Best Grants for Farmers in Kansas

Private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and state or local governments in Kansas can receive support to place agricultural land under permanent or long-term conservation easements, protecting working farms and ranches. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Kansas funds Agricultural Land Easements that limit non-agricultural uses while conserving cropland, grassland, pastureland, and related conservation values.

With a mission to advance sustainable agriculture education, North Central Region SARE provides Kansas farm-focused educators and agricultural professionals with up to US $120,000 for professional development projects. Eligible applicants include extension, NRCS staff, and nonprofit groups designing outcome-based, cross-agency training that uses farmers and ranchers as educators on emerging farm and ranch issues.

Youth educators developing innovative sustainable agriculture programming for young people in Kansas and other North Central states can apply for grants up to US $6,000. Focused on sustainable farming education, North Central Region SARE supports projects that test new lessons or approaches and share successful methods with fellow youth educators.

For-profit, nonprofit, governmental, and community-based organizations working on agricultural health and safety in Kansas can access funding through University of Iowa’s Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health. Grants up to US $30,000 support pilot outreach, education, and research projects to prevent farm-related injuries and illnesses, including stress, mental health, falls, and chemical hazards.

Agricultural producers, ranchers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Kansas can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program to fund conservation practices on working lands. Support covers technical and financial assistance to improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience on eligible farm, ranch, and forest lands.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations working on agriculture, food security, or water and habitat conservation in Kansas and other North American communities can seek support for programs and operations. With a mission to help the world grow the food it needs, Mosaic Company Foundation provides community investment grants focused on food, water, and local community initiatives.

Kansas agricultural producers and conservation-focused partners can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to co-invest in on-farm, watershed, and regional conservation projects. Grants of US $250,000 - US $10,000,000 support initiatives in farming, ranching, forestry, soil health, water resource management, and habitat restoration across eligible states and territories.

The EA Funds: Animal Welfare Fund Grant aims to enhance the welfare of nonhuman animals globally through strategic grants. It focuses on neglected regions, innovative research, and impactful advocacy, particularly for farmed and wild animals. The fund supports projects that alleviate suffering, promote alternatives to factory farming, and engage in policy advocacy. By contributing to this grant, you can help create a significant positive impact on animal welfare and support initiatives that are often overlooked.

This grant aims to enhance cooperation and regulatory standards among animal food safety programs by funding national feed associations. It promotes inter-agency collaboration, strengthens state regulatory frameworks, and supports the Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS). By leveraging resources and aligning with federal and state initiatives, the program seeks to improve animal food safety and ensure comprehensive surveillance and protection.

Research institutions and organizations working with swine models in Kansas and nationwide can apply for National Institutes of Health support, with awards from US $960,898 - US $1,008,943, to operate a National Swine Resource and Research Center. Funding supports creation, breeding, preservation, and distribution of genetically modified swine models and related services that may benefit advanced livestock research programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups working on farmed animal protection and food system transformation can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s US $2,500 - US $10,000 grants. Kansas farming and rural advocacy initiatives focused on sustainable agriculture, farmer empowerment, environmental policy, labor, or food justice may be eligible for project or general operating support in the U.S. and internationally.

Sheep producers in Kansas seeking support to improve farm productivity and land stewardship can apply for the Advancing Markets for Producers Grants, offering up to US $23,000 per enrollee. With a mission to strengthen livestock and farming, American Lamb Board provides technical assistance, conservation planning, and technology implementation to grow the U.S. sheep industry.

Young or beginning farmers in Kansas starting or expanding farming operations, including crop, livestock, or farm product processing and marketing, may be eligible for this grant. Greater Salina Community Foundation funds projects, seed money, capacity building, capital improvements, or endowments, primarily benefiting the Post Rock Community Foundation area (USD 298 and 299) through eligible 501(c)(3), educational, governmental, or religious entities or fiscal sponsors.

Need-based student farmers in FFA or 4-H pursuing higher education, including those from farming communities like Kansas, can apply for the Christie H. Meadows Family Scholarship supporting college costs. Administered via Beckley Area Foundation’s universal application, it favors graduates active in agricultural clubs and projects, such as entries at the West Virginia State Fair.

Students in Kansas pursuing degrees related to the poultry industry can apply for Arkansas Community Foundation’s Poultry Federation Scholarship, which supports higher education and technical training. Eligible applicants use the Foundation’s scholarship portal and quiz to identify this and other opportunities that match their education plans and farming-related career goals.

College-bound or current full-time students in Georgia pursuing poultry science or related agricultural degrees can receive US $2,000 for higher education costs. With a mission to support agricultural education, North Georgia Community Foundation provides aspiring poultry industry professionals with scholarship funding; Kansas farmers with college-age dependents in Georgia may benefit if they meet residency and academic criteria.

Students planning to study agriculture, including those from Kansas farming communities, can apply for the Arlyn J. Walt Memorial Scholarship through Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. This scholarship supports Coopersville-area students interested in agricultural education, and applicants complete a single application to be considered for all eligible foundation scholarships.

The Mishler Brown Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, supports nonprofits dedicated to agriculture and historic preservation. Applications are accepted annually from October 1 to December 31, with funds awarded in January. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status but do not need to be located in Elkhart County. The fund honors Helen Mishler's legacy by preserving farming heritage, including her family's historic homestead.

Kansas farms, ranches, and private forest landowners working with eligible partner organizations can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to address on-farm and regional natural resource concerns. Awards of US $250,000 - US $10,000,000 support multi-state or Critical Conservation Area projects improving soil, water, habitat, and sustainable agriculture through competitively selected partnerships.

The Ag Health and Safety Grants, awarded by CHS and the CHS Foundation, aim to enhance agricultural safety and foster community well-being. These grants focus on educating youth and farmers about agricultural hazards, providing training for rural professionals, and developing essential safety guidelines. With a commitment to improving safety standards, the program has benefitted over 32,000 youth and supported more than 450 communities through safety initiatives and equipment, ensuring a safer future for all involved in agriculture.

The ASPCA Fund to End Factory Farming Grant Program aims to transform the U.S. food system by promoting humane practices and reducing reliance on factory farming. By funding eligible projects, the program seeks to improve animal welfare, support farmers, and enhance public health. Projects must include educational components to raise awareness about their impact. This initiative reflects ASPCA's commitment to ethical treatment of animals and fostering a culture of compassion and inclusion.

The Chipotle Cultivate Foundation Grant Program supports 501(c)3 non-profits dedicated to making real food accessible and fostering community growth. Established in 2011, this initiative aligns with Chipotle's mission to cultivate a better world. Eligible organizations can apply through an invitation-only process, focusing on those paving the way for a better future. The foundation also offers mentorship and resources to innovative ventures in the food industry.

Kansas farmers and ranchers who are members of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association, or their children, can receive academic scholarship support for education related to farms and farming. Communities Foundation of Oklahoma partners with the association to award these scholarships, which may benefit Kansas agricultural families active in cattle production.

The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) offers grants to support Native farmers and ranchers through business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services. Established from the Keepseagle v. Vilsack settlement, NAAF is committed to providing essential resources to eligible organizations, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments. Special focuses include inflation assistance and market access, ensuring a holistic approach to agricultural support.

Richard Gebhart Leadership Legacy Scholarship

Provides scholarships to members of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association (and their children) who are attending graduate school and best meet the criteria. In partnership with the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association.

The Food and Farm Communications Fund's Wildseed Grants program supports grassroots organizations in the U.S. that aim to bring transformative change to food and agricultural systems. With grants ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for one year, and up to $75,000 for two years, the program emphasizes strategic communications, community engagement, and racial equity. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with the Fund’s mission and have a revenue of less than $3 million.

The grant titled 'Enhancing Biotechnology Market Opportunities for U.S. Exporters and American Farmers' aims to expand market access for U.S. agricultural biotechnology products by addressing barriers in international trade. It focuses on engaging trading partners through seminars and workshops to foster dialogue on agricultural biotechnology. With a significant export value of over $51 billion, the initiative supports American farmers and promotes sustainable agricultural practices by encouraging innovation and collaboration in biotechnology development.