Best Grants for Museums in Kansas

The Giving Branch Foundation, fully funded by Flat Branch Mortgage, Inc. employees, aims to support local communities through donations. By distributing funds to individuals facing hardships such as unexpected medical bills or disaster recovery, the foundation strives to uplift those in need. Grants are available for various eligible hardships, ensuring financial assistance reaches those who require immediate support. The mission is to give back to communities that have long supported the foundation's efforts.

Who we are

The Kansas Historical Society, established in 1875, is a state agency. Designated as the trustee of the state in 1879 and as the repository of official government records in 1905, the Historical Society collects and preserves the story of Kansas history.

Heritage Trust Fund

The Heritage Trust Fund (HTF) is a state program that provides matching funds for the preservation of properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Register of Historic Kansas Places. The HTF reimburses expenses for projects that preserve or restore historic properties. Qualifying expenses include professional fees and construction costs. Individual grant awards may not exceed $100,000 and must be matched by the grant recipient (80/20). Yearly grant rounds are highly competitive.

Informational HTF grant workshops are held each year to provide applicants with step-by-step instruction on filling out the HTF grant application. 

How much can an applicant receive for one project?

An applicant can receive between $5,000 and $100,000. For-profit corporations must provide a dollar-fordollar (50/50) match and other grant recipients shall provide 20 percent of the cost of eligible project activities as match. In-kind services and indirect costs are not accepted as a matching share. Please note that the applicant’s cash match is eligible for rehabilitation tax credits – provided the match amount exceeds $5,000. 

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.

Genevieve Edmee Lenz Guldner Kansas University Medical Center Scholarship

The purpose of the fund shall be to provide scholarships to Kansas University Medical Center (“KUMC”) students.

 Renewable for 4 years if all requirements are met.

Museums and other research-focused organizations in Kansas conducting natural history studies can use this grant for travel, supplies, student wages, and other justifiable expenses. Western North American Naturalist provides up to US $2,500 to support biological natural history research within its western North America geographic scope, across fields like ecology, zoology, plant science, and evolutionary biology.

The Driving a Stronger Community Scholarship, funded by The Walser Foundation, awards $1,000 to high school seniors demonstrating exceptional volunteer service and civic responsibility. Eligible students must complete 30+ hours of volunteer work and maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher. The scholarship aims to support students' post-secondary education, fostering community engagement and academic achievement across the regions served by the Walser Automotive Group.

The Kansas Office of Apprenticeship Project Grant aims to enhance the state's workforce by supporting Joint Apprenticeship Training Councils, educational institutions, and businesses that can demonstrate a commitment to increasing apprenticeship opportunities. Applicants must show how their projects align with industry demands and contribute to workforce growth. A 1:1 matching fund is required, ensuring that programs can expand effectively. The grant focuses on established programs with a proven track record, fostering long-term sustainability and job creation in Kansas.

The North Central Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes one graduate student from each of the Entomological Society of America's six branches. This award promotes graduate-level entomology and encourages attendance at the ESA Annual Meeting. Benefits include an all-expense-paid trip to the national meeting, a $500 cash prize, and a certificate presented during the meeting. Eligibility includes current enrollment in a graduate entomology program or recent graduation.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Donald J. & Mary H. Matuszak Scholarship

Applicant must be an undergraduate or graduate student at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, with a minimum 2.5 GPA. This is a one-time scholarship awarded in the fall semester, reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens.

Kansas museums and other organizations in Kansas planning new AmeriCorps service programs can seek funding to design and prepare an AmeriCorps operational grant application. The Kansas Volunteer Commission prioritizes projects in education, poverty, rural communities, social justice, and youth development and mentoring, helping applicants build compliant budgets and strong program systems for future AmeriCorps funding.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Kansas aim to provide essential technical assistance and training for small rural businesses, defined as those with fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in revenue. These grants support projects that benefit rural areas outside major urban centers, with funding available for a variety of entrepreneurial initiatives. Priority is given to smaller funding requests, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to foster economic growth in local communities.

The WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects program invites eligible entities to secure funding for initiatives that enhance water resource management across various sectors, including conservation, infrastructure improvement, and watershed restoration. Priority is given to projects that collaboratively address community needs and yield significant environmental benefits. This funding opportunity aligns with federal priorities aimed at optimizing resource use and improving grant oversight, as outlined in recent executive orders.

The Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects, funded by the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, invites proposals for innovative water reuse solutions. This program enhances water supply reliability and supports sustainable practices for urban and agricultural communities. By leveraging Federal and non-Federal resources, the initiative aims to address water scarcity and improve hydropower reliability, aligning with national priorities for energy and resource management.

The Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance program provides financial support for tuition and fees to eligible Kansas National Guard members. This program is available for both full-time and part-time students enrolled in accredited institutions across Kansas. To qualify, applicants must maintain good standing and have a high school diploma or GED. Important requirements include having a FAFSA on file and not holding a bachelor's degree. The funding is determined by the number of applicants and available appropriations.

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.

Casey’s Donation Requests support vital community needs in Education, Hunger, and Community Servants. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations within Casey’s communities can apply through the online Donation Request Form. Requests are reviewed continuously, with feedback provided via email within one month. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received donations in the current giving calendar year, which runs from May 1 to April 30.

NCAA Division II member colleges creating new assistant coaching positions to increase ethnic minority and gender representation can apply for the Coaching Enhancement Grant, including schools in Kansas. With a mission to support diversity in collegiate athletics, the National Collegiate Athletic Association provides US $48,000 over three years toward salary, wages, and benefits.

Kansas museums that are active NCAA Division II member institutions or conference offices can access funding to create full-time, mid- to senior-level athletics administration positions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. These five-year roles may cover strategic planning, budget management, fundraising, compliance, and student-athlete welfare through the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Strategic Alliance Matching Grant.

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). 

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 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.

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.

Harley and Geneva Anderson Memorial Scholarship Fund

This fund was established in memory of Harley and Geneva Anderson by their Family to provide academic scholarships for students to/from the Kansas City area and Scandinavia.

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.

Erin Langhofer, MSW, LCSW Scholarship Fund

This scholarship opportunity was established in memory of Erin Langhofer. Erin was a graduate of the University of Kansas and a practicing therapist in the Kansas City area working with survivors of domestic violence. She had a bright future ahead of her when she was killed from a random act of gun violence. The scholarship fund was established to honor her memory and continue the good she was doing in the world, by assisting students in the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare at the University of Kansas.

Candidates will be selected from an application completed by their Field Practicum Instructor or Liaison that will be used to identify individuals that are doing outstanding work in the field. This pool of candidates will be further reviewed by the School of Social Welfare Scholarship Committee to select the top 2 candidates.

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.

The Kerr Foundation Inc. offers grants to 501(c)3 organizations, focusing on education, arts, health, and human services. Priority is given to Oklahoma entities, but applications from neighboring states and Washington D.C. are also accepted. The foundation supports various project types, including capital, program, and operating expenses. Note that back-to-back grants are not allowed, enforcing a three-year gap for reapplication after funding. This ensures a broad and impactful reach for community development.

CFCC: Irene Saulnier Scholarship

Amount

Varies

Geographic limitations

Graduate of a Cloud County High School.

Renewals

Previous scholarship recipients are eligible to re-apply as part of the total applicant pool by meeting the above requirements.

The Rural Health Transformation Program aims to enhance healthcare for rural Kansans by improving access to primary and secondary care, fostering a sustainable healthcare workforce, and promoting innovative care models. With funding opportunities like the Rural Emergency Hospital Grant, the program supports facilities transitioning to REH status with substantial financial assistance for necessary renovations. This initiative collaborates closely with local health systems to ensure effective healthcare delivery and outcomes in rural communities.

The Royalty Fields Grant Program, presented by the Kansas City Royals Foundation, supports the enhancement of youth baseball and softball facilities across the Midwest. This initiative offers matching grants for major renovations, including essential upgrades such as new sod, infields, fencing, and dugouts. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations or local government entities that can demonstrate secured funding. Grants aim to foster safe and improved playing conditions for youth athletes.