Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Kansas

The NCR-SARE Professional Development Program Grant supports agricultural educators through competitive grants aimed at enhancing training in sustainable agriculture. This initiative promotes cross-agency collaboration, utilizing farmers as educators to address pressing issues within the farming community. Projects funded are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes, fostering knowledge and behavioral changes that lead to sustainable practices in agriculture and food systems. The program encourages diverse participation, ensuring a comprehensive approach to professional development.

Bristol Myers Squibb is dedicated to enhancing healthcare and advancing scientific knowledge through its Corporate Giving program. By supporting various organizations, BMS aims to improve health equity and access to essential medicines for underserved populations. Their focus includes charitable donations, medical education, and community support initiatives. This commitment reflects BMS's goal to make a positive impact on patients' lives and foster strong communities where their employees work and live.

The Dr. George & Jeanne Tiller Fund Grant supports nonprofits in Kansas focused on advancing women's health. Since its inception, it has awarded over $1 million, emphasizing reproductive health services and education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing. Grants range up to $25,000. The fund prioritizes projects that provide comprehensive health services, medical education, and support for women in need. Applications are subject to board approval, with specific exclusions for business expenses and advertisements.

The Windgate Charitable Trust Grant supports contemporary craft and visual arts in the U.S. It offers funding for fellowships, residencies, educational outreach, and materials for craft programs. The foundation prioritizes strengthening visual arts in colleges and expanding K-12 art-integrated programs, providing opportunities for artists and educators to enhance their skills and foster creativity among students. Organizations with previous funding from Windgate can apply through the grantee portal.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $5,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

Rural Health Transformation Program: Revenue Technical Support Organization RFP

HEALTHWORKS, KHA Foundation Inc. (Healthworks) an established 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is seeking proposals for the RTSO. The RTSO is intended to improve the financial sustainability of Kansas rural hospitals by providing centralized revenue cycle expertise, payer analytics, claims recovery services, legal and reimbursement support, and CFO mentoring designed to reduce claim denials, accelerate payment resolution, strengthen rural hospital leadership capacity, and improve payer accountability.

Objectives:

• Providing centralized expertise related to medical coding, billing, reimbursement methodologies, revenue cycle operations, managed care contracting, compliance and payment integrity.
• Developing standardized guidance, educational materials, templates and best practices to support compliant reimbursement optimization.
• Providing education and technical assistance related to emerging revenue cycle challenges and reimbursement opportunities.
• Regulatory monitoring, payer policy analysis and operational improvement
• Analyzing denied, delayed and underpaid claims to identify recovery opportunities.
• Assisting hospitals with appeals, reconsiderations, payer disputes, audit responses and reimbursement recovery efforts.
• Working with physician advisors, utilization management, case management, health information management and revenue cycle teams to identify barriers to payment.

The Federal S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women Grant (S.T.O.P. VAWA) aims to enhance law enforcement and prosecution strategies to address violent crimes against women. Funding is allocated as follows: 25% for law enforcement, 25% for prosecution, 5% for courts, and 30% for nonprofit victim service organizations, with 15% discretionary. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, Native American tribes, and nonprofit organizations, with a 25% match required for most projects.

Apprenticeship to Educator (A2E) Grant

Educators at all levels play a critical role in preparing the next generation of Kansans for gainful employment and success in life. Kansas HB 2292 (2023) authorizes the Kansas Department of Commerce to develop grant programs that support eligible Teacher Educator Apprentices in their hands on training to fill critical and in-demand teaching jobs in our state. This piece of legislation allocates a total amount of 3 million dollars to be awarded to registered teaching apprentices in programs all over the state of Kansas.

What is the A2E Grant? 

• $2,750 in tuition reimbursement EACH registered teacher apprentice
• Employers have NO LIMIT on eligible apprentices
• DAY 1 ELIGIBILITY! Apprentices are eligible on day one of their registered apprenticeship
• Apprentices are eligible for this grant for up to four years

Eligible employers and applicant schools are encouraged to apply for this funding on behalf of their registered teaching apprentices. There is no cap on the number of apprentices who may apply. The use of grant funds must go toward an apprentice’s tuition, fees, and the cost of books and materials, up to a maximum of $2,750 per year for a duration of four years. Teacher Apprenticeship Grant funds will be reimbursed twice per year and require other documentation such as invoicing to show active scholarships, such as PELL or USDOL/MeadowLARK funding.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

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.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

Description

The Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program is authorized by subtitle B of title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11371-11378). The program authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants to States, units of general-purpose local government, and territories for the rehabilitation or conversion of buildings to use as emergency shelter for the homeless, for the payment of certain expenses related to operating emergency shelters, for essential services related to emergency shelters and street outreach for the homeless, and for homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing assistance

The Emergency Solutions Grant provides funding to

• Engage homeless individuals and families living on the street.
• Improve the number and quality of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families.
• Help operate these shelters.
• Provide essential services to shelter residents.
• Rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families.
• Prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless.

ESG Funding Components

Emergency Solution Grant Funding can be used for five program activities: street outreach, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing assistance, and HMIS; as well as administrative activities.

The KDOT Innovative Technology Program offers financial support for innovative transportation projects that enhance safety, mobility, and access in local communities. Applicants must submit a Concept Form for review before receiving an application form. Projects should utilize new technology not currently available in the area, with a minimum of 25% non-state cash match required. This initiative aims to improve Kansas's transportation infrastructure and promote economic growth.

Kansas Department of Transportation 

KDOT delivers transportation that keeps Kansans moving forward.

We maintain thousands of miles of roadways to keep people and goods moving smoothly across the state. Our dedicated team plans, builds, and maintains highways, bridges, and other infrastructure with a focus on safety and innovation.

By working closely with local communities and stakeholders, KDOT aims to enhance the quality of life for all Kansans, support economic growth, and improve travel experiences. 

Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program

The Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program provides state funds to local public authorities (LPAs) for replacing or rehabilitating locally owned “poor” bridges. The program aims to reduce the number of poor and load-posted bridges across the state. It targets bridges that are ineligible for the Off-System Bridge Program or too large to be adequately funded under that program. Local match requirements are based on county population density.

The Reilly Family Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, honors the legacy of Lois and Duane Reilly, who significantly contributed to agriculture and business in the region. This scholarship provides two awards of $1,500 each, supporting students pursuing careers in agriculture and business, reflecting the family's commitment to education and community. It aims to foster future leaders inspired by the Reilly family's dedication to hard work and innovation.

The Fence Authority Scholarship offers a $1,000 award to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fields that enhance community beautification, such as architecture, civil engineering, and environmental sciences. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time, and involved in community service. This scholarship aims to empower students to contribute positively to society while furthering their education in impactful disciplines.

Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Kansas Arts Commision (KAC)| Arts Everywhere

Enhancing student success, the economy and Kansas communities through the arts

The Arts Everywhere grant program provides funding for cultural projects, programs, exhibitions, series, arts education projects, and other arts programming. This program provides funding for educational institutions, arts organizations, and community service non-profits to use the arts to increase student success, foster creative thinking, develop critical job skills, enhance community development, and increase participation in the arts across Kansas. Projects must relate to an arts and culture discipline (music, dance, theatre, creative writing, literature, painting, sculpture, folk arts, photography, crafts, media arts, visual arts, programs of museums, and other such allied, major art forms).

Match Requirements: KAC requires that all grants are matched at a minimum of 1:1 through a combination of cash and in-kind expenses.

Arts Everywhere grants are awarded in four categories:

• Arts in Education;
• Organizational Development: a) Capacity Building; b) Salary Assistance
• Specific Arts and Culture Projects; and
• Visiting Artists

Specific Arts and Culture Projects

This program is designed to fund a single cultural project, program, exhibition, or series. The grant activities must support the mission of the applicant organization, which may or may not be an arts and culture organization. Projects can take many forms. Examples of projects could include:

• A workshop
• A series of workshops
• An art exhibition
• A speaker engagement
• A festival
• An arts and health project
• Almost any arts and culture-centered project.

The JFNY Grant for Arts & Cultural Exchange supports U.S. non-profit organizations aiming to enhance understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Eligible projects include performances, workshops, and exhibitions, with priority given to those with additional funding and in areas with limited access to cultural events. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior for online projects and three months for others. The grant covers expenses like travel, publicity, and artist fees, and is reimbursed upon project completion.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Kansas Arts Commision (KAC)| Arts Everywhere

Enhancing student success, the economy and Kansas communities through the arts

The Arts Everywhere grant program provides funding for cultural projects, programs, exhibitions, series, arts education projects, and other arts programming. This program provides funding for educational institutions, arts organizations, and community service non-profits to use the arts to increase student success, foster creative thinking, develop critical job skills, enhance community development, and increase participation in the arts across Kansas. Projects must relate to an arts and culture discipline (music, dance, theatre, creative writing, literature, painting, sculpture, folk arts, photography, crafts, media arts, visual arts, programs of museums, and other such allied, major art forms).

Match Requirements: KAC requires that all grants are matched at a minimum of 1:1 through a combination of cash and in-kind expenses.

Arts Everywhere grants are awarded in four categories:

• Arts in Education;
• Organizational Development: a) Capacity Building; b) Salary Assistance
• Specific Arts and Culture Projects; and
• Visiting Artists

Arts in Education

This category funds projects that support the role the arts play in all levels of education, community service, and workforce development. This program provides funding for educational institutions, arts organizations, and community service non-profits to use the arts to increase student success, foster creative thinking, develop critical job skills, and enhance community development. Arts in Education projects can take many forms and may or may not involve a professional teaching artist residency taking place over a period of days.

Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Supporting Innovative Growth through New Signage (SIGNS)

Recognizing that downtown buildings are critical economic assets in rural communities, the SIGNS Grant is designed to strengthen local economies by improving the visibility and marketability of retail and commercial businesses through high-quality storefront signage. By supporting multiple signage projects within each community, the program helps create a cohesive, attractive commercial environment that draws customers, supports small-business revenue growth, and reinforces the long-term economic vitality of rural downtowns. The grant encourages property owners and business tenants to collaborate with skilled designers and local artists to develop creative, distinctive signs that enhance business identity while respecting standard guidelines and the historic character of Kansas downtowns. Through matching funding and design support, the program elevates the visual appeal and competitiveness of locally owned businesses, contributing to stronger commercial districts and more vibrant, economically resilient communities.

Match Requirement: 50% - if the population is less than 50,000; 25% - if the population is less than 2,500

The Osage Chapter Service Scholarships, funded by the Association for Women Geoscientists, support undergraduate and graduate students in geosciences. These scholarships of $500 aim to promote the participation of underrepresented groups in the field. Eligible applicants must be AWG members and enrolled in a university within the Osage region. The program encourages outreach and community service while honoring the contributions of Sean S. Thomson to the Osage Chapter.

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.

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.

Henderson Companies Scholarship Fund

The Henderson Companies Scholarship Fund provides financial support to students pursuing careers in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Preference is given to applicants enrolled in degree programs related to architecture, engineering, or construction. The scholarship offers an award of $2,500 to help support students’ educational expenses as they prepare for professional careers in the AEC fields.

The Kansas Nongame Wildlife Improvement Program, also known as the Chickadee Checkoff, is a line appearing on the Kansas Individual Tax Forms. Since 1980, it has provided Kansans an opportunity to contribute to nongame wildlife programs and be a true force for nature in Kansas. The Chickadee Checkoff program seeks proposals for projects that address needs, either specifically identified in this announcement, or more generally described in the revised 2022 Kansas State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). 

About Us

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is the nation's first state department of agriculture. The agency is devoted to the total support of agriculture in Kansas. The department works for the entire Kansas agriculture sector, including farmers, ranchers, food establishments and agribusinesses. The department is dedicated to providing support and assistance to make Kansas businesses successful and encouraging more farms, ranches and other agriculture business to expand in or relocate to Kansas.

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

Program Overview

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is a federal grant opportunity provided by the USDA to state departments of agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by

leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops;

assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops;

expanding availability and access to specialty crops; and

addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers.

Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops including floriculture.

FY27 Specialty Crop Block Grants

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is expected to receive $325,000 from the USDA to fund projects to enhance the competitiveness of the Kansas specialty crop industry. Projects of particular interest to KDA are those that explore improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems, increasing nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops, and specialty crop research.

Applicants may apply for up to $100,000 for a specific project with a duration of up to three years. Matching funds are not required. Applications for grant funds should show how the project potentially impacts and produces measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public rather than a single organization, institution, or individual. Applicants must be a legal entity and have the legal capacity to contract.

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.

James R. Goheen Scholarship

This scholarship provides financial assistance to qualified high school seniors preparing to pursue postsecondary education. Eligible applicants must be graduating from a high school within Unified District No. 500 in Kansas City, Kansas, and plan to attend a two-year community college or four-year college or university. Students pursuing vocational or technical programs are not eligible. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and submit a completed application along with at least one letter of recommendation by the stated deadline. Awards are determined by an Advisory Committee based on leadership potential, school and community involvement, financial need, and academic performance, with no single factor being determinative. Scholarship award amounts vary.

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.

David K. Smoot Innovation Memorial Scholarship for KSU Students

The David K. Smoot Innovation Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a visionary mechanical engineer and World War II veteran whose work advanced sustainable innovation and agricultural engineering. The scholarship supports students at Kansas State University pursuing majors within the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation, reflecting Dr. Smoot’s commitment to research-driven problem-solving and forward-thinking solutions. Eligible applicants include high school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA planning to attend Kansas State University and current KSU students with at least a 2.5 GPA. Preference is given to students passionate about sustainability, innovation, and real-world impact, particularly those studying engineering, technology, supply chain management, natural resources, environmental sciences, or industrial innovation. The scholarship offers a $5,000 award to support students advancing sustainability through research, creativity, and engineering excellence.