Best Grants for Capital Funding in Kansas

The RNRF Planning and Small Grants program provides funding up to $50,000 to support projects that enhance collaboration among community partners in addressing critical environmental issues. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary cooperation. Projects should align with RNRF's mission and focus areas, including air quality, biodiversity, and renewable energy. The initiative aims to create sustainable and impactful outcomes by bridging research and practical implementation.

The Recreational Trails Grants offered by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks aim to enhance and maintain trails for both motorized and non-motorized recreational activities. Administered by KDWP, the program allocates funds to various projects that promote outdoor recreation, ensuring a sustainable connection between communities and nature. With a commitment to conservation, these grants support diverse recreational uses, encouraging collaboration among trail enthusiasts to create vibrant outdoor spaces for all to enjoy.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

General Operating (GOS) Support Grant Program

Strengthening the state’s cultural infrastructure

The General Operating Support (GOS) grant program provides funding for Kansas public and private non-profit arts and cultural organizations, including museums, local arts councils and commissions, statewide arts and cultural service organizations, and organizations that have cultural program activities in any of the art and cultural disciplines (music, dance, theatre, creative writing, literature, painting, sculpture, folk arts, photography, crafts, media arts, visual arts, programs of museums, and other such allied, major art forms). The organization’s mission must directly support arts and cultural programming.

Match Requirements: KAC requires that all grants are matched at a minimum of 1:1 through a combination of cash and in-kind expenses.

Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Rural Champions Grant

Grant Details

The Rural Champions program will provide support needed to fill the gap in driving successes throughout Kansas when there is a lack of capital or the capacity of a dedicated individual to see a project through to completion.

Rural champions communities and organizations will be selected for this program and will receive a stipend to focus strategically on a critical need for their community for 1 year. Selected Champions will develop an implementation strategy for the identified community need in the first three months and then have until December 2028 to fully implement this strategy. In this application you will describe the needs in your community and how having a Champion will benefit your community.

Examples of eligible community projects include, but are not limited to:

• Rural grocery/food access
• Childcare
• Placemaking/Beautification/Art
• Trails/Recreation
• Entrepreneurship
• Co-Working/Maker space
• Health/Wellness
• Housing
• Broadband
• Regional talent recruitment

Match Requirement: 25% cash & in-kind ($5,200)

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

Sanofi Philanthropic Donations support non-profit organizations aligned with Health Equity, STEM Education Equity, and Local Communities. Applications are accepted year-round, with a review process of 8 to 16 weeks. The initiative focuses on improving healthcare access, fostering innovation, and addressing social determinants of health. Sanofi emphasizes collaboration and sustainable solutions, advocating for equal opportunities in health and education, and nurturing future talent to tackle medical challenges.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The Impact100 Global Veterans Awards empower women to make a significant difference by awarding grants up to $100,000 to nonprofits that serve veterans. Focus areas include art and culture, education, health and wellness, environment, and family initiatives, promoting the well-being and support of veterans across the United States. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, including tax-exempt status, and are encouraged to submit proposals that utilize funds effectively within two years.

The AWG Geoscience Idea Scholarship supports women from under-served communities to pursue careers in Earth Sciences, a field known for its lack of diversity. It offers $2,500 to three upper-division and $500 to one lower-division undergraduate student, along with a one-year AWG membership. Recipients can also be matched with mentors, enhancing their educational journey and career prospects in geoscience disciplines. This initiative aims to promote inclusion and diversity in the geoscience workforce.

The Biophilia Foundation Grants support biodiversity conservation on private lands, focusing on systemic change through community engagement. The foundation encourages organizations to submit letters of inquiry detailing their mission, tax status, funding requests, and intended outcomes. They prioritize private land conservation, ecosystem restoration, and innovative policy initiatives, especially in the arid Southwest and Chesapeake Bay regions. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with larger amounts available for established partnerships.

Cell Signaling Technology’s Environmental Grants support initiatives aimed at ecosystem protection, wildlife research, and environmental education. Priority is given to action-oriented projects with at least 70% of funding allocated to those directly impacting the environment. Applications are accepted annually until May 1st, with a focus on organizations in Massachusetts, particularly the North Shore of Boston. Non-profit status is required, and discriminatory projects will not be funded.

The Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants offer up to $20,000 for environmental art projects led by women-identifying artists in the U.S. and territories. Focused on themes like regeneration and eco-social engagement, the grants encourage projects that address ecological issues through ethical engagement. For the 2025 cycle, over $520,000 will be distributed, doubling previous funding. Eligible applicants must be 18+, lead artists, and not enrolled in degree programs during the grant term.

The Specialty Care Access Grant Program, managed by the Patterson Family Foundation, aims to enhance access to specialty medical services in rural communities of Kansas and western Missouri. Organizations eligible for funding include nonprofits, school districts, and government entities serving these areas. The program emphasizes collaboration with local leaders to ensure quality healthcare access for communities, particularly in maternal care, oncology, and mental health, while encouraging early submission of proposals for timely review.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The GSA Graduate Student Research Grants provide essential funding for master's and doctoral research in geological sciences for students in North America and Central America. In 2024, approximately $800,000 was awarded to 316 students, averaging around $2,500 each. The program aims to enhance the geoscience workforce, promote career development, and support diversity within the field. Applications require an appraisal from a primary advisor, and participation from underrepresented communities is encouraged.

The Laird Norton Family Foundation, based in Seattle, prioritizes grants that reflect family values in arts education, climate change, human services, and watershed stewardship. Their approach emphasizes equitable educational opportunities, carbon sequestration, support for youth at risk of homelessness, and long-term ecological health. They focus on organizations that address social justice and community needs, particularly in King County, WA, and the West Coast. Note: No unsolicited applications are accepted.

The Patterson Family Foundation invites innovative proposals aimed at enhancing healthcare in rural communities. Registration is required before applying, with deadlines for the first and second rounds set for April 18 and July 3, 2025, respectively. The foundation, dedicated to helping rural areas thrive, particularly encourages projects that test new models to expand maternal care, promoting better health outcomes and long-term impact in these underserved regions.

Amgen is a leading biotechnology company dedicated to advancing medicine through Independent Medical Education (IME). It funds accredited educational programs that empower healthcare providers to enhance patient care. IME funding supports critical areas such as oncology, bone health, cardiovascular education, and more. Amgen's commitment ensures that these educational activities remain unbiased and compliant with applicable guidelines, fostering innovation and improved health outcomes for patients worldwide.

The Southern Plains Grassland Grant Program, led by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), aims to conserve and restore vital grasslands in the Southern Great Plains. Collaborating with nonprofit organizations and ranching communities, the program enhances ecosystem health and resilience while providing financial resources. Additionally, it supports carbon storage efforts, benefiting both wildlife and rural economies. Key funding partners include Sysco, Burger King, Cargill, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hope Funds for Cancer Research offers a three-year Postdoctoral Fellowship for innovative research in understanding difficult-to-treat cancers. Candidates with MD, PhD, or equivalent degrees can apply, focusing on novel approaches to cancer mechanisms and treatments. The fellowship provides a stipend starting at $56,000, with annual increases, and a travel grant of $1,500 for conferences. This initiative aims to enhance life expectancy through groundbreaking research in cancer treatment and prevention.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Kansas offers essential funding to enhance drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and stormwater drainage in rural communities. This program is designed for entities unable to procure commercial credit, including state and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Eligible areas are primarily rural with populations under 10,000, ensuring that vital infrastructure improvements support public health and environmental sustainability.

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation that serves as the primary administrator of federal housing programs for the state of Kansas. KHRC delivers solutions to those who are working to end the housing crisis in Kansas. The corporation’s vision can only be achieved when all Kansans have the support and resources they need to achieve their goals, no matter where they are in their housing journey.

CSBG Discretionary Grant

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) establishes guidelines for the awarding of discretionary grants as authorized by the Kansas Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). The primary intended use of the grant funds awarded to Kansas and to subgrantees is “to provide assistance to local communities in Kansas, working through a network of Community Action Agencies and other neighborhood-based organizations, for the reduction of poverty, the revitalization of low-income communities, and the empowerment of low-income families and individuals in rural and urban areas to become fully self-sufficient.”

CSBG Purpose and Goals

• Promoting maximum participation of people and communities with low-income
• Leveraging resources of other anti-poverty programs
• Strengthening community capabilities for planning or coordinating resources for local needs and conditions of poverty
• Using innovative approaches to address causes and conditions of poverty
• Measuring impact to ensure accountability and ongoing data-driven quality improvement 

As outlined with the FFY 2025-2026 CSBG State Plan, this RFP seeks proposals for: 1) Innovative Programs/Activities or 2) Training/Technical Assistance

Applicants are advised that direct services funded by CSBG are restricted to Kansas residents. with household incomes that fall at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

Innovative Projects

For the purposes of this funding opportunity, proposals will be considered “innovative” if they:

• Support a project that is new to the agency and/or
• Support a modification to an existing project to make it more effective or efficient and/or
• Address an unmet need of the agency or community and/or
• Support a collaboration that addresses poverty in their communities.

Applicants should describe how the proposed project is an effective approach to ameliorate the causes and effects of poverty. Project descriptions should include the applicant’s plan to sustain the proposed project. CSBG programs often include addressing employment, education, income management, housing, nutrition, emergency services and/or health to combat the central causes of poverty.