Best Grants for Children in Kansas

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 Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Earl & Stelouise Sauder Youth Assistance Fund aims to connect caring individuals with causes that enhance community strength in the Emporia area, including seven counties in Kansas. This fund prioritizes grants for youth activities, primarily benefiting children aged 18 and under. It emphasizes support for projects demonstrating high volunteer involvement while excluding large fundraising efforts, operational expenses, and repetitive grants, ensuring resources directly benefit the youth.

The Patterson Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering economic opportunity in rural areas through innovative proposals. They prioritize funding for regional innovation hubs and strategies aimed at industry diversification. Organizations eligible for support must be located in or serve communities in Kansas or western Missouri. With a strong commitment to education and community resilience, the Foundation aims to empower future generations while enhancing local economies.

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.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

The DCCF LiveWell Community Wellness Grants aim to enhance the health of Douglas County residents by promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles. These grants support projects that align with the 2018-2023 Douglas County Community Health Plan, focusing on food security and healthy environments. Organizations can receive funding to implement policy changes or programs that foster collaboration and community health improvement, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $80,000.

The Morgan Wilkie Fund, part of the Emporia Community Foundation, supports the care and comfort of elderly individuals, women, and children in Emporia and Lyon County, Kansas. This fund aims to strengthen local communities by providing essential resources through grants awarded to non-profit organizations. By connecting donors with impactful causes, the foundation fosters a culture of charitable giving and community support, ensuring a lasting positive impact on the quality of life for residents.

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

Training/Technical Assistance Projects

For the purposes of this funding opportunity, “training and/or technical assistance” examples include:

• Community-Based Interventions — Understanding community-level work/management; designing an effective approach, effective strategies, and relevant measures of success.
• Identifying and Sharing Best Practices — Innovative projects/programs using CSBG resources; leveraging other public/private resources; more effective use of economic development dollars; the bundling of services
• Serving Underserved Areas — Strategies for working in rural areas or communities with limited community services
• Multigenerational Approaches for Addressing Poverty — Coordinated approaches to collaborating with parents, other caregivers, and children.
• Relationship Building/Partnering — Among State CSBG offices and other State Agencies and Programs to share data and resources.
• Board Governance — Ongoing training to support active community input through Tripartite Boards including families of low-income.
• Leveraging Public/Private Resources — Coordinating multiple resources to support community services and strategies
• Leadership Development — Succession planning and mentoring, leadership academies 

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 KidsFUNd Grant, provided by the Central Kansas Community Foundation, aims to enhance family dynamics and children's mental health within Harvey, Butler, Marion, Elk, Wilson, and Sedgwick counties. Grants of up to $1,500 support initiatives focused on parenting education, youth leadership, and trauma recovery. This funding encourages community-driven solutions, emphasizing the importance of family engagement and positive parenting in improving children's well-being. Eligible organizations must possess a 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate a commitment to these goals.

The DCCF Community Grants program aims to enhance the quality of life for residents of Douglas County, Kansas, by funding diverse local projects in areas such as arts, education, health, and community development. The program prioritizes clear project descriptions and sustainability, welcoming proposals from 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local governments. Notably, it does not support multi-year funding or general operating expenses, ensuring that grants are targeted and impactful.

The Koch Family Foundation supports individuals in Kansas by promoting arts and education initiatives. With over $60 million awarded in scholarships and grants, the foundation encourages personal growth and community contribution. Established by Fred and Mary Koch in 1932, it continues their legacy of fostering creative talents. The foundation aims to create opportunities for all individuals to reach their potential and make a meaningful impact in society.

The Curry Family Foundation Grant aims to support local non-profit organizations working to enhance the lives of endangered children and disadvantaged individuals. It offers funding for program development, operational expenses, equipment and building renovations, and matching funds. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations in the Kansas City metropolitan area, with specific ineligibilities including capital campaigns and discrimination based on race, creed, or other factors.

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 SEED Grant program, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, aims to revitalize Kansas communities with populations under 5,000 through funding for quality-of-life projects. Eligible projects include childcare and senior programming, community vibrancy initiatives, food retail access, and library enhancements. Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000, requiring a 10% match and completion within 12 months. This initiative fosters economic growth and community well-being in eligible counties across Kansas.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

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 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 Shaw Family Foundation, established in 2011 by Richard C. Shaw and his sons, aims to perpetuate the philanthropic legacy of the Shaw family. Focused on enhancing social services, arts, and educational initiatives in South Central Kansas, it primarily supports 501(c)(3) organizations and local institutions like the Kansas University Endowment Association. The foundation particularly favors established entities such as the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and the Wichita Art Museum, ensuring a lasting impact in the community.

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 Nita M. Lowey 2025 Grant Competition is designed for re-applicants seeking funding to provide expanded learning opportunities for children outside regular school hours. Administered by the Kansas State Department of Education, this grant focuses on collaborative projects between school districts and community organizations, targeting schools with a 40% or higher free/reduced lunch population. Eligible applicants must have received 21st CCLC funds in the past five years, fostering educational equity and student achievement.

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.

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 Elm Acres Grants Fund supports projects benefiting at-risk youth in Southeast Kansas, encompassing Crawford, Cherokee, and Labette counties. Established by the Elm Acres Foundation in collaboration with the Community Foundation, this initiative has awarded over $140,000 to local nonprofits since 2017. In 2023 alone, it granted $23,413 to 12 organizations, underscoring its commitment to fostering opportunities and essential services for the youth in the community.

The Mader Foundation Grant supports programs aimed at improving the lives of children in Greater Kansas City. Eligible organizations must possess 501(c)(3) status, demonstrate financial transparency, and ensure funding directly benefits youth K-12. Grants are not provided for salaries, operating expenses, or funding for organizations with restricted membership. Applications require a completed budget form and must be submitted annually. This grant focuses on arts, education, health, and welfare initiatives.