Best Grants for Museums in Kansas

The Kansas Education Opportunity Scholarship supports first-generation college students and dependents of educators in Kansas, providing financial assistance of up to $1,850 annually. Applicants must be Kansas residents enrolled in eligible undergraduate programs and demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA. Priority is given to high school seniors entering college for the first time. This scholarship aims to foster educational access for those who might otherwise face barriers in their pursuit of higher education.

Kansas organizations providing domestic violence and sexual assault services, including outreach to underserved populations and areas, can apply for State of Kansas State General Fund grants. Focused on enhancing and expanding survivor support, awards may also be used as matching funds for federal formula grants; applicants must be accredited or seeking accreditation through KCSDV.

Kansas museums and other eligible public or nonprofit entities developing or maintaining recreational trails in Kansas can access funding through Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The Recreational Trails Program supports motorized and non-motorized trail projects, related facilities, and diverse outdoor recreation uses, offering 80% reimbursement for selected projects through a competitive process.

The Native Voices Endowment Grants, managed by the Endangered Language Fund, support the preservation of endangered languages associated with Native American tribes that interacted with the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1803-1806. Grants are available for language documentation, revitalization, and educational projects, fostering cultural heritage through various initiatives. Eligible applicants include tribal members and language programs, ensuring the continuation of linguistic traditions and community involvement in revitalizing native languages.

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 California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

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.

Historic Preservation Fund

The Kansas State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) administers the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) to finance local preservation activities that will contribute to planning for the preservation of the built environment and archeological resources. Up to 60 percent of the cost of eligible activities can be funded through this program. Through property identification and evaluation, communities may assess their historic properties and develop plans for their recognition and preservation.

The Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) is a grant program administered by the National Park Service (NPS). Funds for the HPF program are derived from Outer Continental Shelf mineral receipts. Each year the NPS provides the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) with funds that finance its operations, salaries, and grants. Ten percent of those grant funds awarded to the SHPO must be passed through to Certified Local Governments (CLGs) per federal regulations. The SHPO awards additional grant monies to cities, counties, universities, and other eligible organizations, to help support local historic preservation activities when funding levels permit. Grants reimburse up to 60% of project costs.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

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.

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 Kansas Volunteer Commission's Youth Civic Engagement Mini-Grant supports youth in grades K-12 by funding projects that promote civic engagement. With a total allocation of up to $30,000, grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to eligible organizations. Projects must be youth-led, nonpartisan, and focused on developing civic habits while addressing underrepresentation in civic life. This initiative aims to enhance community representation and foster a lifelong commitment to civic participation among young people.

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.

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 DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

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.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

Nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in Kansas seeking funds for long-lasting, tangible items may be eligible for grants up to US $2,000 supporting education, youth, human services, or civic projects. Mfa Oil Foundation supports programs such as rural youth leadership, agricultural and cooperative education, and efforts that solve community problems and improve quality of life.

The PACF Mini Grants program, established by the Parsons Area Community Foundation, provides crucial financial support to non-profit projects within a 25-mile radius of Parsons. With awards typically not exceeding $2,500, the program empowers schools, churches, government entities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits to implement impactful initiatives. This initiative, funded by the Pete & Mary Hughes Impact Fund, aims to strengthen community ties and enhance the quality of life for local residents, ensuring lasting benefits for future generations.

The Leadership Transformation Grants, provided by the Kansas Leadership Center, aim to foster leadership in Kansas communities. This program offers training and a framework to help organizations embrace change and tackle challenges effectively. By enhancing leadership at all levels, the initiative promotes a more engaged workforce and drives positive cultural change. It is open to civically engaged organizations across various sectors, including education, faith, government, and nonprofit, seeking to mobilize their teams for meaningful progress.

Kansas 501(c)(3) organizations improving community health, education, safety, or services for children can access funding through Encova Foundation of West Virginia. U.S.-based nonprofits with programs that benefit families and local communities, including museum initiatives that fit these priorities, may be competitive, especially where Encova associates are actively involved.

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 Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust – Falk Catalyst Awards support high-risk, high-reward biomedical research with up to $350,000 in funding over one to two years. These awards aim to address critical scientific challenges and enable the translation of innovative research into clinical practices. Projects focus on identifying biological markers, therapeutic targets, and developing interventions to disrupt disease processes, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for patients.

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement-Focused Collaborations Program (RII-FEC) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by fostering partnerships among government, higher education, and industry. This program supports interdisciplinary teams of researchers to tackle significant challenges in STEM fields, promoting diversity and broadening participation. By integrating Minority-Serving Institutions and early-career faculty from underrepresented backgrounds, RII-FEC seeks to build sustainable STEM capacity and drive impactful discoveries across regions.

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 Dependent Scholarship Awards, offered by the Koch Family Foundation, provide $2,000 scholarships to eligible dependents of full-time Koch company employees. This competitive program aims to support undergraduate and skilled-trade students pursuing education in accredited institutions. Selection is based on various factors, including essays and community involvement, with decisions finalized by May 1. The foundation emphasizes its commitment to fostering arts and education in Kansas, continuing a legacy of support for learning and creativity.

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.