Best Higher Education Grants in Kansas

BOK Charitable Contributions aims to enhance community life and economic wellbeing across several states, focusing on four key pillars: United Way, economic development, education, and basic needs. The foundation supports organizations that address poverty, education, and community health. Their strategic approach ensures impactful contributions, and they welcome grant applications year-round. BOK Financial's commitment is evident in its partnerships with local nonprofits, fostering sustainable growth and development in the regions they serve.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

What is an eligible area?

• Rural areas outside a city or town with a population of fewer than 50,000 residents. Urbanized areas near a city of 50,000 or more may not be eligible.
• The borrower’s headquarters may be based within a larger city so long as the project service area is located in an eligible rural area.
• The lender may be located anywhere.

 What kind of funding is available? 

Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually. Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.

Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization. Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

The KS AmeriCorps Operational Grant, managed by the Kansas Volunteer Commission, aims to enhance community service by funding organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in impactful interventions. This grant prioritizes educational outcomes, poverty alleviation, rural support, social justice, and youth development. Successful applicants must demonstrate that their programs align significantly with these priorities. While priority consideration is given, it does not guarantee funding, emphasizing the competitive nature of the grant.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Nita M. Lowey 2025 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Competition is aimed at new applicants who seek to provide expanded learning opportunities outside regular school hours. Managed by the Kansas State Department of Education, this grant supports projects that enhance student achievement, particularly in schools with a significant low-income population. Applicants must collaborate with community organizations and focus on meeting state educational standards.

The Nita M. Lowey 2025 Grant Competition is designed for re-applicants seeking funding to provide expanded learning opportunities for children outside regular school hours. Administered by the Kansas State Department of Education, this grant focuses on collaborative projects between school districts and community organizations, targeting schools with a 40% or higher free/reduced lunch population. Eligible applicants must have received 21st CCLC funds in the past five years, fostering educational equity and student achievement.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Grant supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on capital projects that enhance community life in states where Ash Grove operates. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and human services, the Foundation prioritizes funding for renovation and construction projects. Grants typically reach up to $25,000, aiming to foster better living standards and support local initiatives that are vital for community growth and resilience.

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 Attraction Development Grant Program aims to foster sustainable tourism by funding projects that enhance travel experiences within the state. With a total of $1,000,000 available, the program supports public and private entities in creating new attractions or improving existing ones, ultimately driving economic growth, increasing visitation, and enriching community life. Eligible applicants include non-profits and government agencies, with a focus on projects that provide demonstrable ties to the tourism industry.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

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 Brush Family Foundation Fund aims to empower communities in Downs, Kansas, through competitive grants that support charitable initiatives. By collaborating with donors and local organizations, the Fund promotes transparency, integrity, and excellence, ensuring that contributions directly impact the community. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) organizations, government, educational, and religious institutions. With quarterly deadlines for applications, the Fund seeks to inspire and connect gifts to meaningful causes, fostering a resilient and thriving community.

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 Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

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.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Kansas provides essential funding to develop crucial community facilities in rural areas, enhancing quality of life. Eligible entities include public bodies and non-profits in areas with populations under 20,000. Funding can cover construction, improvement, or equipment purchases for facilities such as health care centers, community support services, and educational institutions. This program aims to support rural development, ensuring access to necessary services for all residents.