Best Kearny County Grants for Nonprofits in Kansas

The WKCF Community Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in Western Kansas. Combining previous Operating and Core Grants, it encourages innovative proposals that address community needs and collaborate with others. Eligible applicants must serve specific Kansas counties, ensuring broad community impact. Organizations can only submit one request per funding period and must have fully expended previous grants to reapply. The WKCF prioritizes sustainability and responsiveness to emerging community issues.

The WKCF: Women of Purpose Grant aims to empower organizations addressing crucial issues affecting women in Western Kansas. By focusing on innovative projects that promote female leadership, mentorship, and community impact, this grant encourages collaboration and sustainability. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations serving specific Kansas counties. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate broad community benefits and effective use of resources. Submit applications early to avoid technical issues and ensure consideration for funding.

The Kansas Community Development Block Grant Program aims to revitalize downtown areas by funding the rehabilitation of blighted commercial structures. This initiative, managed by the Kansas Department of Commerce, seeks to enhance the quality of life for residents and stimulate economic growth, particularly benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals. By strategically investing in key buildings, the program hopes to prevent further deterioration and act as a catalyst for positive change in local communities.

The Regional Water Implementation Grant aims to enhance collaboration among water systems in Kansas by providing funding for preliminary engineering studies. With a maximum funding amount of $1,000,000 for 2024, this grant encourages projects that consolidate systems, expand water supply districts, and connect previously unlinked public water supply systems. A 50% match can be sourced from local or KDHE funds, promoting effective water management across the state.

The Water and Sewer Infrastructure Grant Program, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, allocates $1 million in 2024 to support essential water and sewer projects in communities with populations over 5,000. Each eligible project can receive up to $800,000, with a required 25% cash match. Funding is intended for infrastructure improvements, engineering costs, and administrative expenses, making it vital for enhancing community water systems.

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.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

The Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas Grant provides an opportunity for residents to contribute to their community through philanthropic efforts. Open from September 1 to October 1, 2023, it supports non-profit organizations, schools, and government entities. The Foundation enables citizens to make impactful gifts, from memorial contributions to ongoing support for children's issues, ensuring that charitable efforts enhance the quality of life in Southwest Kansas.

Great Plains Grassland Fund

The Great Plains Grassland Fund is a public-private grant fund that helps protect and sustainably manage the native grasslands of the Great Plains by pairing land protection strategies with technical and financial assistance for ranchers. The program aims to permanently conserve high-value grasslands at risk of conversion through easements and other durable land protection tools; support ranchers and communities with resources to improve grazing management, maintain working lands, and keep grasslands intact; and build a durable funding mechanism that leverages public and private capital, supports qualified implementation partners, and advances community-led conservation projects across the region.

Summary

The Fund will operate as a funding mechanism to facilitate capital aggregation and disbursement to strategically protect grasslands across the Great Plains. The primary objectives for this Fund include:

• Permanently protect land using conservation easements in areas with high conservation value, high conversion risk, and strong community buy-in
• Leverage technical and financial resources to improve grazing land management in and around the areas under protection status
• Engage local communities in identifying sites for protection and planning conservation and grazing land management
• Measure and report key progress indicators for conversion, biodiversity, water and rancher livelihoods

The Francis Grants, established by Catholic Extension, offer funding for significant events in poor mission dioceses, such as the ordination of new Bishops, anniversaries, or papal visits. These grants also support educational endeavors for Bishops. Named in honor of Francis Clement Kelly, Francis Cardinal George OMI, and Pope Francis, the program aims to strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has invested over $500 million to assist communities in need.

The Catholic School Leadership Development Grant Program aims to cultivate and retain promising leaders within the Catholic school system. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, this initiative offers a graduate-level online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering 80% of tuition costs and providing funding for essential travel. The one-year program focuses on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, requiring participants to serve two years in their diocese post-completion, thereby enhancing local educational leadership.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.

The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation offers Healthy Habits for Life Grants to support schools in promoting healthy lifestyle choices for K-12 students. With a maximum grant of $2,000 per school, programs may include initiatives that reduce cardiovascular risk, increase physical activity, and reinforce positive mental health. Schools are encouraged to collaborate on unique projects, such as gardens, health fairs, and fitness activities, aiming to instill lifelong healthy habits in students.

The Black Hills Charitable Giving Program supports community growth by providing sponsorships and donations to eligible organizations. Focused on thriving communities, conservation, and nurturing future leaders, it invites applications from 501(c)(3) organizations and schools. Funding priorities include critical needs like food security and education, while requests benefiting individuals or political causes are generally not funded. Applications are accepted year-round, with decisions made within 120 days.

ConocoPhillips Charitable Investments focus on Water and Biodiversity Stewardship, promoting conservation and restoration of ecosystems. The initiative emphasizes collaboration with communities and organizations to enhance biodiversity, improve water availability, and foster innovative conservation practices. Proposals are evaluated based on their alignment with long-term conservation goals, community engagement, and innovative approaches. Eligible organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt charities or government subdivisions, while ineligible entities include those advancing political causes or engaging in discriminatory practices.

The Patterson Family Foundation offers Chronic Disease Prevention, Screening, and Education Grants aimed at community initiatives that enhance health management. This funding supports programs that increase awareness of chronic conditions, promote healthy behaviors, and provide access to screening and education in rural areas. Projects must demonstrate community impact and readiness for implementation, focusing on early detection and long-term health improvement for residents in Kansas and western Missouri.

The Early College Pathways program by the Patterson Family Foundation aims to empower students to earn both a high school diploma and college credit. This initiative fosters partnerships between school districts and accredited colleges, enhancing educational attainment while reducing costs. By supporting local career transitions and strengthening the workforce pipeline, it promotes sustainable growth in rural communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and educational entities serving Kansas and western Missouri, focusing on student success and community engagement.

The Kansas EMS Education Incentive Grant Program supports licensed ambulance services in rural, frontier, and densely settled rural areas of Kansas. It aims to enhance the recruitment, training, and certification of EMS providers. Eligible services can apply for funding based on specific criteria, including costs for recruiting and initial training courses. The program also allocates funding amounts for continuing education and post-secondary education degrees, ensuring comprehensive support for EMS services throughout the grant cycles.

The Kansas EMS Education Incentive Grant Program is designed to support licensed ambulance services in rural, frontier, and densely settled rural areas of Kansas by providing funding for recruiting, training, and certifying EMS providers. Eligible services include those in cities with populations less than 2,000 and in frontier or rural counties. The program prioritizes funding for initial training costs and continuing education, ensuring that communities can maintain essential emergency medical services.

The Kansas EMS Education Incentive Grant Program offers financial support for licensed ambulance services in rural, frontier, and densely settled rural areas of Kansas. The program assists in recruiting, training, and certifying EMS providers. Eligible services can apply for funding throughout the fiscal year, with specific criteria prioritizing recruitment and initial training costs. The grant aims to enhance emergency medical services in underserved regions, ensuring better healthcare access and responsiveness in these communities.

The Patterson Family Foundation's Innovation in Education Grant aims to enhance educational opportunities in rural communities. With a focus on creative proposals that foster new ideas for sustainable growth, the foundation invites eligible organizations in Kansas and western Missouri to apply. Registration is required before submitting a Letter of Intent, with specific deadlines for each funding round. This initiative underscores the foundation's commitment to supporting initiatives that empower local communities and promote long-term benefits.

The Preventative Care Access Grant from the Patterson Family Foundation aims to enhance healthcare delivery models in rural communities across Kansas and western Missouri. Organizations eligible for funding can develop innovative solutions such as mobile health and telehealth services to improve access to care. Registration is required before submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI), with deadlines set for April and July 2025. This initiative supports projects that directly benefit the foundation's target areas.