Best Plant Grants in Kansas

Kansas botanical conservation and forestry nonprofits can access funding through the Oak Hill Fund to restore diminished native tree species across the continental U.S. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may propose scientific research, seed orchard development, or forest land preservation projects, with project-specific support that can include necessary administrative and fundraising expenses.

Undergraduate and graduate students conducting botany, plant ecology, or other plant-focused research within the Northern California Botanists geographic range can receive US $1,500 research scholarships. Funded by Northern California Botanists, these awards support independent study, thesis, or dissertation projects and may benefit students at institutions in Kansas whose fieldwork occurs in the eligible region.

Students pursuing natural resource-related fields such as botany, ecology, forestry, or conservation education may be eligible for scholarship support, including those interested in plant and botanical conservation. With a mission to support education, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides assistance to students from select Illinois counties pursuing higher education in these areas.

Students in plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture can receive scholarship support to advance their higher education; applicants must demonstrate financial need and reside in specified counties. Focused on botanical and environmental studies, The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region invites eligible students to apply through its universal scholarship application.

Graduate-level plant science researchers in Kansas can access funding for botanical conservation and related outreach through the Botany in Action Fellowship, which offers US $6,000 for research and outreach expenses. Grants from Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens also include an all-expenses-paid trip for science communication training and ongoing public engagement opportunities.

Graduating high school seniors planning plant- or environment-related majors may be eligible for tuition assistance through the Van Cott Family Memorial Scholarship, including students from Kansas considering similar fields. Focused on higher education in areas like horticulture, botany, forestry, agriculture, and environmental studies, the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains invites qualified applicants to pursue post-secondary degrees.

Graduating high school seniors in Kansas planning to study natural resources, fish and wildlife, forest management, or related conservation fields can apply for this memorial scholarship. With a mission to support environmental education, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation provides assistance based on academic performance, financial need, outdoor sports participation, and a demonstrated commitment to conservation careers.

Undergraduate students in Kansas interested in plant science and botanical conservation can receive full support to attend the 2025 Botany conference, covering registration, travel, lodging, and meals. Focused on immersive mentoring and career exploration, the Botanical Society of America program connects PLANTS Scholars with graduate and professional mentors from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Individuals studying or conserving native orchids in North America, including work relevant to Kansas botanical conservation, can receive support through the Philip Keenan Award. The American Orchid Society provides US $500 to recognize significant contributions to the study or preservation of native orchids north of Mexico, considering both current efforts and prior achievements.

Graduate students in biology, horticulture, or related fields conducting research in conservation horticulture can receive up to US $4,500 for work at a botanical garden, including students in Kansas. Grants from Garden Club of America help support study and conservation of rare and endangered plants, with preference for projects on flora of the Carolinas or southeastern U.S.

The Bureau of Land Management's Plant Conservation and Restoration Program (PCRP) aims to enhance the native seed supply chain, crucial for restoring resilient public lands. By collaborating with various partners, PCRP seeks to improve rangeland health, restore wildlife habitats, and create job opportunities. In 2026, the focus will be on local seed collections, supporting farmers entering the native seed market, and developing innovative technologies to ensure effective restoration outcomes and ecological resilience.

Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund)

TREE Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to support scientific discovery and dissemination of new knowledge and best practices in the fields of arboriculture and urban forestry.

TREE Fund’s research and education programs shape industry best practices, improve workforce safety and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our communities in the following crucial ways:

• Improving the quality of nursery grown trees and overall tree survival through the development of hardier, drought- and disease-resistant species.
• Stopping diseases and pests while reducing pesticide use with the evolution of integrated pest management programs.
• Enhancing public and workforce safety with advanced tree risk assessment techniques and greater knowledge about why and how trees fail.
• Quantifying the benefits of trees which makes it easier for governments and businesses to project their return on tree care investment.
• Revolutionizing global best practices for growing strong, healthy landscape trees.
• Connecting youth with nature to promote environmental stewardship in the next generation and inspire them to consider careers in green industries.

Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund

Since 1926, John Lucas Tree Expert Co. has worked with investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, railroads, and pipeline customers throughout the United States and Canada. Innovation has always been a core value, and Lucas remains committed to innovation that makes the industry safer, greener, and more efficient. The Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund is a new endowment fund of Tree Research and Education Endowment (TREE) Fund created to support research in Integrated Vegetation Management in the United States and Canada.

This fund program was created in 2026 to help celebrate Lucas Tree’s 100th anniversary. Lucas Tree’s anniversary marks a century of innovation, safety, and stewardship in utility vegetation management.

Projects are expected to be completed within one to three years. No project may receive more than one award from this program.

Application Requirements can be found here.

Nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and eligible housing entities with scalable affordable housing innovations can seek US $2,000,000 grants supporting equitable and affordable housing in Kansas and nationwide. Enterprise Community Partners and Wells Fargo fund proven solutions in design and construction, finance, or service delivery that expand housing access; Kansas groups with plant- or land-related components in their housing work may be eligible.

Kansas nonprofits offering nutrition education, food access, or culinary arts training programs can seek funding through the Ann B Zekauskas Family Foundation. Focused on nutrition and healthy eating, the foundation invites 501(c)(3) organizations, including schools and community groups, to apply for support of programs that teach seed-to-plate food knowledge and promote lifelong healthy eating habits.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in Kansas working on food system transformation can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s grants, typically US $2,500 - US $10,000, for project or general operating support. NGOs and educational institutions focused on animal welfare, sustainable agriculture, environmental policy, or related advocacy may be eligible.

AFL Community Grants aim to empower education, youth, and life advancement through targeted community support. The program is designed for non-profit organizations, focusing on STEM education, youth development, and the LEAP initiative for adult self-sufficiency. With grant applications opening in 2025, AFL Global seeks to make a lasting impact in communities by addressing their greatest needs and fostering growth through education and development initiatives.

Kansas 501(c)(3) organizations working on climate and clean energy policy or climate change education can access funding through Mayer And Morris Kaplan Foundation to support general operations or specific programs. U.S.-based groups focused on reducing fossil fuel demand or providing scientifically accurate climate education for young adults may be especially competitive.

U.S. charitable organizations providing human and social services, especially for children and at-risk groups, may be eligible for program support, including those in Kansas. Nailba Charitable Foundation funds small, well-run nonprofits assisting underprivileged children, youth, people with disabilities, and those needing mental health, substance abuse, emergency, or basic needs services.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on botanical conservation and broader biodiversity efforts in Kansas and across the U.S. can access funding through the Biophilia Foundation; awards range from US $5,000 - US $25,000 for private land conservation, ecosystem restoration, restorative economies, and conservation policy. Grants particularly emphasize arid Southwest and Chesapeake Bay projects but may include Kansas-focused work.

Environmental and conservation organizations in Kansas working on habitat restoration, biodiversity, or ecosystem health can apply for US $3,000 - US $20,000 in SITKA Ecosystem Grants, including plant-focused projects. Focused on ecosystem-based conservation and outdoor access, W.L. Gore supports research, on-the-ground restoration, and collaborative stewardship efforts across the U.S. and Canada.

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, provided by Keep America Beautiful, aim to empower communities to revitalize and beautify MLK corridors across the U.S. These grants support various projects, including murals, community gardens, and cleanup efforts, contributing to the initiative's goal of beautifying 25,000 communities by 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations, with a focus on sustainable impacts and local engagement.

Non-governmental and not-for-profit organizations with climate action projects in the Americas, including work that may benefit plant and botanical conservation in Kansas and beyond, can seek support for two-year initiatives. HCL Technologies provides up to US $500,000 per NGO for scalable projects advancing climate adaptation, mitigation, resilience, and related Sustainable Development Goals.

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 Regenerative Agriculture Foundation Grant supports organizations that promote regenerative practices, emphasizing the value of people, plants, animals, and the planet. With a focus on BIPOC-led initiatives, the foundation encourages systemic change in agricultural systems through collaborative funding. Grants are available to U.S.-based organizations that align with RAF's vision and engage in transformative efforts. The competitive grantmaking process is by invitation only, ensuring targeted support for impactful projects.

The KidsGardening Youth Garden Grant supports organizations in the U.S. or U.S. Territories that aim to enhance youth gardening programs. With a focus on underserved communities, the grant provides resources to develop or improve garden projects for youth aged 0-18. This initiative not only promotes educational opportunities but also fosters community engagement through gardening. Recipients receive a variety of supplies, including seeds and gardening tools, to help cultivate sustainable gardening practices.

The Plant America Community Project Grant, offered by the National Garden Clubs, supports initiatives that enhance public spaces and community gardens. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for projects that educate and engage both adults and children in gardening. Since 2017, over 250 grants have been awarded, totaling more than $225,000. Eligible applicants include member clubs, focusing on beautification, restoration, and environmental education.

Monarch Watch offers a Free Milkweeds Grant for habitat restoration projects aimed at supporting the monarch butterfly population. The program provides free milkweed plugs to schools and educational non-profits that demonstrate clear educational goals, long-term maintenance plans, and adequate space for the plants. With over 730,000 milkweeds distributed since 2015, this initiative plays a vital role in restoring habitats along key migration routes in the eastern and western U.S.