Best Grants for International Development in Kansas

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.

The Great Apes and Gibbons Program Grant, administered by the Arcus Foundation, supports conservation efforts for great apes and gibbons across 24 priority landscapes in Africa and Asia. The program emphasizes sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, having awarded over 2,000 grants to more than 500 organizations globally. Funding is not available for individuals or specific lobbying activities, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful conservation initiatives.

About Us

The Community Foundation of Dickinson County, Inc. was established in 1999 by a group of civic-minded individuals who cherished their community and wanted to ensure future generations experience the same quality of living they had received in Dickinson County. These visionaries secured the future of the Foundation by establishing an Endowed Founder’s Fund.

Since the original investment of $250K, the Foundation has grown to over 200 Funds and over $21M in assets! Area non-profits, schools, local governing entities, and students have benefited by receiving over $14M in grants and scholarships!

Strowig Family Scholarship - (1) $1,000

The Strowig Family Scholarship was established by Cathy Strowig and Pam Tate in honor of their parents, Calvin and Betty Strowig. The Strowigs were deeply committed to public service and community involvement, believing strongly in giving back through volunteerism and leadership. Calvin served as a state representative from 1963 to 1972, and Betty served as a First District Precinct Committee Woman from 1976 to 1988. 

About Us

The Community Foundation of Dickinson County, Inc. was established in 1999 by a group of civic-minded individuals who cherished their community and wanted to ensure future generations experience the same quality of living they had received in Dickinson County. These visionaries secured the future of the Foundation by establishing an Endowed Founder’s Fund. 

Ralph Snyder Memorial Scholarship - (2) $1,000

The Ralph Snyder Memorial Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Ralph Snyder, a Dickinson County native and Chapman High School graduate. After serving in the United States Air Force during World War II, Ralph built a career in the construction industry.

The Warren and Mary Jean Wilson Family Scholarship, established in 2011 by their children, honors the legacy of lifelong Dickinson County residents and farmers, Warren and Mary Jean Wilson. This scholarship aims to support three hardworking students pursuing higher education at Kansas State University, K-State Salina, a junior college, or a trade school. The scholarship reflects the Wilson family's commitment to education and community, ensuring that future generations benefit from their dedication.

The Koch Cultural Trust (KCT) Enabling Grants support visual and performing artists in Kansas by providing necessary funding to advance their careers. Established in 1986, KCT has a history of awarding over $3 million to talented individuals. These grants are designed for artists of all ages to help them seize key opportunities, although they cannot be used for degree programs. The maximum grant amount is $5,000.

The Viridian Wealth Management Scholarship, established in 2025 by Diana and Matt Miller, awards $1,000 to graduating seniors from Dickinson County high schools or current undergraduates pursuing a finance degree at a Kansas-accredited institution. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and involvement in extracurricular activities. Preference is given to those who have overcome adversity, reflecting the scholarship's commitment to resilience and perseverance, ensuring opportunities for deserving students in the community.

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.

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.

Board of Public Utilities Scholarship Fund

The BPU Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to high school seniors and recent graduates from Wyandotte County who are pursuing postsecondary education in vocational, technical, or four-year degree programs, with an emphasis on STEM-related fields. Eligible applicants must be enrolled as a senior at a Wyandotte County high school during the application period or be a recent graduate within the past three months, and plan to enroll in an accredited vocational, technical, apprenticeship, or four-year degree program such as engineering, computer science, or environmental science. Scholarships may be awarded on a recurring basis for up to two years, provided recipients maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA. Awards are determined through a competitive review process administered via the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, with consideration given to academic pathway, extracurricular involvement, and diversity principles. Award amounts total up to $5,000 for students attending four-year institutions and up to $3,000 for those attending two-year institutions or apprenticeship programs.

About PCORI

PCORI funds patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER).

Our Mission

PCORI helps people make informed healthcare decisions, and improves healthcare delivery and outcomes, by producing and promoting high-integrity, evidence-based information that comes from research guided by patients, caregivers, and the broader healthcare community.

Broad Pragmatic Studies PCORI Funding

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA), seeking to fund patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. 

Research Initiative Highlights

CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences.

Special Areas of Emphasis

For Cycle 2 2026, PCORI is particularly interested in submissions that address the following Special Areas of Emphasis (SAE) within the BPS funding opportunity. The purpose of identifying these SAEs is to encourage submissions to these areas, rather than limiting submissions to these topics. Applicants addressing one of the below SAEs should identify the area that is best associated with their research approach:  

• Addressing Obesity
• Diabetes Prevention, Care and Treatment
• Management of Urogynecological and Pelvic Pain
• Pain Management for Individuals Living With Sickle Cell Disease

In PCORI-funded research, patients and other research partners are expected to meaningfully contribute their lived experience or professional expertise to ensure studies are patient-centered, relevant and useful for healthcare decision making. Applicants must address PCORI’s Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research — an evidence-based framework supported by tools and resources to guide effective engagement strategies. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to consider the inclusion of a broad range of patient-centered burdens and economic outcomes. 

Broad Pragmatic Studies PFA: Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 Study Specifications

PCORI will commit up to $120 million in direct costs through this funding opportunity. This funding opportunity contains three categories for funding:

• Category 1: Category 1 will support research projects with direct costs up to and including $5 million.

• Category 2: Category 2 will support research projects with direct costs greater than $5 million and up to a maximum of $12 million. Applications for funding under Category 2 will be required to provide additional information in the Letter of Intent (LOI) and application to justify the size and scope of the proposed research projects and to explain how additional funds are necessary with respect to the scale, scope and complexity of personnel and material resources needed to address the research question.

• Category 3: Category 3 will support research projects with direct costs up to $12 million that utilize PCORnet® to conduct observational studies and/or pragmatic trials that are national in scale. Category 3 PCORnet Studies® must include two or more Clinical Research Networks and share study progress, performance metrics and best practices with the network to promote continuous learning and improvement. PCORnet Studies® will leverage the PCORnet Common Data Model® as appropriate. Additional details about Category 3 can be found on the PCORI website.  

The Deluxe Corporation Foundation's ERG Grant Program supports diverse and inclusive initiatives by empowering employee resource groups (ERGs) to partner with nonprofits addressing relevant social issues. Each of the ten ERGs will award a $25,000 grant to a selected organization, fostering community impact and collaboration. The foundation, established in 1954, has invested over $109 million in charitable causes, focusing on financial literacy, education, and community support to enhance lives and promote entrepreneurship.

The Women’s Fund Grant seeks to empower women and children in Topeka/Shawnee County by funding innovative programs focused on economic well-being, STEAM education, health services, affordable housing, and access to healthy food. Grants will support one-year projects with awards under $10,000, emphasizing impactful solutions that foster community resilience and promote philanthropy. Proposals from nonprofit organizations demonstrating charitable intent are encouraged, aligning with the Fund's mission to catalyze meaningful change.

The Sumners Foundation Grant aims to engage and educate the public about self-government through various programs, including civic education, democracy reform, and teacher training. Grants are available to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations primarily in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, supporting activities that foster civic engagement and understanding of democratic principles. The Foundation emphasizes direct involvement in the political process and does not fund political activities or provide individual grants.

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

St. Florian Scholarship Fund

The scholarship is awarded on an annual basis. Awards are based on community service, academic achievement, as well as need. Applicants with strong connection to public safety and those living in the KCMO metro preferred.

 Previous scholarship recipients are welcome to re-apply. 

The Rupert Dunklau Foundation Grant supports organizations with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on Lutheran Higher Education, Health and Human Care, and Faith Strengthening. Since its establishment in 1968, the foundation has aimed to provide financial resources to ministries within the Lutheran tradition, particularly in Nebraska and surrounding states. Eligible projects must align with the foundation's mission to promote the welfare of mankind through educational and health initiatives.

The Lattner Family Foundation, established in 2006 and located in Delray Beach, Florida, focuses on making impactful grants in areas such as arts, education, health, and social services. With a strong community presence, it encourages innovative programs that foster hope and personal responsibility. The foundation primarily supports projects in Palm Beach County, Florida; Kansas; Rhode Island; and Georgia, aiming to inspire others to contribute to meaningful causes.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The Asian Cultural Council's Individual Fellowship provides artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the United States with opportunities for self-directed cultural exchange and research in unfamiliar regions. This program supports activities such as interviews, workshops, and archival research, fostering cultural immersion and collaboration. With a funding limit of $35,000, the fellowship encourages innovative proposals that enhance creative perspectives and relationships among peers, while also ensuring strong eligibility criteria for applicants.

The CHS Foundation's Ag Leadership Grant aims to enhance agricultural leadership and cooperative education. This program supports projects that cultivate a diverse pipeline for future agricultural leaders, focusing on education and career training for high school students to young professionals. Priority is given to initiatives that impact multiple states within the CHS trade area, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the cooperative business model in agriculture.

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. 

ACCEL-KS Proof of Concept

(See page 5 of attached PDF)

ACCEL-KS is a statewide initiative aimed at supporting and accelerating the commercialization of groundbreaking ideas and products, transforming them into market-ready solutions. By prioritizing Proof-of-Concept (PoC) and Research & Development (R&D) efforts, ACCEL-KS activates Kansas’ innovation ecosystem to deliver critical financial and wrap-around support systems to fast-track high-potential projects toward commercial success.

Funding is used for equipment and facility use, grant funding distribution, professional services, travel, marketing, communications and training.

What Support is Available?

Selected partners offer:

• Proof-of-Concept development
• Prototyping and lab access
• Mentorship and coaching
• Commercialization and business planning support
• Access to funding resources

ACCEL-KS places special emphasis on supporting rural innovators. At least 30% of supported projects must originate in rural Kansas.

Match Requirement: 25%

The Regional Touring Grant Program, funded by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, supports organizations in the M-AAA region to showcase touring artists from outside their state. Grants up to $5,000 are available, with organizations eligible for matching funds and the capacity to submit multiple applications. Projects are designed to enhance arts programming and engage underserved audiences through public-facing events, including performances and outreach activities. This initiative aims to foster cultural exchange and deepen community connections through the arts.

The Creative Forces Community Engagement Grant aims to enhance the well-being of military service members, veterans, and their families through non-clinical arts engagement programs. Funded by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, grants of $10,000 to $25,000 support diverse artistic activities in various settings. Projects should foster creative expression, social connectedness, resilience, and independence, ultimately empowering military-connected individuals to thrive through art and community involvement.

The Solid Waste Grants program, administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, supports innovative waste reduction, reuse, and recycling projects. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, and educational institutions. Projects may include recycling facilities, composting initiatives, and educational outreach programs. A minimum 25% match is required, and funds cannot be used for operational costs or grant application expenses. This initiative promotes sustainable waste management practices across Kansas.

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. 

ACCEL-KS SBIR/STTR Matching Program

(See page 5 of attached PDF)

This program provides early-stage funding and technical support to help Kansas-based businesses, innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers compete for and leverage federal SBIR/STTR awards.

Funding is available through two tracks: Phase 0 and Phase I

The goal is to increase the number, quality and success rate of SBIR/STTR proposals from Kansas, accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies, and strengthen the state’s position in the national innovation economy.

Phase 0 - Proposal Development Assistance for Phase I SBIR/STTR Submissions

Funding is used for professional services related to preparing a Phase 1 SBIR/STTR proposal.

Match Requirement: 50%

The Growing Tribal Economies Through Forest Market Innovations grant program, initiated by First Nations Development Institute, aims to empower Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to engage in emerging markets that enhance forest health and resilience. With funding of $200,000 to $500,000 per grant, this initiative supports projects focusing on sustainability, innovation, and traditional knowledge. Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop forest products, certifications, and practices that contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem management.

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. 

ACCEL-KS SBIR/STTR Matching Program

(See page 5 of attached PDF)

This program provides early-stage funding and technical support to help Kansas-based businesses, innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers compete for and leverage federal SBIR/STTR awards.

Funding is available through two tracks: Phase 0 and Phase I

The goal is to increase the number, quality and success rate of SBIR/STTR proposals from Kansas, accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies, and strengthen the state’s position in the national innovation economy.

Phase 1 -  State Matching Funds for businesses Awarded a Federal SBIR/STTR Phase I Grant

Funding is used for salaries/wages, materials/supplies, equipment and facility use, professional services, and travel expenses.

Match Requirement: Proof of SBIR/STTR award