Best Grants for Charities in Kansas

The CHS Foundation supports initiatives that benefit the agriculture industry, focusing on 501c3 organizations within specific states. Their funding is aimed at empowering cooperative growth and sustainable practices. Local projects may also be eligible through the CHS Seeds for Stewardship program. However, funding is not available for individuals, sports teams, or religious groups, ensuring that the support remains directed towards community and cooperative development.

The WF Emergency Fund provides crucial immediate relief to nonprofit organizations in the Wichita and Sedgwick County areas facing unexpected challenges. This fund is designed for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. Eligible organizations can receive support quickly to help address urgent needs, ensuring they can continue their vital work in the community. Funding sources are limited, and applications are assessed weekly.

The SkillBuilders Fund Grant supports organizations dedicated to empowering women and girls in the Kansas City area. With funding typically ranging from $20,000 to $50,000, the foundation prioritizes innovative programs that enhance self-sufficiency and leadership skills. Eligible applicants include public charities with 501(c)(3) status. The grant aims to foster educational opportunities and entrepreneurial skills, helping women and girls overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.

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 Kauffman Foundation offers research grants to support projects that enhance understanding of economic mobility and strategic priorities in Kansas City. These grants are available to various organizations, including social welfare and for-profit entities. The foundation emphasizes the importance of community engagement and innovative approaches in addressing systemic barriers. Projects should align with focus areas like education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship, aiming to create equitable access and impactful outcomes.

The Sumners Foundation Grant aims to engage and educate the public about self-government through various programs, including civic education, democracy reform, and teacher training. Grants are available to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations primarily in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, supporting activities that foster civic engagement and understanding of democratic principles. The Foundation emphasizes direct involvement in the political process and does not fund political activities or provide individual grants.

The Kauffman Foundation's Capacity Building Grant aims to enhance the organizational effectiveness of nonprofits through leadership development, strategic planning, and technology improvements. With funding between $100,000 and $250,000, this grant focuses on strengthening internal capacities rather than supporting specific programs. Organizations aligned with the foundation's strategic priorities and those demonstrating a capacity gap are encouraged to apply for these short-term, impactful grants.

The Uncommon Leader Impact Award, presented by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, honors non-C-suite employees at 501(c)(3) public charities making significant contributions to economic mobility in Kansas City. Awarded biennially, it recognizes those demonstrating community impact, equity, collaboration, and innovation. In December, one recipient will receive $50,000 and $100,000 for their organization, underscoring the foundation's commitment to fostering sustainable change and uplifting underrepresented voices within the community.

The Kauffman Foundation's Collective Impact Grant - Planning supports coalitions of high-capacity organizations aiming for systems-level change in the Kansas City area. Grants of up to $500,000 are available to facilitate nine months of planning for collaborative initiatives. Eligible applicants include both established and emerging coalitions, focusing on education, employer connections, and equitable access. This initiative aligns with the foundation's strategic priorities to enhance economic mobility for Kansas Citians.

The Columbus Area Community Foundation Grant supports local 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, government agencies, and religious organizations in Cherokee County, Kansas. This grant aims to facilitate charitable giving and enhance community projects. Applications are accepted year-round, with quarterly awards prioritizing local initiatives. Eligible applicants must adhere to specific guidelines, ensuring that funded projects serve the broader community without religious recruitment or instruction. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering community development and support.

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant supports local nonprofits in Bourbon County, including public charities, schools, and government agencies. Established in 2007, it aims to enhance the quality of life in the Fort Scott area by connecting donors with worthy causes. Grant applications are accepted annually in August, evaluated in September, and awarded in late October. The foundation prioritizes sustainable projects and collaborations to maximize impact.

The Small Arts Grants Program, supported by The Francis Family Foundation, is dedicated to fostering arts and culture in the greater Kansas City area. Organizations eligible for funding include tax-exempt public charities and community-based arts programs. The Foundation aims to enhance creative participation and ensure diverse cultural expressions are accessible to all. With a focus on supporting local initiatives, this program seeks to make a significant impact on the region's artistic landscape.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Challenge aims to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams from underserved communities. Eligible teams must have a John Deere mentor and meet specific criteria related to student demographics. Grants will be awarded to teams that demonstrate commitment to community engagement and volunteerism. This initiative aligns with John Deere’s goal to reach one million underserved youth by 2030, fostering innovation and creativity in 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.

The American Association of University Women / Wagy Fund supports initiatives that empower women and girls in Kansas City, Missouri. By promoting education, economic opportunity, and personal safety, the fund seeks to foster societal change. It prioritizes partnerships with organizations that share its mission and focus on measurable improvements in self-image and lifelong education. Eligible applicants must be public charities dedicated to benefiting women and girls in the region.

The John Deere FIRST Robotics Competition grant aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams in underserved communities. Teams must apply for funding before registration and meet specific eligibility criteria. This grant promotes equity in engineering and technology through mentorship and community support, aligning with John Deere's commitment to reach one million underserved youth by 2030. Priority is given to teams with confirmed John Deere mentors and those meeting diverse participation requirements.

The Winter Family Fund Grants aim to support at-risk and vulnerable populations, focusing on children and families in Douglas, Franklin, and Johnson Counties in Kansas, as well as Taos County in New Mexico. Successful applicants must demonstrate alignment with the fund's mission, collaborate with community partners, and ensure that grants are not used for ongoing operational expenses or political activities. Eligibility is primarily for 501(c)(3) organizations committed to serving disadvantaged youth and families.

The Kauffman Foundation's Project Grant aims to empower organizations to design and implement impactful multiyear projects that enhance economic mobility in the Kansas City region. Funding of $250,000 or more per year is available for projects focusing on education, skills development, and community engagement. While primarily serving the Kansas City area, grants may also be awarded to organizations from outside the region that can demonstrate a significant impact on local communities.

The Kansas City Chiefs Charity Game Grant offers a unique opportunity for a 501(c)(3) organization in the greater Kansas City area to partner with the Chiefs for a major fundraising event. The selected organization will receive 90% of the game proceeds, with a commitment to support children and families in crisis. This partnership includes game tickets, promotional support, and the chance to expand fundraising capacity through a well-defined plan, ensuring a significant community impact.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Discover program aims to support equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM fields by providing grants to teams that meet specific eligibility criteria. Teams must be associated with an educational institution or nonprofit and demonstrate a commitment to recruiting underserved and underrepresented students. The initiative is part of John Deere’s goal to empower one million youth by 2030, fostering innovation and better decision-making in local communities.

The JDF: FIRST LEGO League Explore Grant Program, supported by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance participation in STEM for underserved youth. Teams must apply for the grant before registration and ensure compliance with eligibility criteria, including training requirements. This initiative is part of John Deere's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in technology and engineering fields, ultimately seeking to impact one million youth by 2030.

The Wichita Wagonmasters Fund, established in 2012, enhances the quality of life in Wichita by supporting various projects through grants ranging from $250 to $1,000. This fund prioritizes initiatives that serve the community, avoid service duplication, and demonstrate measurable results. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing, showcasing fiscal responsibility and sustainability. The fund encourages creative solutions to community challenges, promoting collaboration among local organizations for a better Wichita.

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 Hawkins Charitable Foundation Grant, established in honor of Allen W. and Gladys Hawkins, aims to support community betterment projects in Osawatomie, Kansas. The foundation prioritizes grants for organizations classified as 501(c)(3) public charities that operate for charitable purposes. Applications are reviewed by local trustees to ensure resources are directed to areas of critical need. The foundation does not fund requests outside Osawatomie or those aimed at influencing legislation or benefiting individuals.

The Dr. George & Jeanne Tiller Fund Grant supports nonprofits in Kansas focused on advancing women's health. Since its inception, it has awarded over $1 million, emphasizing reproductive health services and education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing. Grants range up to $25,000. The fund prioritizes projects that provide comprehensive health services, medical education, and support for women in need. Applications are subject to board approval, with specific exclusions for business expenses and advertisements.

The Golden Belt Community Foundation's Spring Community Building Grant supports diverse projects aimed at enhancing quality of life in Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford Counties. This grant encourages collaborative, measurable, and sustainable initiatives that positively impact the community. Eligible applicants include public charities, government units, and occasionally other nonprofits and businesses, provided the projects are charitable in nature. Favorable projects are those that leverage matching funds to maximize community benefits.

Awards

The Kauffman Uncommon Leader Awards are a portfolio of awards to recognize leaders who are making a lasting impact within their nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve.

The Visionary Award

The Kauffman Uncommon Leader Visionary Award is designed to honor an executive leader from a 501(c)(3) public charity in the Kansas City region who is building an inspiring and impactful legacy within their community, particularly aligned with the Foundation’s mission to advance economic mobility, and who demonstrates significant contributions to the Kansas City region’s well-being, growth, and empowerment.

About the Award

The Kauffman Uncommon Leader Awards are a portfolio of awards to recognize leaders who are making a lasting impact within their nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve. These awards honor individuals whose work aligns with the Kauffman Foundation’s strategic priorities and exemplify the visionary leadership of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman, through innovative, generous, and meaningful work in the community.