Best Grants for Charities in Kansas

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.

The Community Facilities: Small Grants Program empowers cities and counties to propose CDBG-eligible projects focused on impactful, smaller-scale improvements. With a project cap of $225,000 and a local match of 10%, this program supports essential upgrades such as facility modernization, ADA enhancements, and public safety features. A total of $10.7 million is available for 2025, promoting community engagement and accessibility while ensuring at least 51% of beneficiaries are low- to moderate-income individuals.

The Park Foundation Grants for Animal Welfare focus on advancing the protection and conservation of wildlife, particularly through policy and advocacy efforts for threatened species. The foundation supports innovative, solution-oriented models that foster systemic change and compassion. Key areas include organizing for endangered wildlife, indigenous management practices, and supporting sanctuaries for great apes. Additionally, the foundation is committed to local efforts, including support for the Tompkins County SPCA, ensuring a compassionate society for all living beings.

The NRA Foundation: Kansas Grants supports charitable initiatives that promote firearms safety, education, and marksmanship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized entities and government organizations. The Foundation emphasizes the importance of public benefit in grant requests, ensuring funds are used for educational purposes in line with their mission to foster shooting sports and safety. Ineligible projects include private enterprises and those seeking funding for fundraising activities.

The Koch Cultural Trust (KCT) Fellowship Grants provide substantial financial assistance to exceptional artists in Kansas. Founded in 1986, KCT supports painters, musicians, dancers, and performers seeking to further their independent studies beyond formal education. With a maximum grant of $30,000, these prestigious awards aim to open new opportunities for talented individuals committed to advancing their artistic careers.

The CHS Foundation offers funding for innovative projects in precision agriculture and data analytics. This annual grant program supports colleges and universities focusing on enhancing agronomy and ag mechanics curriculum. Applications are accepted from April 15 to May 31, with priority given to initiatives that foster hands-on learning and technology development. Eligible projects should emphasize data analysis and improve students' understanding of agricultural technology, while adhering to funding guidelines.

The Community Facilities: Large Grants Program offers cities and counties the opportunity to propose diverse CDBG-eligible facility projects, such as libraries and parks, aimed at enhancing community services. With a funding allocation of $10.7 million for 2025, the program supports projects that promote community engagement, health, and safety. Eligible applicants must ensure that at least 51% of beneficiaries are low- to moderate-income individuals, ensuring impactful improvements for communities in need.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

The Native Voices Endowment Grants, managed by the Endangered Language Fund, support the preservation of endangered languages associated with Native American tribes that interacted with the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1803-1806. Grants are available for language documentation, revitalization, and educational projects, fostering cultural heritage through various initiatives. Eligible applicants include tribal members and language programs, ensuring the continuation of linguistic traditions and community involvement in revitalizing native languages.

Jack's Community Grants, managed by the Jack in the Box Foundation, seeks to empower youth in local communities by providing funding to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. These organizations must focus on feeding, educating, and empowering youth and operate within 50 miles of a Jack in the Box restaurant. The Foundation promotes originality and opportunity while ensuring that applicants adhere to a nondiscrimination policy. Special consideration is given to applications with support from franchisees or employees.

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.

Public Art & Murals Grant

Connecting communities through public art & mural projects

Program Description

This program provides funding for communities to activate publicly accessible spaces for the purposes of artistic use and public programming. The program is designed to utilize permanent and semi-permanent arts installations to increase community vibrancy and provide space for artistic expression and public engagement. For temporary, experimental projects in public spaces please see the Arts Everywhere grant program:1; 2; 3; 4; 5.

See the Kansas Mural Making Guide for more information and technical assistance with public art projects.

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

Navigant Credit Union 

Navigant Credit Union is the longest-operating, member-owned credit union in Rhode Island. Since its founding in 1915, Navigant Credit Union has been dedicated to providing its members with unparalleled financial products and services, while working every day to stay committed to the financial well-being of the families, businesses and communities we serve. 

Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation Grant

For over a century, Navigant Credit Union has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the community. In 2017, we established the Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation to further amplify our impact in five strategic areas:

• Education & Financial Literacy: Organizational and capital support for programs, supplies, building products, sports facilities and teams.
• Social Services: Financial support for programs and organizations for children, veterans, hunger and housing.
• Public Health, Safety & Well-Being: Support for programs addressing public safety, emergency care and eradication of disease.

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.

Transformative Art for Public Spaces (TAPS) Grant

The Transformative Art for Public Spaces (TAPS) Grant supports initiatives that enhance public infrastructure to drive economic growth and community vitality. This grant invests in projects that leverage creative placemaking to attract visitors, support local businesses, and strengthen regional identity. All organizations and individuals are welcome to apply. 

Priority will be given to communities that have not received Commerce funding within the past three years, ensuring broader access to resources and maximizing statewide impact.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

Micro Arts Program Grant

Supporting small organizations through arts programming

The Micro Arts Program (MAP) supports the work of Kansas organizations with annual total cash income of $20,000 or less. These organizations are the backbone of Kansas’ grassroots arts community, and this program can serve as an introduction to Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) funding by providing grants of $1,000 – $2,000 with 6-month periods of performance and quick turnaround time.

Eligible projects include cultural projects, programs, exhibitions, series, arts education projects, and other arts programming. This program provides funding for arts-centered non-profits to harness the power of the arts to increase student success, foster creative thinking, develop critical job skills, enhance community development, and increase participation in the arts across Kansas.

The Tourism Marketing Grant Program, managed by the Kansas Department of Commerce's Tourism Division, aims to support innovative marketing efforts by Destination Marketing Organizations and tourism businesses in Kansas. This initiative encourages economic growth by enhancing the state's image as a tourist destination, increasing visitation, and improving community quality of life. By leveraging Kansas Tourism's resources, recipients can launch impactful promotional activities that attract more visitors to the region.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

The FDC Foundation, established in 2008, is a private non-profit dedicated to providing grants to 501(c)(3) public charities across three main areas: Health & Nutrition, Education, and Housing. The foundation supports initiatives that improve nutrition, assist diabetic individuals, enhance early childhood development, and promote housing opportunities for those in need. However, it does not fund for-profit entities or international organizations, nor does it provide grants for specific excluded purposes.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Kelsey Family Scholarship for Nursing and Biomedical Engineering

This scholarship was established by Rick and Darla Kelsey in memory and patrimony of Richard and Greta Kelsey and their ancestors. For six generations, the Kelsey family farmed in the Kansas River Valley near Topeka. They were active in Freemasonry and devoted to charitable work and service to their church and community.

This is a one-time award. Students can reapply annually to be considered for a scholarship.

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is a leading philanthropic organization founded in 1978 that inspires and facilitates charitable giving to improve quality of life in the Greater Kansas City region and beyond. From its modest beginnings, the Foundation has grown into one of the nation’s most respected public charities, managing billions in charitable assets and administering thousands of funds for individuals, families, and businesses. Through donor-advised funds and other giving vehicles, it helps donors give strategically and effectively while providing education, leadership on key community issues, and personalized guidance that amplifies lasting community impact.

Inez Y. Kaiser GKC-PRSA Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Dr. Inez Y. Kaiser Scholarship, offered by the Public Relations Society of America Greater Kansas City Chapter, honors the legacy of Inez Y. Kaiser, a trailblazing public relations leader and the first Black woman to own a national PR firm. The scholarship supports African American/Black college juniors and first-semester seniors nationwide who are enrolled in an accredited public relations or communications program and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. The $5,000 award recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, commitment to public relations excellence, and volunteerism—hallmarks of Dr. Kaiser’s career. Additional consideration is given to PRSSA members, PRSSA chapter leaders, and residents of Kansas or Missouri, though residency is not required. Scholars also receive recognition and networking opportunities to support their professional development.

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is a leading philanthropic organization founded in 1978 that inspires and facilitates charitable giving to improve quality of life in the Greater Kansas City region and beyond. From its modest beginnings, the Foundation has grown into one of the nation’s most respected public charities, managing billions in charitable assets and administering thousands of funds for individuals, families, and businesses. Through donor-advised funds and other giving vehicles, it helps donors give strategically and effectively while providing education, leadership on key community issues, and personalized guidance that amplifies lasting community impact.

Dr. J.B. and Mrs. Isabella Bisceglia Scholarship Fund

The Bisceglia Scholarship Fund honors Dr. J. B. and Mrs. Isabella Bisceglia’s dedication to expanding educational opportunities for students in need. The scholarship supports graduating high school seniors in the Greater Kansas City area who plan to pursue further education at a two- or four-year college or university, or a technical school. Selection is based on financial need, work and community service involvement, and academic performance, with recipients required to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. Preference is given to students affiliated with Christ Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, the First Haitian Fellowship at Christ Presbyterian Church, or Scuola Vita Nuova Charter School. The $1,000 award is supplemental to other scholarships, disbursed in two equal payments in August and January, and is not automatically renewable.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

AABE William Grant Pinkard Scholarship Fund

The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) is a professional organization of African Americans in the energy industry. Through its Scholarship Program, AABE seeks to help increase the number of African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans (underrepresented minorities) in energy related fields. By doing so, we help our nation address a critical need and a challenge to our future economic vitality in the world market.

About William Grant Pinkard II

The William Grant Pinkard Scholarship Fund was named after a member of the Kansas-Missouri Chapter of the AABE who best exemplified the organization’s purpose and goals. William Grant Pinkard, II was a dedicated and active member.

Awards

The Kansas-Missouri Chapter of AABE will award one scholarship of $2,000 per semester paid in August and January. Awards of $1,500 per semester will be issued to community college students. The top winner’s application is forwarded to compete for one of six National AABE Regional Awards of $3,000 per year. Additionally, a “Rufus D. Gladney” Premier Award of $5,000 is given annually to the candidate who is judged to demonstrate the most outstanding achievement and promise. National Awards are made to the students upon presentation of proof of enrollment at an accredited college or university. Distribution of local chapter awards are made at the discretion of the local chapter upon proof of enrollment at an accredited college or university. A William Grant Pinkard Scholar may renew the scholarship for a second year provided documentation that all scholarship guidelines and criteria have been sustained.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

reJOYCE KC Foundation Scholarship Fund

The purpose of this fund is to honor all those in the profession of nursing. In addition, recognizing the legacy of Joyce Ann Maurer whose dedication and passion for her patients, family, and advancement in nursing education paved a trailblazing path for others to follow. This fund will assist students pursuing higher education to become an RN, BSN, or NP.