Best Grants for Charities in Kansas

The Nita M. Lowey 2025 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Competition is aimed at new applicants who seek to provide expanded learning opportunities outside regular school hours. Managed by the Kansas State Department of Education, this grant supports projects that enhance student achievement, particularly in schools with a significant low-income population. Applicants must collaborate with community organizations and focus on meeting state educational standards.

The MFA Oil Foundation Grant offers cash support to nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing communities where MFA Oil operates. With a mission to bolster rural areas, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that develop youth leadership, agricultural education, and community problem-solving. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and accredited educational institutions. However, grants are not available for operating expenses, political lobbying, or individual support. This initiative seeks to empower organizations that create sustainable change in their communities.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The Disaster Resilience Program, supported by Equal Justice Works, aims to provide free civil legal aid to communities affected by disasters in the Midwest. With funding for attorney and summer law student fellows, the program addresses the unique legal needs of low-income families, helping them recover from the impacts of disasters. This initiative not only stabilizes lives but also promotes resilience in communities by ensuring access to essential legal services.

The Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program aims to eliminate derelict fishing traps nationwide. Focused on collaboration, it emphasizes standardized data collection, quantifying impacts, and comprehensive data sharing. With an annual budget of up to $1,475,000, the program supports 6 to 15 projects, providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for 18-month initiatives. This effort significantly enhances marine resource conservation by reducing bycatch mortality and removing abandoned traps.

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

Solomon Valley Community Foundation

Solomon Valley Community Foundation's mission is to be a catalyst for positive change; engaging partners and inspiring local philanthropy. We leverage resources to overcome obstacles, create lasting legacies, and contribute to the strenth of Mitchell County.

SVCF: Tom Lynch Educational Scholarship

Graduates or graduating high school seniors from the following KS counties: Mitchell, Cloud, Jewell, Republic, Clay, Lincoln, Washington, Ottawa.

Renewals: Recipients can apply as part of the total applicant pool for the second year, consecutively. Scholarship can only be received for two years.

CFCC: Irene Saulnier Scholarship

Amount

Varies

Geographic limitations

Graduate of a Cloud County High School.

Renewals

Previous scholarship recipients are eligible to re-apply as part of the total applicant pool by meeting the above requirements.

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

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Larry and Millie Triplett Scholarship Fund

For graduates or students in good standing, qualifying for graduation from a Kansas high school in the following Triplett, Inc., service areas: Dickinson County, Ellis County, McPherson County, Russell County, Saline County, Sherman County, Thomas County, Trego County, and Wabaunsee County.

Renewals

Scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply as part of the total applicant pool as long as they maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

• Preference will be given to previous scholarship recipients.
• Recipients may receive this scholarship for a maximum of 8 semesters total.

The Blueprint to Build Grant Program aims to facilitate the establishment of community centers in Kansas by offering three pre-designed blueprints. With a funding pool of $14 million for 2025, eligible communities can receive up to $2.5 million to construct a center tailored to their needs. This initiative is designed to simplify and reduce costs for smaller communities, promoting vibrant spaces for low- to moderate-income residents while ensuring efficient construction processes.

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

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

First Bank Kansas Scholarship

The First Bank Kansas Scholarship was established to provide assistance to students who are currently enrolled in good standing at Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina, KS with a preference to students working toward a degree in business.

Renewals

• Previous scholarship recipients are eligible to re-apply as part of the total applicant pool.

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

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Alma Olson & Michael T. Olson Scholarship

For students attending or planning to attend Fort Hays Tech North Central (Hays or Beloit Campus), pursuing a building trade degree.

Background

The Olson family lived and farmed in Cloud County, Kansas for many years. Alma Olson raised four children – Michael, Mary, Viola and Gladys. At the age of 13, when his father died, Michael took responsibility for his family farm and helped his mother with the home and cousins who had come to live with them. Michael was a skilled farmer and a generous man.

Geographic Limitations

• Students attending Fort Hays Tech North Central College.

Renewals

• Recipients are able to reapply as part of total applicant pool.

The Kansas Education Opportunity Scholarship supports first-generation college students and dependents of educators in Kansas, providing financial assistance of up to $1,850 annually. Applicants must be Kansas residents enrolled in eligible undergraduate programs and demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA. Priority is given to high school seniors entering college for the first time. This scholarship aims to foster educational access for those who might otherwise face barriers in their pursuit of higher education.

The Kansas Military Service Scholarship offers financial assistance for tuition and fees at public Kansas institutions for residents who have served in military operations since September 11, 2001. Eligible applicants must have received hostile fire pay for at least 90 days, or have been discharged honorably. Students must maintain enrollment in a qualified program and remain in good academic standing. Funding is available for up to four academic years, with specific deadlines for application submissions.

The Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance program provides financial support for tuition and fees to eligible Kansas National Guard members. This program is available for both full-time and part-time students enrolled in accredited institutions across Kansas. To qualify, applicants must maintain good standing and have a high school diploma or GED. Important requirements include having a FAFSA on file and not holding a bachelor's degree. The funding is determined by the number of applicants and available appropriations.

The Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship is a merit-based program offering financial assistance to students pursuing bachelor's or master's degrees in hard-to-fill disciplines. Recipients must agree to teach in Kansas for each year of scholarship support, with eligibility extending for up to ten semesters. Priority is given to upperclassmen and renewals, with funding dependent on state allocation. The average GPA of past recipients is 3.50, and the scholarship amount can reach $6,666 per academic year.

The Kansas National Guard Educational Master's for Enhanced Readiness and Global Excellence (EMERGE) program offers financial support for tuition and fees for up to 15 credit hours per semester for members pursuing advanced degrees at Kansas institutions. Applicants must maintain good standing in the guard and meet GPA requirements. A service obligation follows degree completion, ensuring a commitment to the Kansas National Guard after receiving assistance.

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.

Kansas City Country Club Scholarship Fund

The Kansas City Country Club Scholarship Fund supports a successful path for our employees, their children and step children to attain a degree or trade school degree creating an increasingly valuable asset for themselves and their families.

Length of employment is taken into consideration when applying, There are no restrictions on length of employment or full or part time status. Applicants will be considered based on academic performance, community service, extracurricular activities and financial need.

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.

Kansas Foster and Adoptive Children Scholarship Fund

This fund was established to provide scholarships for any type of further education beyond high school including college, junior college, vocational, technical or other trade schools.

The type and amount of aid may include, but is not necessarily limited to tuition, room and board, books, etc

The Health Forward Foundation offers event sponsorships to non-profit organizations that promote health equity and community well-being. Focusing on initiatives that foster racial equity and economic justice, the foundation prioritizes educational events and advocacy efforts within its region. Sponsorships support activities that align with their mission while ensuring that only specific types of fundraisers are considered. This commitment enriches community partnerships and strengthens the impact of local organizations.

Who We Are

We are an organization full of dedicated individuals who work every day to improve health in the state of Kansas. We dream big, promote bold visions and truly believe that it’s possible for Kansas to someday lead the nation in health.

But, it’s only possible with a broad network of effective partnerships across the state. We work closely with other health foundations, nonprofit groups, community foundations, state agencies, universities, hospitals, communities and advisory groups to develop programs and initiatives and to find answers to complex health issues.

And we will continue to form and strengthen partnerships with more Kansas organizations and communities.

Our work has continued for nearly 40 years, and we’re currently in the midst of an exciting new challenge. We invite you to view the information below to learn about our strategic framework, our history and our dynamic team.

Three-Part Purpose Statement

Every successful organization has to know its “Why.” Our “why” is demonstrated through our three-part purpose statement. These three statements serve as our overall goals and our greatest aspirations.

• Empower Kansas to lead the nation in health.
• Eliminate the inequities that lead to the greatest health disparities.
• For KHF to become THE model for philanthropic impact

Kansas Innovation Fund

Are you a visionary, a problem solver, or someone who is passionate about creating positive change in your community? Is your organization open to exploring new strategies and taking bold steps toward innovation? Have you come across ideas or projects from community members, youth or nonprofit staff that you are eager to implement but lack the necessary resources? If you answered yes to any of these questions, we invite you to consider applying for the Kansas Innovation Fund.

KHF will provide up to $5,000 for each approved idea/project. Our goal is to provide a funding opportunity for nonprofits looking to explore new strategies to solve complex issues.

How the Opportunity Works

To enable eligible Kansas nonprofits to test innovative ideas to address health and health equity, KHF is providing mini grants of up to $5,000. The mini grants will support a range of ideas from different sectors that address the underlying factors causing poor health outcomes and health disparities.

Criteria for Grant Selection

Does your funding request:

• Make it possible for more Kansans to have the opportunity to live a healthy life, or improve overall health?
• Propose a new and innovative project for your organization?
• Benefit Kansans or Kansas communities?

The Dwane & Velma Wallace Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations in Wichita, Kansas, focusing on areas such as arts, education, community development, social services, and quality of life. Grants are available to entities that enhance community welfare, but requests for fundraising events, operating deficits, and individual scholarships are not eligible. The foundation aims to empower local organizations to create a positive impact, reflecting the legacy of Dwane and Velma Wallace.

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.

Helen Anita and William E. Evans, Jr., M.D. Scholarship Fundicate

Dr. Bill, as he was affectionately known, practiced family medicine in the Greater Kansas City area all of his working life. He was ably assisted by his devoted wife (Helen) Anita for most of that time. Since Dr. Bill was a disabled veteran, he had occasion to frequent the VA hospital and held a special place in his heart for numerous employees of the hospital. His burning desire was to reward those special people who had administered to him by setting up this program to offer monetary assistance to their children. The purpose of the Fund shall be to provide scholarships to the children of employees at the Kansas City VA Medical Center who plan to attend summer camp.

Consideration will be given to an applicant’s financial need, extracurricular involvement and past academic performance. Scholarship assistance shall be awarded primarily to applicants who wish to use the assistance to attend a summer camp in the Greater Kansas City area, although camps outside the Kansas City area may also be considered.

Scholarship recipients are required to submit a written reflection following the completion of the camp, which describes his/her experiences and specifically details what the recipient learned from this opportunity.

The scholarship is non-renewable. Previous applicants and past recipients of the scholarship may reapply each year.

Kansas Governor's Grants Program

The Kansas Governor's Grants Program (KGGP) administers state and federal grant programs to units of state and local government, American Indian Tribes, nonprofit, community, and faith-based organizations throughout the state. Grants administrated by the KGGP enhance the criminal justice system, improve public safety, support crime victim services, and support violence prevention programs in Kansas.

State Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Grant Program

Purpose

CASA Programs recruit, train, and support citizen volunteers to advocate in court for the best interests of abused and neglected children. Grant funds are used to train staff and volunteers to help abused and neglected children obtain a permanent and safe placement. The volunteers advocate for the best interest of a child by providing information in court to assist judges with making the most well-informed decision for each child.

The Kansas Healthy Food Initiative (KHFI) aims to enhance access to affordable, healthy food in Kansas through technical assistance and financing. Projects should focus on serving low-resource and underserved areas and be led by experienced operators. Eligible applicants include food distributors, grocery store developers, and local food producers. KHFI provides funding through a mix of loans and grants, with a typical structure of 15% grant and 85% loan financing to support various community projects.

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.

William Everett and Mary Ellen Mealman Scholarship

PBI/Gordon Corporation believes a college education is an important investment in the lives of young people. PBI/Gordon Corporation also wishes to honor Everett Mealman for his long-time service to the corporation and Mary Ellen Mealman for her support of Everett in carrying out his duties to the corporation and for her representation of the corporation in various social activities, and it wishes to honor both Everett and Mary Ellen Mealman for their commitment to education, their entrepreneurial spirit, and their steadfast loyalty to the employee-owners of PBI/Gordon Corporation.

The purpose of the Fund shall be to provide scholarships to children or grandchildren of employees of PBI/Gordon who intend to further their education at a two-year or four-year college or university, or a trade or vocational school. Employees are those individuals who are employed full-time at the time of application.