Best Grants for Children in Kansas

Dane G Hansen Foundation

Dane G. Hansen Foundation was established in 1965 with a generous estate gift from Dane G. Hansen. Mr. Hansen was an entrepreneur whose business interests over the course of his life included, among others, retail, lumber, road and bridge construction and oil. Reflecting Mr. Hansen’s lifelong love of Northwest Kansas, the charitable foundation that bears his name has a mission to improve the quality of life for the residents and the communities in the 26 counties that make up the northwest quarter of Kansas.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is committed to providing opportunities for the people of Northwest Kansas to enjoy the highest possible quality of life. Fulfillment of our mission is predicated on three specific goals: Strengthening and supporting our communities, Creating an environment for growth, and Increasing economic opportunities.

Early Childhood Education Enhancement Grants

A quality childcare center should be more than a place where children are safe and fed. Science is clear about the critical importance of a child’s first three years of brain development. The early years are the platform from which all learning starts. 

This grant is designed to offer assistance to nonprofit childcare centers or family childcare homes (formerly group homes) with needs such as office equipment, outdoor space needs, curriculum, books, or other items.

Dane G Hansen Foundation

Dane G. Hansen Foundation was established in 1965 with a generous estate gift from Dane G. Hansen. Mr. Hansen was an entrepreneur whose business interests over the course of his life included, among others, retail, lumber, road and bridge construction and oil. Reflecting Mr. Hansen’s lifelong love of Northwest Kansas, the charitable foundation that bears his name has a mission to improve the quality of life for the residents and the communities in the 26 counties that make up the northwest quarter of Kansas.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is committed to providing opportunities for the people of Northwest Kansas to enjoy the highest possible quality of life. Fulfillment of our mission is predicated on three specific goals: Strengthening and supporting our communities, Creating an environment for growth, and Increasing economic opportunities.

Early Childhood Education Start-up or Expansion Grants

This grant is for the start up or expansion of licensed home-based, qualifying family childcare homes (formerly group homes), or childcare centers. 

To assist communities to start or expand quality nonprofit early education centers or group homes in Northwest Kansas. In certain situations, the Hansen Foundation can also work through governmental or qualified non-profit entities to assist in the start-up or sustainability of licensed childcare homes.

Dane G Hansen Foundation

Dane G. Hansen Foundation was established in 1965 with a generous estate gift from Dane G. Hansen. Mr. Hansen was an entrepreneur whose business interests over the course of his life included, among others, retail, lumber, road and bridge construction and oil. Reflecting Mr. Hansen’s lifelong love of Northwest Kansas, the charitable foundation that bears his name has a mission to improve the quality of life for the residents and the communities in the 26 counties that make up the northwest quarter of Kansas.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is committed to providing opportunities for the people of Northwest Kansas to enjoy the highest possible quality of life. Fulfillment of our mission is predicated on three specific goals: Strengthening and supporting our communities, Creating an environment for growth, and Increasing economic opportunities.

NW Kansas CARES for Kids

Access to quality early childhood education is important to the quality of life and economic health of every community. 

NW Kansas CARES for Kids includes multiple grants designed to assist childcare centers and qualified family childcare homes (formerly group homes) in attracting and retaining staff, providing educational materials, and also helping to sustain existing slots and to provide more slots for Northwest Kansas children.

About Us

The Phillips County Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 Kansas Nonprofit Corporation dedicated to promoting civic pride and community cohesiveness, encouraging community projects of all types, raising and granting funds, and providing avenues for the community and individuals to financially support their interests. The Phillips County Community Foundation also serves as a conduit to facilitate giving from private or family foundations to organizations and causes.

History

The Phillips County Community Foundation (PCCF) is a 501(c)3 public non-profit foundation created to conduct charitable and educational services for residents of Phillips County. The Foundation began in 2003, as Phillips County Development and Community Foundation, Inc. It now operates as PCCF with a 10-member Board. In addition to managing endowments, funds and scholarships, the Foundation owns the Fischer Building and operates the Entrepreneurial Center (E-Center).

Phillips County Community Foundation: Mini-Grant

Discover how we empower the Phillips County community through our Mini Grants program. Apply for funding up to $1,000 for your projects. Download the form, complete it, and submit via email to pccf@phillipscofounation.org or drop it off at our office. 

Organizations supporting youth services in Kansas can apply for the Earl & Stelouise Sauder Youth Assistance Fund to run positive group activities for children and teens 18 and under in Lyon, Coffey, Chase, and Greenwood counties. Emporia Community Foundation prioritizes projects that benefit the most children and demonstrate strong volunteer involvement.

Kansas communities under 5,000 residents can fund tangible projects that boost childcare, youth services, libraries, food access, and community vibrancy through the Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) Grant, awarding US $10,000 - US $25,000. Eligible applicants include local governments, economic development organizations, chambers, and 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofits across many Kansas counties, with a 10% match required.

Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation

Our mission is to empower our donors, affiliates and charitable partners through education, stewardship and regional collaboration, to create thriving communities and impact present and future generations.

Northwest Kansas Early Childhood Sustainability Grant Fund

To help sustain licensed childcare centers or nonprofit qualified family childcare homes (formerly classified as nonprofit group homes).

To assist with sustainability of quality nonprofit early education centers or qualified childcare homes in Northwest Kansas, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, the State of Kansas – through the Children’s Cabinet, and the Patterson Family Foundation, have collaborated to create this permanently endowed grant fund.

What is meant by sustainability?

The grant is intended to address a budget shortfall or unforeseen issue that, if not addressed, could result in the closure of the facility or closure of classrooms, or that jeopardizes the standard of care provided.

Applicants can ask for budgetary support for operations in order to divert dollars for a necessary or critical capital expenditure without which the ability of the facility to stay open or provide safe, quality care is threatened.

Examples could include HVAC, structural or safety issues, or issues noted by the fire marshal or during a license review.

When possible, facilities must strive for full enrollment – while always meeting KDHE guidelines. It is understood that facilities will often “hold slots” while a current child in care ages up.

Kansas 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal entities, and government agencies serving disadvantaged or at-risk children, youth, and families can apply for project-focused support from the Winter Family Fund, administered via Douglas County Community Foundation. Funding prioritizes work in Douglas, Franklin, and Johnson counties, with additional support for services reaching Taos County, New Mexico.

Kansas City–area 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and families in crisis can access youth services funding and in-kind support through a major Chiefs Charity Game partnership. Hunt Family Foundation and the Kansas City Chiefs provide approximately US $75,000 in tickets plus game proceeds to expand programs and organizational capacity for children-focused nonprofits in the region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies serving children and families through arts, education, health, human services, or community beautification may be eligible for support, including work in Kansas counties. Helen S. Boylan Foundation provides funding for new initiatives, program expansion, capital improvements, and building renovations within its designated service areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth in Kansas communities where Penn National Gaming operates can seek funding for local programs. Grants from Penn National Gaming help Kansas youth services with community development, education, human services, health, cultural affairs, and support for veterans’ and military families in their area.

501(c)(3) organizations in South Central Kansas can apply for Foundation Management’s Shaw Family Foundation Grant to support social services, arts programs, and scholarships connected to the Kansas University Endowment Association. Youth-serving nonprofits, including those in Wichita and surrounding counties, may benefit if their work aligns with these priorities.

501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal entities, and local governments serving children and youth in Douglas County, Kansas can apply for Douglas County Community Foundation’s community grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $10,000 for local projects. Funding can support youth-focused work in areas like education, health, arts, housing, and human services across Kansas communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, and government entities working on rural economic and community development can apply for US $25,000 - US $500,000 from Patterson Family Foundation to test innovative economic opportunity solutions. Kansas organizations, especially those serving youth in rural communities, may benefit from support for regional innovation hubs and industry diversification strategies.

Kansas K-12 schools and partner community or faith-based organizations offering after-school or expanded learning programs can apply for Kansas State Department of Education’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers funding. Focused on academic enrichment for children in high-poverty schools, this opportunity supports new sites serving students at schools with at least 40% free or reduced lunch.

Kansas after-school and summer learning providers serving children in high-poverty schools can access funding through the Kansas State Department of Education to expand out-of-school academic enrichment. Eligible re-applicants must have received 21st Century Community Learning Centers funds within the past five years and serve students at schools with at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch enrollment.

Patterson Family Foundation

The Patterson Family Foundation was established to reinvest in rural communities and cultivate values of education and hard work for current and future generations. Currently, the Foundation is led by the adult children of the Patterson Family.

The Patterson Family Foundation, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is a family-led foundation that extends the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson. The Foundation’s mission, “Working together to help rural communities thrive,” is carried forward through strategic grantmaking and other collaborative initiatives that serve rural counties across Kansas and western Missouri. 

Where We Serve

We are geographically focused on assisting Kansas and western Missouri counties with fewer than 50,000 residents.

Our impact is realized through four interconnected priorities:

Economic Opportunity

• Our vision: Rural communities have resilient economies that offer diverse and stable career opportunities for all residents.
• We are committed to keeping rural economies strong by helping grow and retain great talent, attracting former and new residents, and investing in opportunities that strengthen and diversify local and regional economies

Education

• Our vision: All students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.
• A strong education system is at the heart of a thriving community, and we’re working alongside educators, families, and local leaders to help it grow. This means supporting and developing exceptional teachers, providing students with opportunities to develop skills and experience, and creating more hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for the future.

Healthcare

• Our vision: Communities have access to high-quality healthcare services, leading to improved health outcomes and increased well-being for all residents.
• Access to quality healthcare is essential for keeping rural communities strong. We work to expand the healthcare workforce, improve access to essential services, and empower all rural residents to lead long, healthy lives.

Community Engagement

• Our vision: Residents are actively engaged in decision-making process, contribute to community development, and have a strong sense of belonging and purpose.
• Strong communities are built through local leadership, volunteerism, and collaboration. We work alongside communities to drive grassroots engagement and empower multi-generational leaders. Through regional partnerships and strong community foundations, we help communities deepen relationships, expand opportunities, and steward local resources for future generations.

Open Call Grants

Patterson Family Foundation’s Open Call Grants are publicly announced and submitted through the Grants Portal. Applications are reviewed using criteria aligned with the Foundation’s priorities, including community impact, feasibility, sustainability, and readiness to implement the proposed work in the Kansas or western Missouri rural community. 

Open Call Grant: Adult Learning

This opportunity supports adult learners in building literacy, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning skills. Funding helps reduce barriers to participation and expands equitable access to evidence-based education that prepares adults for meaningful employment, civic engagement, and personal advancement. Projects should strengthen community-based programs, support innovation, and align adult learning with local workforce needs, with priority given to organizations in our rural catchment area or partnering with local employers. Applicants should plan to report on learner participation, skills or credentials gained, employment or career advancements, and partnerships that connect adult learners to local opportunities. 

Eligible uses of funds include:  

• Funding for new instructors and staff training 
• Instructional materials 
• Technology and digital learning tools 
• Outreach and recruitment 
• Support services that reduce participation barriers 
• Program evaluation and data collection   

501(c)(3) organizations in Kansas serving children’s basic needs, education, or wellness can apply for the Kansas City Childrens Assistance Network’s KC Can Grant, with awards up to US $50,000 for defined projects. Funding supports short-term (under one year) initiatives that address clear needs and provide lasting benefits for Kansas City’s children.

Nonprofit organizations serving at-risk children and youth in Crawford, Cherokee, and Labette counties in Kansas can apply for Elm Acres Foundation funding to support programs and services. Grants from Elm Acres Foundation help Kansas youth organizations run projects that improve the well-being of vulnerable children in Southeast Kansas.

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities improving healthy eating and physical activity for Douglas County children and families can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 for nutrition and fitness initiatives. Douglas County Community Foundation funds projects advancing local food security and healthy built environments, especially those with lasting, collaborative, and measurable community health impact.

Nonprofit organizations serving children, women, and older adults in Emporia and Lyon County, Kansas can apply for grants supporting care and comfort services. Grants from Emporia Community Foundation help Kansas youth services by funding programs that improve quality of life for children and families in this region. Individuals are not eligible.

Kansas community-based organizations offering anti-poverty programs or training that benefit children, youth, and families can seek US $4,000 - US $39,000 for CSBG training and technical assistance projects in Kansas. Kansas Housing Resources Corporation funds efforts like community-based interventions, multigenerational poverty strategies, leadership development, and board governance to strengthen services for low-income residents.

Kansas 501(c)(3) organizations running innovative child and youth welfare or education projects can apply for US $5,000 - US $50,000 to support program costs. With a mission to improve communities, Gould Family Foundation prioritizes moderately sized, high-impact projects in the greater Kansas City metro that offer long-term benefits and strong potential for replication.

Kansas youth and family-serving 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding for parenting education, youth mental health, and family-focused support through the KidsFUNd Grant, part of Central Kansas Community Foundation. Grants of US $1,000 - US $2,500 support programs benefiting children and families in Harvey, Butler, Marion, Elk, Wilson, and Sedgwick (Valley Center) counties.

About

Lawyers Supporting Community

As the charitable arm of the Johnson County Bar Association, our Foundation supports local projects with a connection to the legal community. We also maintain an annual grant program that supports children and family-related charities and organizations.

Our Mission

Since day one, we’ve made it our mission to provide support for children and family-related charities and harness the power of the legal community to empower connection, opportunity and positive change in Kansas City. We are lawyers helping the community by promoting – on behalf of the legal profession – good works which advance our local system of justice, or support children and family-related organizations.

Apply for a Grant

The Johnson County Bar Foundation maintains an annual grant program to support legal-related programs and charitable organizations in Kansas City. Since 1988, we’ve given out more than $2 million to 30+ carefully selected grantees and to local charities.

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits running arts or education programs can seek grants to help people develop their talents and contribute to their communities. Koch Family Foundation supports initiatives that foster lifelong learning and a vibrant, inclusive Kansas, which may benefit organizations serving children and youth through creative or educational programming.

Kansas City–area 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving endangered children, disadvantaged people, and youth programs can seek funding for program development, operations, equipment, building renovation, and matching funds. The Curry Family Foundation provides grants up to US $25,000 to organizations in eligible Kansas and Missouri counties working in child welfare, education, arts, health, and social services.