Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Kansas

New and established nonprofit organizations in Kansas working on basic needs, education, economic development, or community safety can apply for BOKF Foundation’s charitable contributions. Funding supports programs that enhance quality of life and economic wellbeing in Kansas communities where BOK Financial operates, including workforce development, housing, healthcare access, hunger relief, and related services.

New and established 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on community development, education, health, arts, or youth services in the greater Kansas City region of Kansas and Missouri can seek project and capital funding to improve quality of life. Grants from Hall Family Foundation help Kansas organizations address inequity, strengthen neighborhoods, and expand opportunities for families and children.

Kansas 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and churches can seek mini grants to test new projects that improve health and health equity. Through the Kansas Innovation Fund, Kansas Health Foundation offers up to US $5,000 for innovative ideas that benefit Kansans or Kansas communities and address underlying factors driving poor health outcomes and disparities.

New and established nonprofits in western Kansas facing urgent financial shortfalls or crisis-related needs can seek rapid-response support for critical services. Western Kansas Community Foundation supports emergency needs in counties including Finney, Grant, Gray, and others, offering up to US $3,500 per agency each calendar year, with applications accepted year-round outside regular grant cycles.

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.

Kansas 501(c)(3) and 509(a) nonprofits working in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, STEM/STEAM, veterans, women, parents, or diverse community services can seek general operating support through grants from Deluxe Corporation Foundation. ERG-selected partners in the Kansas City area may receive $25k awards, and eligible national organizations serving these causes may also be considered.

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational, governmental, or religious institutions serving St. Francis can seek up to US $5,000 for charitable activities that improve the community. Grants from Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation are awarded annually and may help newer nonprofits launch or expand local community services in Kansas.

The Cloud County Public Health Fund, established by the Kansas Health Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Cloud County. It supports local health initiatives through grants, scholarships, and awards. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. The fund prioritizes projects that promote public health and well-being. However, it does not support political projects or those with operating deficits, ensuring funds contribute to meaningful community impact.

Kansas community service nonprofits planning projects in arts, culture, civic affairs, community development, education, or health and human services can access funding through the Community Foundation of Dickinson County. The Herington Community Legacy Grant supports innovative, capacity-building efforts that improve quality of life in Dickinson and Morris counties and create lasting benefits for local residents.

Kansas state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes can access USDA Rural Development assistance to address emergencies affecting safe, reliable drinking water in rural communities. This program offers up to US $1,000,000 for projects such as new wells, reservoirs, transmission lines, treatment plants, and critical repairs to existing water distribution systems.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies supporting arts, education, health, human services, environment, or community beautification in Kansas counties near Kansas City can seek funding for new initiatives, special projects, or capital improvements. Helen S. Boylan Foundation generally supports work benefiting Johnson, Leavenworth, Linn, Miami, and Wyandotte counties in Kansas.

Public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations preserving historic Route 66 sites in Kansas and other corridor states can apply for the Preserve Route 66 Grant Fund, awarding US $2,500 - US $10,000 for preservation projects. With a mission to protect historic places, National Trust for Historic Preservation supports restoration, rehabilitation, education, and related preservation activities.

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, education, health, human services, cultural programs, or veteran support can seek funding to serve residents where Penn National Gaming operates. Grants from Penn National Gaming help Kansas new and established nonprofits address local needs in Wyandotte County through infrastructure projects, services, and community-focused initiatives.

Nonprofit, educational, governmental, and religious organizations in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego Counties can receive funding for community projects, new programs, capacity building, capital improvements, or endowments to improve local quality of life. Greater Salina Community Foundation’s Heartland Area Action Fund supports a wide range of charitable needs for eligible Kansas communities.

Nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations in Kansas can seek funding to rehabilitate underutilized downtown buildings as economic drivers through the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) program, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Kansas Department of Commerce help Kansas community development and revitalization projects create spaces for businesses, housing, arts, childcare, and entrepreneurship in rural cities under 50,000 residents.

Kansas 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, and government entities expanding early childhood childcare capacity can access funding through Patterson Family Foundation; awards range from US $100,000 - US $500,000. Grants support rural providers improving facilities, increasing affordability for families, and may include multi-year and capital projects within the foundation’s Kansas and western Missouri catchment communities.

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public school districts, government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups supporting rural entrepreneurs can access funding for business development, mentorship, technical assistance, and ecosystem-building programs. Grants from Patterson Family Foundation help new and existing nonprofits strengthen rural entrepreneurial ecosystems by expanding resources, serving more entrepreneurs, and tracking outcomes and partnerships across eligible Kansas and western Missouri counties.

New and established 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, and government entities in rural Kansas and western Missouri can seek US $25,000 - US $500,000 to launch innovative community engagement projects. With a mission to help rural communities thrive, Patterson Family Foundation provides funding for initiatives that strengthen civic participation and multi-generational involvement in local life.

Kansas 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, and government entities improving rural healthcare can access funding through Patterson Family Foundation for innovative projects with long-term health impact. Proposals testing new models to expand maternal care in rural communities are especially encouraged, offering new nonprofits a potential fit if they serve eligible Kansas or western Missouri counties.

New or established 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, and government entities improving rural education in Kansas can apply for Patterson Family Foundation’s Innovation in Education Grant, with awards from US $25,000 - US $500,000. Funding supports innovative, project-based or experiential learning initiatives serving counties within the foundation’s Kansas and western Missouri catchment.

Public and private nonprofits, schools, higher education institutions, government entities, labor organizations, partnerships, and tribes in Kansas can receive up to US $5,000 to run nonpartisan K–12 youth civic engagement projects. Kansas Volunteer Commission supports efforts like service-learning, youth advisory roles, and opportunities for underrepresented youth to participate in community decision-making.

New or established 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, government units, and religious institutions in Southeast Kansas can apply for youth volunteerism funding that supports service-focused projects. Focused on youth development and leadership, the Community Foundation Of Southeast Kansas invites organizations in eligible counties to encourage generosity, adventure, fitness, curiosity, and an active zest for life.

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits running arts, education, health, welfare, or other K–12 youth programs that directly benefit children in Greater Kansas City may be eligible for this grant. Grants from Edward G And Kathryn E Mader Foundation support child-focused initiatives, which can include new nonprofits serving Kansas counties within the metro area.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofits planning battlefield or historic site preservation projects can apply for National Trust for Historic Preservation grants of US $2,500 - US $10,000. Grants from National Trust for Historic Preservation help Kansas organizations and others fund planning, professional consulting, and public education or outreach to preserve battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Kansas can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $500,000 for technical assistance and projects that support small rural businesses. Funding can cover training, planning, facilities, equipment, revolving loan funds, business incubators, and broader community and technology-based economic development.

New and existing health-focused nonprofits in Kansas offering programs that improve healthy habits, behaviors, or lifestyles in select counties can apply for multi-year Healthy Lifestyles Grants, with awards up to US $40,000. With a mission to improve regional quality of life, Topeka Community Foundation supports program costs like staff, marketing, technology, planning, and consultants.