Best Grants for the Arts in Kansas

The Amcor Community Support Grants Program, administered by the Amcor Cares Foundation, provides funding for projects that benefit local communities. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions that serve Amcor Flexibles North America facility communities. Focus areas include fighting hunger, supporting disaster relief, expanding STEM education, and enhancing health and wellness. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and grant amounts typically exceed $1,000.

The Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation focuses on enhancing the quality of life in greater Kansas City through strategic philanthropy. It supports organizations dedicated to nonprofit excellence, addressing systemic issues, and improving outcomes for underserved communities. Grants typically range from $100,000 to $250,000, aiming for transformational change. The Foundation prioritizes local organizations that align with its mission and values, ensuring a significant community impact.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations in Kansas seeking support for arts and culture, education, community development, social services, or quality of life projects can apply for funding from the Dwane L and Velma Lunt Wallace Foundation. Focused on charitable work in Wichita and across Kansas, this grant may benefit arts organizations enhancing community life.

The Earl J. and Leona K. Tranin Special Fund provides grants for cultural arts, community relations, and education, primarily within the Jewish community in the Greater Kansas City area. Grant applications are reviewed by advisors who meet two to three times a year. This fund aims to support initiatives that enhance community engagement and cultural enrichment.

The Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation Grant supports diverse arts programs in the greater Kansas City area, enhancing accessibility and quality. Established in 1987, the Foundation has a rich history of funding significant organizations like the Kansas City Symphony and Ballet. It accepts proposals from 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations focusing on performing and visual arts, promoting community growth. The Foundation prioritizes local initiatives while maintaining a commitment to the arts, providing vital funding for both large and small grantees.

The ArtsKC Mission Support Grant is designed to support non-profit organizations whose primary focus is the arts in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Grants of $5,000 are available, with funding aimed at promoting artistic excellence, community impact, and inclusivity. The program supports various art forms and encourages diverse-led organizations to apply, fostering a thriving arts community. Last year, 18 grants were awarded, totaling $98,500, with a multi-year funding commitment for continued support.

The Deihl Community Grants, offered by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, aim to support impactful projects in the arts, basic human needs, and youth, primarily benefiting Manhattan and Riley County, Kansas. Non-profit organizations are eligible to apply, with a focus on proposals that directly support community constituents. Applications may be submitted quarterly, but only one grant can be awarded per year to each organization. Ongoing support from the foundation is generally not funded.

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.

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 Dane G. Hansen Foundation, in collaboration with the Greater Salina Community Foundation, offers community grants aimed at enhancing life quality in North Central Kansas. These grants prioritize projects in education, health care, social services, conservation, arts, and community beautification. Notably, preference is given to initiatives fostering community involvement and volunteerism, while excluding funding for tax-supported programs or general operational expenses.

The Helen S. Boylan Foundation, established in 1982, aims to enhance community life in Carthage, Missouri, the Greater Kansas City Area, and Lindale, Texas. It provides quarterly grants to non-profit organizations focused on arts, education, health, and wellness. The foundation prioritizes innovative projects and multi-year funding for initiatives benefiting local citizens. Eligible recipients include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while grants for individuals or sectarian activities are excluded. Proposals should focus on new initiatives or capital improvements.

The Grants for Greater Manhattan program supports initiatives in arts, humanities, education, health care, and community development, primarily benefiting residents of Manhattan and Riley County, Kansas. It prioritizes funding for activities requiring ongoing support but excludes school gardening projects and requests from for-profit organizations, unless for scholarships or free services for low-income individuals. This grant aims to enhance the quality of life and community engagement across various sectors.

The Shaw Family Foundation, established in 2011 by Richard C. Shaw and his sons, aims to perpetuate the philanthropic legacy of the Shaw family. Focused on enhancing social services, arts, and educational initiatives in South Central Kansas, it primarily supports 501(c)(3) organizations and local institutions like the Kansas University Endowment Association. The foundation particularly favors established entities such as the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and the Wichita Art Museum, ensuring a lasting impact in the community.

The DCCF Community Grants program aims to enhance the quality of life for residents of Douglas County, Kansas, by funding diverse local projects in areas such as arts, education, health, and community development. The program prioritizes clear project descriptions and sustainability, welcoming proposals from 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local governments. Notably, it does not support multi-year funding or general operating expenses, ensuring that grants are targeted and impactful.

The Martha Lee Cain Tranby Music Enrichment Fund provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in the greater Kansas City area, aimed at enhancing local music and cultural experiences. Grants, ranging from $500 to $5,000, support public performances and specific projects, not exceeding 25% of an organization's budget. The Fund favors applications that reach diverse audiences and demonstrate high-quality performances. It does not fund capital campaigns, construction, or music education primarily focused on workshops.

The Artistic Innovations Grant Program, supported by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, provides up to $15,000 to artists and arts organizations in the M-AAA six-state region. This initiative fosters creativity by funding the development and premiere of original works, encouraging innovative projects that engage local audiences. Eligible applicants include individual artists and nonprofit organizations, promoting a vibrant arts community through financial support for artistic exploration.

The Elm Acres Grants Fund supports projects benefiting at-risk youth in Southeast Kansas, encompassing Crawford, Cherokee, and Labette counties. Established by the Elm Acres Foundation in collaboration with the Community Foundation, this initiative has awarded over $140,000 to local nonprofits since 2017. In 2023 alone, it granted $23,413 to 12 organizations, underscoring its commitment to fostering opportunities and essential services for the youth in the community.

The Mader Foundation Grant supports programs aimed at improving the lives of children in Greater Kansas City. Eligible organizations must possess 501(c)(3) status, demonstrate financial transparency, and ensure funding directly benefits youth K-12. Grants are not provided for salaries, operating expenses, or funding for organizations with restricted membership. Applications require a completed budget form and must be submitted annually. This grant focuses on arts, education, health, and welfare initiatives.

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.

The Taylor S. Abernathy & Patti Harding Abernathy Charitable Trust provides grants to enhance community well-being through support in arts, education, health, human services, and infrastructure development. Established in 1988, the Trust prioritizes funding for organizations that benefit residents of the Greater Kansas City area, aiming to promote quality programming and reflect the diverse interests of its donors.

The CFSEK General Funds Grants support Southeast Kansas nonprofits with up to $160,000 in funding for 2023. The grants target projects in Youth Activities, Basic Human Needs, and Arts & Culture. Since 2004, numerous projects have benefited from these funds, fostering community growth and enhancing quality of life. In 2022, the foundation awarded $150,000 to 41 recipients, demonstrating a strong commitment to local initiatives. Applications will be available in June, encouraging broad participation.

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 John W. Speas & Effie E. Speas Memorial Trust Grant, established in 1943, supports educational, cultural, human services, and health care initiatives in the Greater Kansas City area. It prioritizes general operating and program support, with restrictions on capital funding. Eligible organizations must serve the Kansas and Missouri regions, focusing on community improvement and capacity building. This grant aims to enhance the quality of life for local residents through diverse programming.

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) charitable organizations with arts or culture programs can seek funding to help people develop their talents and contribute to their communities. Koch Family Foundation supports arts and education initiatives that build a vibrant, inclusive Kansas, focusing exclusively on projects and organizations within the state.

The SEED Grant program, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, aims to revitalize Kansas communities with populations under 5,000 through funding for quality-of-life projects. Eligible projects include childcare and senior programming, community vibrancy initiatives, food retail access, and library enhancements. Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000, requiring a 10% match and completion within 12 months. This initiative fosters economic growth and community well-being in eligible counties across Kansas.

About Us

Our History

Since its founding, The H & R Block Foundation has been committed to assisting underserved individuals and improving the quality of all aspects of life. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that increase access to the arts, build stable neighborhoods, offer diverse learning opportunities, and expand access to services that respond to all individuals’ physical and emotional needs. The Foundation continues to support the H&R Block culture by aligning resources and leadership to create positive social change.

Grants

Community Impact

The H & R Block Foundation awards grants that help nonprofits improve or strengthen services, enhance operations, and achieve greater results. The Foundation’s grant strategy focuses on the following:

• Helping underserved individuals pursue and attain post-secondary education
• Improving the quality of life throughout neighborhoods in greater Kansas City
• Enhancing nonprofits’ operational efficiency and service delivery and strengthening major community assets and institutions

Since its inception, The H & R Block Foundation has invested over $84 million in various charitable organizations.

Grants FAQ

The Foundation’s areas of focus are:

• Arts & Culture
• Education
• Health & Human Service
• Neighborhood Revitalization

There are no fixed minimum or maximum amounts, though most grants do not exceed $150,000.  

The Foundation’s sister organization, the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation makes single-year and multiyear grants that typically fall in the range of $150,000 to $500,000. Grants may be funded by either Foundation, as determined by Foundation staff.