Best Grants for Museums in Kansas

The CHS Foundation offers funding for innovative projects in precision agriculture and data analytics. This annual grant program supports colleges and universities focusing on enhancing agronomy and ag mechanics curriculum. Applications are accepted from April 15 to May 31, with priority given to initiatives that foster hands-on learning and technology development. Eligible projects should emphasize data analysis and improve students' understanding of agricultural technology, while adhering to funding guidelines.

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.

Rural Champions Grant

Grant Details

The Rural Champions program will provide support needed to fill the gap in driving successes throughout Kansas when there is a lack of capital or the capacity of a dedicated individual to see a project through to completion.

Rural champions communities and organizations will be selected for this program and will receive a stipend to focus strategically on a critical need for their community for 1 year. Selected Champions will develop an implementation strategy for the identified community need in the first three months and then have until December 2028 to fully implement this strategy. In this application you will describe the needs in your community and how having a Champion will benefit your community.

Examples of eligible community projects include, but are not limited to:

• Rural grocery/food access
• Childcare
• Placemaking/Beautification/Art
• Trails/Recreation
• Entrepreneurship
• Co-Working/Maker space
• Health/Wellness
• Housing
• Broadband
• Regional talent recruitment

Match Requirement: 25% cash & in-kind ($5,200)

The Donald W. and Glennis A. Kaufman Research Award supports ecological research in the Great Plains and Canada Prairie Provinces, focusing on native mammals, especially rodents and shrews. Offered by the American Society of Mammalogists, this annual $2,500 award is available to graduate students (master's or Ph.D.) from any nationality. Applications are open to those enrolled in relevant programs, promoting vital research in these unique ecosystems.

The IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in underfunded states by fostering collaborations among research institutions. By supporting faculty research, mentoring, and student involvement, INBREs create pathways for undergraduate students to enter biomedical careers. This initiative not only promotes institutional partnerships but also strengthens research infrastructure, ultimately contributing to a more robust scientific community in IDeA states.

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.

Public Art & Murals Grant

Connecting communities through public art & mural projects

Program Description

This program provides funding for communities to activate publicly accessible spaces for the purposes of artistic use and public programming. The program is designed to utilize permanent and semi-permanent arts installations to increase community vibrancy and provide space for artistic expression and public engagement. For temporary, experimental projects in public spaces please see the Arts Everywhere grant program:1; 2; 3; 4; 5.

See the Kansas Mural Making Guide for more information and technical assistance with public art projects.

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

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Solomon Valley Community Foundation

Solomon Valley Community Foundation's mission is to be a catalyst for positive change; engaging partners and inspiring local philanthropy. We leverage resources to overcome obstacles, create lasting legacies, and contribute to the strenth of Mitchell County.

Fine Arts Future Development Scholarship

The Fine Arts Future Development Scholarship supports two different areas of study:

• Higher education for graduating seniors
• Summer music camp for junior high or high school students

Fine Arts Future Development Summer Camp Scholarship

Junior and senior high school students in the Solomon Valley area, including Mitchell, Cloud, and Jewell Counties, that are pursuing a summer music or art camp.

Renewals: Scholarship recipients may reapply as part of the total applicant pool. ​

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.

The Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) Program, initiated by the Kansas Department of Commerce, aims to revitalize underutilized downtown buildings in rural Kansas. The program offers grants for building and façade improvements, encouraging economic activity by supporting new businesses, housing, and civic engagement. Eligible projects must demonstrate potential for revitalization and adhere to local design standards. Funding includes up to $100,000 for building grants and $40,000 for façade improvements, requiring a 1:1 match from applicants.

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

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 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.

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 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 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 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 NCR-SARE Graduate Student Grant Program funds up to $20,000 for graduate student projects addressing sustainable agriculture in the North Central Region. Established in 2002, it supports Master's and Ph.D. students at accredited institutions. Projects can last up to 36 months, and applicants may receive only one grant during their academic career. The program aims to promote innovative solutions to agricultural challenges and enhance sustainability practices in the region.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), administered by NRCS, provides essential support to farmers and landowners in Kansas. This program offers technical and financial assistance aimed at enhancing environmental quality through practices that improve water and air quality, conserve water resources, and promote soil health. Eligible participants include agricultural producers and owners of non-industrial private forestland, ensuring a wide range of stakeholders can contribute to sustainable land management and conservation efforts.

The Mosaic Company Foundation Community Investment Grant aims to create a lasting impact in communities by supporting initiatives in three key areas: Food, Water, and Local Community. With an annual investment of approximately $12 million, the foundation addresses food security, promotes water conservation, and enhances community sustainability. Eligible applicants must be recognized charitable organizations, primarily in North America, committed to improving quality of life through innovative solutions and partnerships.

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.

American Truck Historical Scholarship Fund

The American Truck Historical Society’s George Schroyer Memorial Scholarship Fund provides two (2) annual scholarships, and the Cummins Scholarship provides one (1) scholarship to graduating high school seniors or undergraduates who intend to further their education at a two-year or four-year accredited U.S. college or university or vocational/technical school that have certification programs.

Financial need, community service, and extracurricular activities will also be taken into consideration. Applicants must be family members (child, stepchild, or grandchild) of current members in good standing for 2 years of the American Truck Historical Society. Preference for all scholarships will be given to applicants pursuing positions in the trucking or transportation industry.

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.

Museums and educational organizations in Kansas that run agricultural or cooperative education programs for youth can seek support for program-related costs through the CHS Foundation. With a mission to advance agricultural education, CHS Foundation provides funding for innovative, technology-enhanced projects that teach the ag cooperative business model and reach middle school, high school, college students, or young producers.

Kansas museums and educational organizations offering agricultural education, youth leadership, or career training programs can apply for the Ag Leadership Grant. Focused on agricultural and cooperative education, CHS Foundation invites projects serving high school students through young professionals, especially initiatives that build understanding of the agricultural cooperative business model.

The Kansas National Guard Educational Master's for Enhanced Readiness and Global Excellence (EMERGE) program offers financial support for tuition and fees for up to 15 credit hours per semester for members pursuing advanced degrees at Kansas institutions. Applicants must maintain good standing in the guard and meet GPA requirements. A service obligation follows degree completion, ensuring a commitment to the Kansas National Guard after receiving assistance.

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 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. 

Kansas Main Street Program

Main Street is a self-help, technical assistance program that targets revitalization and preservation of downtown districts through the development of a comprehensive strategy.

The program has a long history of success throughout the United States and in Kansas. What started as a small pilot program in the late 1970s has now grown to include nearly 2,000 communities in more than 40 states. Throughout the country, communities have utilized the Main Street Approach to rally residents around a focused plan of action that transforms their community and enhances their quality of life.

From 1985 to 2012, more than $600 million in redevelopment took place in participating Kansas communities. This included the opening or expansion of 3,800 small businesses, creating more than 8,600 new jobs. With the return of the state program in 2020, 25 previously participating communities and new programs will once again have the resources and tools they need to breathe new life into their communities and historic commercial districts.

Designated Communities

To become a Designated Kansas Main Street community, registrants must participate in a competitive, annual application process. This process includes attending our Application Workshop and attaining recommendation by the Review Team based on their evaluation of a community’s capacity to achieve success. The completed application must demonstrate:

• Public and private support for the program, as well as the capability of the applicant to successfully implement the local Main Street program.
• Financial capability to employ a paid professional director, fund a local Main Street Program, and support downtown-related projects.
• A cohesive and distinct variety of business activity conducted in a proposed Main Street Program area.
• An interest in, and commitment to, historic preservation, specifically in the designated downtown district.

Once selected, Designated Communities receive:

• Comprehensive technical assistance in all areas of the Main Street Approach designed to further economic development downtown.
• Training in strategic planning, program capacity building, and organizational management for the Main Street organization.
• Individualized training for Main Street managers, boards, and other Main Street participants.
• Attendance to statewide, Main Street-specific, quarterly trainings and professional development opportunities for participant communities.
• Access to design services on an as-needed basis to help downtown property owners undertake effective rehabilitation, restoration, adaptive re-use, and infill projects, as well as the reimagining of public spaces within the district.
• Access to state and national grant funds (when available).
• Membership to the Main Street America network.
• At least one paid registration to participate in the annual Main Street America national conference.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Solomon Valley Community Foundation

Solomon Valley Community Foundation's mission is to be a catalyst for positive change; engaging partners and inspiring local philanthropy. We leverage resources to overcome obstacles, create lasting legacies, and contribute to the strenth of Mitchell County.

SVCF: Tom Lynch Educational Scholarship

Graduates or graduating high school seniors from the following KS counties: Mitchell, Cloud, Jewell, Republic, Clay, Lincoln, Washington, Ottawa.

Renewals: Recipients can apply as part of the total applicant pool for the second year, consecutively. Scholarship can only be received for two years.

The MEM Safety Grants program, offered by Missouri Employers Mutual, provides critical funding to enhance workplace safety. With one-to-one matching funds available from $500 to $10,000, it supports policyholders in acquiring necessary safety equipment. Applications are accepted year-round, with decisions made monthly. To qualify, applicants must maintain an active policy and clearly demonstrate the need for safety improvements. This initiative aims to foster safer work environments across Missouri, reflecting the company’s commitment to worker safety.