Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Kansas

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

Kansas Department of Commerce

The Kansas Department of Commerce is committed to helping individuals, businesses and communities achieve prosperity in Kansas. One of the ways it accomplishes this mission is by providing financial assistance and partnership support to further identified goals. Most grants call for local matches and other required stipulations that vary by project.

Building Local Opportunity through Coordinated Kansas Investment (BLOCK) program

The Building Local Opportunity through Coordinated Kansas-Investment (BLOCK) Program is a competitive placemaking initiative designed to create a dramatic, highly visible transformation of one Kansas downtown block through coordinated public and private investment. BLOCK will provide up to $500,000 to one eligible community to bring multiple properties, projects, partners and investments together around a single block-level transformation. While exterior improvements are expected to be the primary focus, strategic interior improvements may also be eligible when they contribute to the overall transformation and can be completed within the required timeline. The winning community will be expected to move quickly, make big changes, create a visible “wow” factor and demonstrate how the investment will contribute to long-term economic impact.

The purpose of BLOCK is to demonstrate what can happen when a community stops looking at downtown projects one building at a time and instead coordinates investment across an entire block. Inspired by the rapid, collaborative transformations popularized by “extreme makeover” programs, BLOCK brings community partners, property owners, businesses, contractors and resources together to create a visible, concentrated transformation in a short period of time. 

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.

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 Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship aims to foster enrollment in LPN and RN programs. Priority is given to Kansas residents who meet specific eligibility criteria, including being accepted into a nursing program and maintaining full-time enrollment. Award amounts range from $4,000 to $6,250 per school year, depending on the program and sponsorship status. Recipients commit to practicing nursing in Kansas for one year per year of assistance received, ensuring support for the state's healthcare needs.

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

The Kansas Promise Act Scholarship provides financial support for students enrolled in high-demand, high-wage programs at eligible two-year colleges in Kansas. Created to encourage local employment, this last-dollar scholarship covers tuition, fees, and materials after other financial aid. Applicants must be Kansas residents and commit to living and working in the state for two years following graduation. With funding capped at 68 credit hours or $20,000, it aims to facilitate education in crucial fields such as healthcare and technology.

The CHS Foundation's Cooperative Education Grant aims to support educational projects that enhance understanding of the agricultural cooperative business model. With a focus on middle school to college-age students, the program encourages innovative approaches, measurable outcomes, and engagement strategies. It prioritizes initiatives with a national or state-level reach within the CHS trade area, fostering success and growth in cooperative education. Funding will be allocated to programs that align with these goals, ensuring a robust educational framework for future leaders in agriculture.

The IBT Industrial Solutions Scholarship, offered by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to children and grandchildren of full-time IBT employees pursuing higher education. Eligible candidates aged 16-26 must demonstrate financial need and academic merit. This one-time scholarship supports students in achieving their educational goals, fostering community growth and personal development, with a commitment to investing in the future workforce of the region.

The GPCAH Community Pilot Grant supports innovative research and outreach aimed at enhancing the health and safety of agricultural workers in the Midwest. Funded by NIOSH, this program encourages projects focusing on critical issues like mental health, injury prevention, and chemical safety. With grants up to $30,000, it invites collaboration from various organizations, particularly those within the nine-state region. Special emphasis is placed on proposals addressing the needs of underrepresented groups in agriculture.

Simmons First Foundation: Mini Grant

Amount:

• $1,000 up to $2,500 
•  Projects must pertain to youth (K-12) in the fields of education or health care. Mini Grants are for immediate (long-term) needs for programs and entities must be a 501c3 organization.

Simmons First Foundation: Make a Difference Grant

Amount:

• $2,500 up to $50,000

For the upcoming grant cycle, funding will be limited to programs focused on:Special Education:  K-12 Youth with disabilities, including physical disabilities, developmental and cognitive disabilities, and sensory impairments.   (examples including):

• Inclusive theater and performing arts programs
• Adapted, hands-on STEM learning
• Accessible coding, robotics, and maker-space activities
• Science-based learning adapted for diverse abilities
• Assistive technology and adaptive learning tools
• Adaptive physical education and recreation programs

Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention:  K-12 Youth (examples including):

• Evidence-based prevention programs targeting alcohol, opioids, vaping, and other substance use
• Skill-building programs that focus on refusal skills, decision making, coping strategies, and peer pressure resistanc
• Early intervention programs for at-risk youth
• Recovery support services for youth in early recovery (including peer support groups, mentoring, and relapse prevention planning)
• Youth-focused programs that teach emotional regulation, anger management, and non-violent communication
• Intervention programs for youth exposed to or at risk of violence
• Peer mediation and restorative justice programs that reduce disciplinary incidents and promote accountability

Simmons First Foundation: Environmental Grant

Amount:

• $2,500 up to $25,000

These funds are to be used for conservation and/or environmental purposes. We prefer the projects support the overall theme of youth (K-12) in the fields of education or health care, however, we do have flexibility on projects that will have an indirect impact on youth. Categories for this grant include, but not limited to: water, air, hunting/fishing, forestry, outdoor education, energy, etc.

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.

Bright Lights Scholarship

The Bright Lights Scholarship provides college financial assistance to students whose parents serve as leaders in their communities, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and clergy. Eligible applicants must be the child of a qualifying community servant, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled or planning to enroll full time at a two- or four-year college or university. Recipients are required to maintain a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.75 and provide proof of full-time enrollment. The $2,000 scholarship is typically disbursed in equal payments prior to each semester or trimester and may be used for tuition, fees, textbooks, or required course-related materials.

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.

Bruce Culley and Linda Larkins Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund supports students who graduated from a Northland-area school district—Liberty, North Kansas City, or Park Hill—and plan to attend Metropolitan Community College, with preference given to those enrolling at the Maple Woods campus. Eligible applicants should have an average or above-average GPA of 2.5 or higher, demonstrate perseverance in overcoming personal or economic challenges, and believe in the value of hard work as a pathway to upward mobility. The scholarship provides a $3,600 award to help students pursue their postsecondary education at MCC.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarships, offered by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, provide financial aid of up to $5,000 for eligible dental assistant students. Applicants must be over 18, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and enrolled in a qualifying program. The scholarship emphasizes mentorship and training, supporting the next generation of dental assistants. Awards are based on financial need and application quality, with multiple cycles each year to support aspiring professionals.

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation 

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is a nationally respected leader in charitable giving, dedicated to improving quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing philanthropy, educating and connecting donors to community needs, and leading on critical local issues. Founded in 1978 with a simple belief that charitable giving should be accessible to all, the Foundation has grown into one of the largest and most innovative public charities in the country, offering donor advised funds and other giving vehicles that make philanthropy convenient, efficient, and impactful. Today, it manages more than $7 billion in assets, administers over 7,000 charitable funds, and has distributed more than $8 billion in grants, consistently ranking among the top community foundations nationwide.

R. E. (Rosey) Roseberry and Eileen E. Roseberry Scholarship Fund at the College of the Ozarks

R. E. (Rosey) Roseberry and Eileen E. Roseberry Scholarship Fund provides scholarship support to residents of Kansas or Missouri who are enrolled as full time students at the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri. Eligible applicants must have been residents of Kansas or Missouri for at least ten years at the time of application and must maintain continuous enrollment with a minimum 2.5 GPA to remain eligible. Scholarship award amounts vary, recipients may reapply in subsequent years, and the fund is administered through the Franklin County Community Foundation, supporting students in pursuing their postsecondary education.