Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Kansas

The Southern Plains Grassland Grant Program, led by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), aims to conserve and restore vital grasslands in the Southern Great Plains. Collaborating with nonprofit organizations and ranching communities, the program enhances ecosystem health and resilience while providing financial resources. Additionally, it supports carbon storage efforts, benefiting both wildlife and rural economies. Key funding partners include Sysco, Burger King, Cargill, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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.

CSBG Discretionary Grant

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) establishes guidelines for the awarding of discretionary grants as authorized by the Kansas Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). The primary intended use of the grant funds awarded to Kansas and to subgrantees is “to provide assistance to local communities in Kansas, working through a network of Community Action Agencies and other neighborhood-based organizations, for the reduction of poverty, the revitalization of low-income communities, and the empowerment of low-income families and individuals in rural and urban areas to become fully self-sufficient.”

CSBG Purpose and Goals

• Promoting maximum participation of people and communities with low-income
• Leveraging resources of other anti-poverty programs
• Strengthening community capabilities for planning or coordinating resources for local needs and conditions of poverty
• Using innovative approaches to address causes and conditions of poverty
• Measuring impact to ensure accountability and ongoing data-driven quality improvement 

As outlined with the FFY 2025-2026 CSBG State Plan, this RFP seeks proposals for: 1) Innovative Programs/Activities or 2) Training/Technical Assistance

Applicants are advised that direct services funded by CSBG are restricted to Kansas residents. with household incomes that fall at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

Innovative Projects

For the purposes of this funding opportunity, proposals will be considered “innovative” if they:

• Support a project that is new to the agency and/or
• Support a modification to an existing project to make it more effective or efficient and/or
• Address an unmet need of the agency or community and/or
• Support a collaboration that addresses poverty in their communities.

Applicants should describe how the proposed project is an effective approach to ameliorate the causes and effects of poverty. Project descriptions should include the applicant’s plan to sustain the proposed project. CSBG programs often include addressing employment, education, income management, housing, nutrition, emergency services and/or health to combat the central causes of poverty.

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement-Focused Collaborations Program (RII-FEC) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by fostering partnerships among government, higher education, and industry. This program supports interdisciplinary teams of researchers to tackle significant challenges in STEM fields, promoting diversity and broadening participation. By integrating Minority-Serving Institutions and early-career faculty from underrepresented backgrounds, RII-FEC seeks to build sustainable STEM capacity and drive impactful discoveries across regions.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

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 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 Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (Region 5) aims to empower small businesses through comprehensive support from the U.S. Department of Transportation. By providing financial and technical assistance, business training, and outreach, the initiative helps small businesses enhance their competitiveness for DOT-funded contracts. This program is vital for fostering economic growth and ensuring small firms are well-prepared to engage in transportation-related projects at various governmental levels.

The Patterson Family Foundation is inviting innovative proposals to enhance community engagement in rural areas. With a focus on projects that foster long-term involvement from all generations, the Foundation aims to support initiatives that contribute to the mission of thriving rural communities. To apply, organizations must be located within the Foundation's Kansas and western Missouri catchment and possess nonprofit status. Early submission of the Letter of Intent is highly recommended for timely review.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program aims to enhance flood risk awareness and mitigation through the development of flood hazard data and maps. Managed by FEMA, the program supports communities in making informed decisions about flood risk. With a total funding of $41 million across nine regions, CTPs play a crucial role in promoting responsible planning and decision-making within local governments and the private sector.

Kansas Health Foundation 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.We operate with a three-part purpose statement that explains our overall goals and highest aspirations: 1) To empower Kansas to lead the nation in health; 2) To eliminate the inequities that lead to the greatest health disparities; and, 3) To be THE model of philanthropic impact.Upward Mobility Transformation FundUpward Mobility is the opportunity to stabilize, thrive and build a better future over time. It means that hard work leads to real opportunity, and people have the freedom to make choices about their lives without constantly falling behind.  Kansans have shaped a shared understanding of Upward Mobility through a year-long process of statewide listening, crowdsourcing, data analysis and cross-sector collaboration. Approximately 1,000 Kansans contributed ideas, insights and feedback. This process resulted in the creation of a Blueprint for Upward Mobility—a focused set of strategies to address the key barriers preventing Kansans from getting ahead.KHF is seeking bold, scalable ideas to accelerate the Blueprint. Funded projects will: 

• Advance one of the eleven Blueprint strategies 
• Operate at a regional or statewide level, or clearly serve communities experiencing concentrated economic hardship (*)   
• Launch within one year of receiving funding 
• Catalyze new approaches, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and unlock additional resources. Rather than funding disconnected projects, KHF intends for these grants to contribute to a broader, coordinated movement advancing Upward Mobility across Kansas. 

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.

CSBG Discretionary Grant

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) establishes guidelines for the awarding of discretionary grants as authorized by the Kansas Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). The primary intended use of the grant funds awarded to Kansas and to subgrantees is “to provide assistance to local communities in Kansas, working through a network of Community Action Agencies and other neighborhood-based organizations, for the reduction of poverty, the revitalization of low-income communities, and the empowerment of low-income families and individuals in rural and urban areas to become fully self-sufficient.”

CSBG Purpose and Goals

• Promoting maximum participation of people and communities with low-income
• Leveraging resources of other anti-poverty programs
• Strengthening community capabilities for planning or coordinating resources for local needs and conditions of poverty
• Using innovative approaches to address causes and conditions of poverty
• Measuring impact to ensure accountability and ongoing data-driven quality improvement 

As outlined with the FFY 2025-2026 CSBG State Plan, this RFP seeks proposals for: 1) Innovative Programs/Activities or 2) Training/Technical Assistance

Applicants are advised that direct services funded by CSBG are restricted to Kansas residents. with household incomes that fall at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

Training/Technical Assistance Projects

For the purposes of this funding opportunity, “training and/or technical assistance” examples include:

• Community-Based Interventions — Understanding community-level work/management; designing an effective approach, effective strategies, and relevant measures of success.
• Identifying and Sharing Best Practices — Innovative projects/programs using CSBG resources; leveraging other public/private resources; more effective use of economic development dollars; the bundling of services
• Serving Underserved Areas — Strategies for working in rural areas or communities with limited community services
• Multigenerational Approaches for Addressing Poverty — Coordinated approaches to collaborating with parents, other caregivers, and children.
• Relationship Building/Partnering — Among State CSBG offices and other State Agencies and Programs to share data and resources.
• Board Governance — Ongoing training to support active community input through Tripartite Boards including families of low-income.
• Leveraging Public/Private Resources — Coordinating multiple resources to support community services and strategies
• Leadership Development — Succession planning and mentoring, leadership academies 

The Mabee Foundation provides challenge grants for projects in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas, primarily focusing on construction, renovation, and major medical equipment purchases. Organizations must raise 40% of project costs from other donors before applying. Grants can reach up to 20% of total costs, with a maximum of $2 million. Applications are considered quarterly, requiring submissions by specific deadlines for review at upcoming board meetings.

The Disaster Resilience Program, supported by Equal Justice Works, aims to provide free civil legal aid to communities affected by disasters in the Midwest. With funding for attorney and summer law student fellows, the program addresses the unique legal needs of low-income families, helping them recover from the impacts of disasters. This initiative not only stabilizes lives but also promotes resilience in communities by ensuring access to essential legal services.

The Community Facilities: Large Grants Program offers cities and counties the opportunity to propose diverse CDBG-eligible facility projects, such as libraries and parks, aimed at enhancing community services. With a funding allocation of $10.7 million for 2025, the program supports projects that promote community engagement, health, and safety. Eligible applicants must ensure that at least 51% of beneficiaries are low- to moderate-income individuals, ensuring impactful improvements for communities in need.

The Blueprint to Build Grant Program aims to facilitate the establishment of community centers in Kansas by offering three pre-designed blueprints. With a funding pool of $14 million for 2025, eligible communities can receive up to $2.5 million to construct a center tailored to their needs. This initiative is designed to simplify and reduce costs for smaller communities, promoting vibrant spaces for low- to moderate-income residents while ensuring efficient construction processes.

The Patterson Family Foundation offers funding for advanced and specialized course access, aiming to enhance educational opportunities for rural students in Kansas and western Missouri. Organizations can apply after registering through the Grants Portal. The foundation focuses on collaborative initiatives that ensure thriving rural communities by providing essential resources like dual-credit and STEM courses. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, or government entities, while projects outside the foundation's catchment area are ineligible.

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)

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.

Industrial Renovation for Opportunity & New Economic Development (IRONED) Grant

Purpose

The IRONED pilot grant was created to preserve and bring new economic activity to underutilized, vacant, or dilapidated industrial and manufacturing buildings in rural communities, stimulating local economies and supporting business growth. This grant is meant to be gap financing for projects that need one last piece of their funding stack to get the project across the finish line.

Eligible Projects

Renovation of industrial or manufacturing facilities for projects that are ready for implementation and need gap financing. Renovation must be completed within 12 months of award and the tenant operating in the space must be in place within 18 months. 

The KC Can Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Kansas City, focusing on projects that address children's basic needs, education, and wellness. Eligible projects should provide long-term benefits, be feasible within a year, and align with the KC CAN! mission. The grant aims to fund initiatives that might otherwise go unsupported and encourages community involvement through professional and volunteer efforts.

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.

The CHS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing agricultural education through its Teacher Grants program, providing up to $50,000 for innovative projects. This initiative aims to engage students in experiential learning within rural communities across various states. By supporting teachers and their creative ideas, the foundation fosters educational growth and prepares future agricultural leaders, ensuring a sustainable and empowered agricultural sector. This commitment reflects CHS's broader mission of community support and development.

The NIOSH Miner Safety and Health Training Program aims to enhance health and safety training for miners in the Western United States. With mining fatalities significantly higher than the national average, this initiative seeks to address critical training needs by developing effective programs, increasing qualified instructors, and ensuring compliance with existing safety guidelines. By focusing on culturally appropriate training methods and collaborative efforts with other agencies, the program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities in the mining sector.

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

The Community Facilities: Small Grants Program empowers cities and counties to propose CDBG-eligible projects focused on impactful, smaller-scale improvements. With a project cap of $225,000 and a local match of 10%, this program supports essential upgrades such as facility modernization, ADA enhancements, and public safety features. A total of $10.7 million is available for 2025, promoting community engagement and accessibility while ensuring at least 51% of beneficiaries are low- to moderate-income individuals.

Simmons First Foundation: Make a Difference Grant

Amount:

• $2,500 up to $50,000

For the upcoming grant cycle, funding will be limited to programs focused on:Special Education:  K-12 Youth with disabilities, including physical disabilities, developmental and cognitive disabilities, and sensory impairments.   (examples including):

• Inclusive theater and performing arts programs
• Adapted, hands-on STEM learning
• Accessible coding, robotics, and maker-space activities
• Science-based learning adapted for diverse abilities
• Assistive technology and adaptive learning tools
• Adaptive physical education and recreation programs

Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention:  K-12 Youth (examples including):

• Evidence-based prevention programs targeting alcohol, opioids, vaping, and other substance use
• Skill-building programs that focus on refusal skills, decision making, coping strategies, and peer pressure resistanc
• Early intervention programs for at-risk youth
• Recovery support services for youth in early recovery (including peer support groups, mentoring, and relapse prevention planning)
• Youth-focused programs that teach emotional regulation, anger management, and non-violent communication
• Intervention programs for youth exposed to or at risk of violence
• Peer mediation and restorative justice programs that reduce disciplinary incidents and promote accountability

Kansas Department of Transportation 

KDOT delivers transportation that keeps Kansans moving forward.

We maintain thousands of miles of roadways to keep people and goods moving smoothly across the state. Our dedicated team plans, builds, and maintains highways, bridges, and other infrastructure with a focus on safety and innovation.

By working closely with local communities and stakeholders, KDOT aims to enhance the quality of life for all Kansans, support economic growth, and improve travel experiences. 

Cost Share Program

The KDOT Cost Share Program provides financial assistance to local entities for transportation projects that improve safety, support job retention and growth, improve access or mobility, relieve congestion and improve the state transportation system.

The Cost Share program is one of KDOT’s most flexible funding opportunities, allowing communities to apply for assistance with a wide range of highway, local road, bridge, rail, airport, bicycle, pedestrian and public transit projects – as long as they can provide at least a 15 percent local cash match. KDOT funds are used exclusively to match construction costs for these projects.