Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits 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 Hall Family Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Kansas City by funding initiatives that elevate community spirit, promote equity, and create strong educational foundations. Prioritizing economic opportunities for marginalized communities, the foundation supports projects that foster inclusivity and holistic approaches to poverty reduction. With a commitment to innovative and collaborative efforts, the foundation aims to ensure that all community members can realize their potential and thrive.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Who We Are

We are an organization full of dedicated individuals who work every day to improve health in the state of Kansas. We dream big, promote bold visions and truly believe that it’s possible for Kansas to someday lead the nation in health.

But, it’s only possible with a broad network of effective partnerships across the state. We work closely with other health foundations, nonprofit groups, community foundations, state agencies, universities, hospitals, communities and advisory groups to develop programs and initiatives and to find answers to complex health issues.

And we will continue to form and strengthen partnerships with more Kansas organizations and communities.

Our work has continued for nearly 40 years, and we’re currently in the midst of an exciting new challenge. We invite you to view the information below to learn about our strategic framework, our history and our dynamic team.

Three-Part Purpose Statement

Every successful organization has to know its “Why.” Our “why” is demonstrated through our three-part purpose statement. These three statements serve as our overall goals and our greatest aspirations.

• Empower Kansas to lead the nation in health.
• Eliminate the inequities that lead to the greatest health disparities.
• For KHF to become THE model for philanthropic impact

Kansas Innovation Fund

Are you a visionary, a problem solver, or someone who is passionate about creating positive change in your community? Is your organization open to exploring new strategies and taking bold steps toward innovation? Have you come across ideas or projects from community members, youth or nonprofit staff that you are eager to implement but lack the necessary resources? If you answered yes to any of these questions, we invite you to consider applying for the Kansas Innovation Fund.

KHF will provide up to $5,000 for each approved idea/project. Our goal is to provide a funding opportunity for nonprofits looking to explore new strategies to solve complex issues.

How the Opportunity Works

To enable eligible Kansas nonprofits to test innovative ideas to address health and health equity, KHF is providing mini grants of up to $5,000. The mini grants will support a range of ideas from different sectors that address the underlying factors causing poor health outcomes and health disparities.

Criteria for Grant Selection

Does your funding request:

• Make it possible for more Kansans to have the opportunity to live a healthy life, or improve overall health?
• Propose a new and innovative project for your organization?
• Benefit Kansans or Kansas communities?

The Rapid Equity Fund is back! For the second year, REACH Healthcare Foundation, in partnership with Wyandotte Health Foundation, will provide flexible funding to meet urgent needs of grassroots, nonprofit organizations.

This grantmaking initiative provides eligible Black, Brown, Immigrant, Refugee, and rural-serving nonprofit organizations up to $10,000 of unrestricted funds. The Rapid Equity Fund is aimed at accelerating the grant award process, thereby creating more funding avenues for grassroots organizations that serve highly vulnerable populations.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Kansas offers essential funding to enhance drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and stormwater drainage in rural communities. This program is designed for entities unable to procure commercial credit, including state and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Eligible areas are primarily rural with populations under 10,000, ensuring that vital infrastructure improvements support public health and environmental sustainability.

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 Kauffman Foundation's Capacity Building Grant aims to enhance the organizational effectiveness of nonprofits through leadership development, strategic planning, and technology improvements. With funding between $100,000 and $250,000, this grant focuses on strengthening internal capacities rather than supporting specific programs. Organizations aligned with the foundation's strategic priorities and those demonstrating a capacity gap are encouraged to apply for these short-term, impactful grants.

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 Deluxe Corporation Foundation's ERG Grant Program supports diverse and inclusive initiatives by empowering employee resource groups (ERGs) to partner with nonprofits addressing relevant social issues. Each of the ten ERGs will award a $25,000 grant to a selected organization, fostering community impact and collaboration. The foundation, established in 1954, has invested over $109 million in charitable causes, focusing on financial literacy, education, and community support to enhance lives and promote entrepreneurship.

The CommonSpirit Health Equity & Advancement Fund aims to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations in Colorado, Kansas, and Utah. Launched in 2021, this initiative focuses on enhancing social justice through community engagement, addressing social determinants of health, and supporting innovative health equity projects. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and tribal nations that collaborate to serve underrepresented communities. Funding priorities emphasize collaboration, unique health equity solutions, and leveraging additional resources.

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

Republic County Public Health Funds

Three public health field of interest funds were established in response to the Kansas Health Foundation’s second chapter of the Giving Resources to our World (GROW II) match grant challenge: Kansas Health Foundation Fund for Republic County, North Central Kansas Health Care Foundation Fund, and Republic County Health Fund. Grants from these funds support the public health of Republic County.

Public health is defined as the protection and promotion of the health and well-being of individuals and their communities through encouragement of healthy lifestyles, behaviors and environments.

Major contributors to this fund include the North Central Kansas Health Care Foundation and the Salina Regional Health Foundation. Their generous support also qualified to help us earn a 50% match from the Kansas Health Foundation for GROW II.

What type of support is funded?

• Projects or programs that serve the community and/or advance the mission of the organization
• Seed money to establish or initiate a new project, program, or organization, including operating expenses
• Capacity building or activities that strengthen an organization to increase its ability to fulfill its mission, including technology & equipment, professional development & training, additional staff to implement a new program, etc.
• Capital improvements including new construction or renovation of a facility
• Endowment funds to provide permanent and long-term support for an organization or program

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Kansas provide crucial support to communities facing water emergencies, allowing for the construction and repair of essential water infrastructure. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes. The program aims to ensure safe drinking water access after disasters, promoting recovery and sustainability in rural areas. With funding up to $1 million, it addresses both immediate needs and long-term water supply solutions.

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 Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

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

Ottawa County Public Health Fund

The Ottawa County Public Health Fund was established in response to the Kansas Health Foundation’s second chapter of the Giving Resources to our World (GROW II) match grant challenge.

Grants from this fund support the public health of Ottawa County. Public health is defined as the protection and promotion of the health and well-being of individuals and their communities through encouragement of healthy lifestyles, behaviors and environments.

Funding for this grant is also supported by the Kansas Health Foundation Fund for Ottawa County.

What type of support is funded?

• Projects or programs that serve the community and/or advance the mission of the organization
• Seed money to establish or initiate a new project, program, or organization, including operating expenses
• Capacity building or activities that strengthen an organization to increase its ability to fulfill its mission, including technology & equipment, professional development & training, additional staff to implement a new program, etc.
• Capital improvements including new construction or renovation of a facility
• Endowment funds to provide permanent and long-term support for an organization or program

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

Post Rock Healthy Living Fund

The Post Rock Healthy Living Fund was established in response to the Kansas Health Foundation’s second chapter of the Giving Resources to our World (GROW II) match grant challenge. Grants from this fund support the public health of Lincoln County and those served by USD 298 and 299.

Public Health is defined as the protection and promotion of the health and well-being of individuals and their communities through encouragement of healthy lifestyles, behaviors and environments.

Funding for this grant is also supported by the Kansas Health Foundation Fund for Post Rock.

What type of support is funded?

• Projects or programs that serve the community and/or advance the mission of the organization
• Seed money to establish or initiate a new project, program, or organization, including operating expenses
• Capacity building or activities that strengthen an organization to increase its ability to fulfill its mission, including technology & equipment, professional development & training, additional staff to implement a new program, etc.
• Capital improvements including new construction or renovation of a facility
• Endowment funds to provide permanent and long-term support for an organization or program

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

Washington County Healthy Living Fund/Kansas Health Foundation Fund

The Washington County Healthy Living Fund was established in response to the Kansas Health Foundation’s second chapter of the Giving Resources to our World (GROW II) match grant challenge. Grants from this fund support the public health of Washington County. Public health is defined as the protection and promotion of the health and well-being of individuals and their communities through encouragement of healthy lifestyles, behaviors and environments.

The fund is not meant to support projects or medical equipment to help those already ill, but rather to help with programs, projects and equipment that are preventative in nature.

All non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply as well as groups and individuals working on a charitable community project. For-profit organizations will not be considered unless the request is for a charitable project. Grants will be limited to projects within Washington County.

Funding for this grant is also supported by the Kansas Health Foundation Fund for Washington County.

What type of support is funded?

• Projects or programs that serve the community and/or advance the mission of the organization
• Seed money to establish or initiate a new project, program, or organization, including operating expenses
• Capacity building or activities that strengthen an organization to increase its ability to fulfill its mission, including technology & equipment, professional development & training, additional staff to implement a new program, etc.
• Capital improvements including new construction or renovation of a facility
• Endowment funds to provide permanent and long-term support for an organization or program

Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC) offers the Operation Round Up program, a charitable initiative that allows members to round up their electric bills for community projects. This program supports nonprofits, schools, and emergency services within TCEC's service area in Oklahoma and Texas. Each participating meter contributes an average of $6 annually, significantly impacting local organizations. Grants are capped at $5,000 per organization, ensuring focused support for essential services and educational initiatives.

The Kansas Health Foundation Fund for Smoky Valley, managed by the Greater Salina Community Foundation, aims to enhance public health in the Smoky Valley area. It provides grants to non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and government entities to support projects that promote healthy lifestyles and community well-being. Eligible applicants can seek funding for various initiatives, including capacity building and capital improvements, fostering a healthier community through sustainable projects.

The Smoky Valley Healthy Living Fund, established by the Greater Salina Community Foundation, aims to enhance public health in the Smoky Valley area. This fund supports projects that promote healthy lifestyles and well-being. Non-profit organizations, groups, and individuals are encouraged to apply for funding to initiate community-focused projects. Grants can cover seed money, capacity building, and capital improvements, fostering sustainable health initiatives within the community.

Heartland Community Foundation: Heartland Area Action Fund

The Heartland Area Action Fund is an unrestricted community grant funds designated to support current and future charitable needs of communities in the Heartland area. 

What do the funds support?

The funds support a wide variety of community needs and populations with one common goal- to improve the quality of life of the Heartland area.

Grants are typically restricted to the geographic areas served by the community foundation.

What type of support is funded?

• Projects or programs that serve the community and/or advance the mission of the organization
• Seed money to establish or initiate a new project, program, or organization, including operating expenses
• Capacity building or activities that strengthen an organization to increase its ability to fulfill its mission, including technology & equipment, professional development & training, additional staff to implement a new program, etc.
• Capital improvements including new construction or renovation of a facility
• Endowment funds to provide permanent and long-term support for an organization or program

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

Health Needs for Smith County Fund

The Health Needs of Smith County Fund was established in response to the Kansas Health Foundation’s second chapter of the Giving Resources to our World (GROW II) matching grant challenge. Grants from this fund support the public health of Smith County.

Public health is defined as the protection and promotion of the health and well-being of individuals and their communities through encouragement of healthy lifestyles, behaviors and environments.

Funding for this grant is also supported by the Kansas Health Foundation Fund for Smith County.

What type of support is funded?

• Projects or programs that serve the community and/or advance the mission of the organization
• Seed money to establish or initiate a new project, program, or organization, including operating expenses
• Capacity building or activities that strengthen an organization to increase its ability to fulfill its mission, including technology & equipment, professional development & training, additional staff to implement a new program, etc.
• Capital improvements including new construction or renovation of a facility
• Endowment funds to provide permanent and long-term support for an organization or program

The Golden Belt Community Foundation's Spring Community Building Grant supports diverse projects aimed at enhancing quality of life in Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford Counties. This grant encourages collaborative, measurable, and sustainable initiatives that positively impact the community. Eligible applicants include public charities, government units, and occasionally other nonprofits and businesses, provided the projects are charitable in nature. Favorable projects are those that leverage matching funds to maximize community benefits.

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation that serves as the primary administrator of federal housing programs for the state of Kansas. KHRC delivers solutions to those who are working to end the housing crisis in Kansas. The corporation’s vision can only be achieved when all Kansans have the support and resources they need to achieve their goals, no matter where they are in their housing journey.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

Description

The Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program is authorized by subtitle B of title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11371-11378). The program authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants to States, units of general-purpose local government, and territories for the rehabilitation or conversion of buildings to use as emergency shelter for the homeless, for the payment of certain expenses related to operating emergency shelters, for essential services related to emergency shelters and street outreach for the homeless, and for homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing assistance

The Emergency Solutions Grant provides funding to

• Engage homeless individuals and families living on the street.
• Improve the number and quality of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families.
• Help operate these shelters.
• Provide essential services to shelter residents.
• Rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families.
• Prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless.

ESG Funding Components

Emergency Solution Grant Funding can be used for five program activities: street outreach, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing assistance, and HMIS; as well as administrative activities.

Awards

The Kauffman Uncommon Leader Awards are a portfolio of awards to recognize leaders who are making a lasting impact within their nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve.

The Visionary Award

The Kauffman Uncommon Leader Visionary Award is designed to honor an executive leader from a 501(c)(3) public charity in the Kansas City region who is building an inspiring and impactful legacy within their community, particularly aligned with the Foundation’s mission to advance economic mobility, and who demonstrates significant contributions to the Kansas City region’s well-being, growth, and empowerment.

About the Award

The Kauffman Uncommon Leader Awards are a portfolio of awards to recognize leaders who are making a lasting impact within their nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve. These awards honor individuals whose work aligns with the Kauffman Foundation’s strategic priorities and exemplify the visionary leadership of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman, through innovative, generous, and meaningful work in the community.