprofit excellence, addressing systemic issues, and improving outcomes for underserved communities. Grants typically range from $100,000 to $250,000, aiming for transformational change. The Foundation prioritizes local organizations that align with its mission and values, ensuring a significant community impact.

The Hall Family Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Kansas City by funding initiatives that elevate community spirit, promote equity, and create strong educational foundations. Prioritizing economic opportunities for marginalized communities, the foundation supports projects that foster inclusivity and holistic approaches to poverty reduction. With a commitment to innovative and collaborative efforts, the foundation aims to ensure that all community members can realize their potential and thrive.

The Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation Grant supports diverse arts programs in the greater Kansas City area, enhancing accessibility and quality. Established in 1987, the Foundation has a rich history of funding significant organizations like the Kansas City Symphony and Ballet. It accepts proposals from 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations focusing on performing and visual arts, promoting community growth. The Foundation prioritizes local initiatives while maintaining a commitment to the arts, providing vital funding for both large and small grantees.

The Kansas Department of Commerce is committed to helping individuals, businesses and communities achieve prosperity in Kansas. One of the ways it accomplishes this mission is by providing financial assistance and partnership support to further identified goals. 

Broadband Acceleration Grant

Purpose and Goals

The Broadband Acceleration Grant Program is a critical program in Kansas’ plan to address broadband gaps. The Program is designed to offset capital expenses in the deployment of broadband to unserved areas in three distinct funding categories: 1) Last Mile, 2) Line Extension and 3) Middle Mile. The goal of this program is to facilitate broadband access to all Kansans while promoting practices that increase deployment and encourage adoption.

Goals

• Target economically distressed areas unlikely to receive broadband service without state or federal funding
• Focus on enabling last mile and line extension locations, and middle mile segments.
• Deploy reliable broadband solutions with speeds at or greater than 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps (100/20 Mbps) upload.
• Deploy middle mile segments supporting speeds at or greater than symmetrical 10 Gbps

Funding Priorities

The following items are BAG 6.0 funding priorities:

• Critical broadband needs within a community or rural area
• Lack of access to an affordable, reliable high-speed broadband connection
• Geographic Distribution of Grant Funds: The State of Kansas may geographically distribute awards to ensure that all Kansas regions can participate in connecting Kansans
• Serve Economically Distressed Counties that are unserved

Match Requirement: 50%

The Rural Business Development Grants in Kansas aim to provide essential technical assistance and training for small rural businesses, defined as those with fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in revenue. These grants support projects that benefit rural areas outside major urban centers, with funding available for a variety of entrepreneurial initiatives. Priority is given to smaller funding requests, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to foster economic growth in local communities.

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.

The High School Career and Technical Education Grant supports the expansion and modernization of educational programs for high school students in rural communities. This initiative aims to equip students with the skills needed for high-demand industries, fostering economic growth and community development. Eligible organizations can submit a Letter of Intent starting April 1, 2025, with specific deadlines for consideration. The Patterson Family Foundation emphasizes collaboration to enhance access to quality education and job opportunities.

The Patterson Family Foundation's Innovation in Education Grant aims to enhance educational opportunities in rural communities. With a focus on creative proposals that foster new ideas for sustainable growth, the foundation invites eligible organizations in Kansas and western Missouri to apply. Registration is required before submitting a Letter of Intent, with specific deadlines for each funding round. This initiative underscores the foundation's commitment to supporting initiatives that empower local communities and promote long-term benefits.

The Preventative Care Access Grant from the Patterson Family Foundation aims to enhance healthcare delivery models in rural communities across Kansas and western Missouri. Organizations eligible for funding can develop innovative solutions such as mobile health and telehealth services to improve access to care. Registration is required before submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI), with deadlines set for April and July 2025. This initiative supports projects that directly benefit the foundation's target areas.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Grant supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on capital projects that enhance community life in states where Ash Grove operates. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and human services, the Foundation prioritizes funding for renovation and construction projects. Grants typically reach up to $25,000, aiming to foster better living standards and support local initiatives that are vital for community growth and resilience.

The Helen S. Boylan Foundation, established in 1982, aims to enhance community life in Carthage, Missouri, the Greater Kansas City Area, and Lindale, Texas. It provides quarterly grants to non-profit organizations focused on arts, education, health, and wellness. The foundation prioritizes innovative projects and multi-year funding for initiatives benefiting local citizens. Eligible recipients include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while grants for individuals or sectarian activities are excluded. Proposals should focus on new initiatives or capital improvements.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

What is an eligible area?

• Rural areas outside a city or town with a population of fewer than 50,000 residents. Urbanized areas near a city of 50,000 or more may not be eligible.
• The borrower’s headquarters may be based within a larger city so long as the project service area is located in an eligible rural area.
• The lender may be located anywhere.

 What kind of funding is available? 

Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually. Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.

Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization. Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

The Cloud County Public Health Fund, established by the Kansas Health Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Cloud County. It supports local health initiatives through grants, scholarships, and awards. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. The fund prioritizes projects that promote public health and well-being. However, it does not support political projects or those with operating deficits, ensuring funds contribute to meaningful community impact.

The Gould Charitable Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Boston and Kansas City. The foundation prioritizes innovative projects that can make a significant impact, particularly those with high leveraging potential and long-term benefits. Areas of interest include elder services, environmental stewardship, health care, personal rights, disadvantaged training, children's welfare, and women's issues. Applications are accepted year-round, with a focus on projects that offer valuable community enhancements.

The GSCF Kansas Health Foundation Fund supports public health initiatives in Saline County, KS, focusing on healthy lifestyles and preventative programs. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government entities, and religious organizations. The fund seeks projects that enhance community health and well-being, offering seed money, capacity building, and capital improvements, while excluding healthcare for the ill and political initiatives. For more information, visit the Kansas Health Foundation's website.

The Kerr Foundation Inc. offers grants to 501(c)3 organizations, focusing on education, arts, health, and human services. Priority is given to Oklahoma entities, but applications from neighboring states and Washington D.C. are also accepted. The foundation supports various project types, including capital, program, and operating expenses. Note that back-to-back grants are not allowed, enforcing a three-year gap for reapplication after funding. This ensures a broad and impactful reach for community development.

The Kansas Office of Apprenticeship Project Grant aims to enhance the state's workforce by supporting Joint Apprenticeship Training Councils, educational institutions, and businesses that can demonstrate a commitment to increasing apprenticeship opportunities. Applicants must show how their projects align with industry demands and contribute to workforce growth. A 1:1 matching fund is required, ensuring that programs can expand effectively. The grant focuses on established programs with a proven track record, fostering long-term sustainability and job creation in Kansas.

The Preserve Route 66 Grant Fund offers financial support to public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations aiming to preserve historic places along Route 66. This initiative prioritizes projects that enhance underrepresented narratives, including those related to diverse communities. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with a focus on activities that restore, rehabilitate, or educate about significant historical sites, ensuring that this iconic American highway's legacy is maintained for future generations.

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.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Ottawa County Public Health Fund

The Ottawa County Public Health Fund was established in response to the Kansas Health Foundation’s second chapter of the Giving Resources to our World (GROW II) match grant challenge.

Grants from this fund support the public health of Ottawa County. Public health is defined as the protection and promotion of the health and well-being of individuals and their communities through encouragement of healthy lifestyles, behaviors and environments.

Funding for this grant is also supported by the Kansas Health Foundation Fund for Ottawa County.

What type of support is funded?

• Projects or programs that serve the community and/or advance the mission of the organization
• Seed money to establish or initiate a new project, program, or organization, including operating expenses
• Capacity building or activities that strengthen an organization to increase its ability to fulfill its mission, including technology & equipment, professional development & training, additional staff to implement a new program, etc.
• Capital improvements including new construction or renovation of a facility
• Endowment funds to provide permanent and long-term support for an organization or program

The Kansas Attraction Development Grant Program aims to foster sustainable tourism by funding projects that enhance travel experiences within the state. With a total of $1,000,000 available, the program supports public and private entities in creating new attractions or improving existing ones, ultimately driving economic growth, increasing visitation, and enriching community life. Eligible applicants include non-profits and government agencies, with a focus on projects that provide demonstrable ties to the tourism industry.

The Kansas Health Foundation Fund for Smoky Valley, managed by the Greater Salina Community Foundation, aims to enhance public health in the Smoky Valley area. It provides grants to non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and government entities to support projects that promote healthy lifestyles and community well-being. Eligible applicants can seek funding for various initiatives, including capacity building and capital improvements, fostering a healthier community through sustainable projects.

The Kansas Department of Commerce offers an Economic Development Grant to support for-profit businesses and agricultural cooperatives in non-entitlement areas of Kansas. This loan must be repaid, but 25% may be forgiven if projects are completed successfully. Funding up to $750,000 is available from a total allocation of $1 million for 2025, aimed at infrastructure improvements and business expansion.

Heartland Community Foundation: Heartland Area Action Fund

The Heartland Area Action Fund is an unrestricted community grant funds designated to support current and future charitable needs of communities in the Heartland area. 

What do the funds support?

The funds support a wide variety of community needs and populations with one common goal- to improve the quality of life of the Heartland area.

Grants are typically restricted to the geographic areas served by the community foundation.

What type of support is funded?

• Projects or programs that serve the community and/or advance the mission of the organization
• Seed money to establish or initiate a new project, program, or organization, including operating expenses
• Capacity building or activities that strengthen an organization to increase its ability to fulfill its mission, including technology & equipment, professional development & training, additional staff to implement a new program, etc.
• Capital improvements including new construction or renovation of a facility
• Endowment funds to provide permanent and long-term support for an organization or program

The Wichita Wagonmasters, through their Good Life Grants established in 2012, aim to enhance the quality of life in Wichita, Kansas. These grants support a variety of community projects that promote collaboration among nonprofits, fiscal soundness, and sustainable solutions. Eligible applicants must be IRS-exempt organizations with measurable outcomes. However, requests for general operational support, fundraising activities, and religious purposes are not accepted. The foundation seeks to showcase Wichita as a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

The Rural Health Transformation Program aims to enhance healthcare for rural Kansans by improving access to primary and secondary care, fostering a sustainable healthcare workforce, and promoting innovative care models. With funding opportunities like the Rural Emergency Hospital Grant, the program supports facilities transitioning to REH status with substantial financial assistance for necessary renovations. This initiative collaborates closely with local health systems to ensure effective healthcare delivery and outcomes in rural communities.

The KC Can Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Kansas City, focusing on projects that address children's basic needs, education, and wellness. Eligible projects should provide long-term benefits, be feasible within a year, and align with the KC CAN! mission. The grant aims to fund initiatives that might otherwise go unsupported and encourages community involvement through professional and volunteer efforts.