Best Meade County Grants for Nonprofits in Kansas

Meade County, Kansas Catholic dioceses and parishes can access funding through Catholic Extension to recruit, educate, and form ordained and lay church leaders. Support may cover seminarians, deacons, lay and religious ministers, leadership workshops, and ongoing formation, but funds are provided only to approved mission dioceses, not directly to individuals or separate nonprofits.

Meade County, Kansas Catholic organizations in designated Extension Dioceses can access funding through Catholic Extension to sustain or expand basic pastoral and administrative services in under-resourced communities. Support covers salary subsidies for priests, women religious, lay leaders, and core administrators, plus essential operating costs like heating, minister travel, and other basic ministry resources.

Catholic dioceses and parishes in Extension dioceses, including those serving Meade County, Kansas, can seek funding to construct, expand, or renovate churches and related facilities. Grants from Catholic Extension help under-resourced Catholic communities address urgent facility needs, from minor repairs and furnishings to major building projects, with awards up to US $100,000.

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 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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, and government entities improving rural education in Meade County, Kansas can seek US $25,000 - US $500,000 for innovative, high-impact projects. Focused on project-based and experiential learning, Patterson Family Foundation may fund multi-year efforts that strengthen educational opportunities and help rural communities thrive within its Kansas and western Missouri catchment.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, school districts, and government entities in Meade County, Kansas can apply for Patterson Family Foundation’s Preventative Care Access Grant; awards US $100,000 - US $500,000 for rural healthcare access initiatives. Funding can launch or expand models like mobile health, telehealth, community paramedicine, and community health workers serving the foundation’s Kansas and western Missouri catchment.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, and government entities in Meade County, Kansas can apply for Patterson Family Foundation’s Trades Workforce Development Grant to fund skilled trades training, apprenticeships, and workforce upskilling. Programs preparing rural residents for high-demand fields like HVAC, electrical, plumbing, welding, diesel mechanics, healthcare, or legal careers may be eligible.

With a mission to help rural communities thrive, Patterson Family Foundation provides Meade County, Kansas 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, and government entities with funding to expand and modernize high school career and technical education programs. Eligible projects must serve the foundation’s rural Kansas and western Missouri catchment and focus on preparing students for high-demand industries.

Licensed ground ambulance services in rural, frontier, or densely settled rural areas of Meade County, Kansas can apply for the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services’ Education Incentive Grant to cover EMS provider recruitment, training, and certification costs. Funding supports initial EMS courses, continuing education, and post-secondary EMS education-related tuition, books, and required course fees.

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.

Licensed ground ambulance services in rural, frontier, or densely settled rural areas of Meade County, Kansas can seek funding to recruit, train, and certify EMS providers, with awards up to US $5,110 per student. Grants from Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services support initial EMS courses, continuing education, and post-secondary EMS degrees, covering tuition, books, and required course fees.

Licensed ground ambulance services in rural, frontier, or densely settled rural areas of Meade County, Kansas can seek funding to recruit, train, and certify EMS providers through the Kansas EMS Education Incentive Grant Program. With a mission to strengthen emergency medical care, Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services offers up to US $5,110 per student for approved initial and continuing EMS education costs.

Patterson Family Foundation provides Meade County, Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, and government entities with US $100,000 - US $500,000 to expand childcare capacity, improve facilities, and increase affordability for families. Eligible projects must serve rural communities within the foundation’s Kansas and western Missouri catchment, focusing on children from birth to age five.

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 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 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.

Nonprofits, public school districts, and government entities supporting rural entrepreneurs in Meade County, Kansas can apply for grants to provide mentorship, technical assistance, and business development programming. Patterson Family Foundation supports entrepreneurship and business development in its Kansas and western Missouri catchment area, prioritizing projects that expand resources, strengthen ecosystems, and track entrepreneurs served and key business outcomes.

Rooted in rural.

Committed to your community

The Patterson Family Foundation, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is a family-led foundation that extends the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson. The Foundation’s mission, “Working together to help rural communities thrive,” is carried forward through strategic grantmaking and other collaborative initiatives that serve rural counties across Kansas and western Missouri. 

Our Mission

Working together to help rural communities thrive.

Grant Types

Open Call Grants

Patterson Family Foundation’s Open Call Grants are publicly announced and submitted through the Grants Portal. Applications are reviewed using criteria aligned with the Foundation’s priorities, including community impact, feasibility, sustainability, and readiness to implement the proposed work in the Kansas or western Missouri rural community. 

This opportunity increases access to mental health support by expanding services, strengthening local care networks, and promoting prevention, harm reduction, and behavioral health education. Projects should create supportive environments that reduce stigma, increase awareness, and help residents access appropriate care. Applicants should plan to report on services delivered, residents served, improvements in access or awareness, and partnerships that enhance local mental health support.

The Literacy Advancement Grant, offered by the Patterson Family Foundation, aims to enhance foundational literacy skills in rural communities of Kansas and western Missouri. This grant supports public school districts and eligible nonprofits in implementing effective educational initiatives that foster reading comprehension and family engagement. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate community impact and sustainability in their proposals, ensuring a lasting benefit to local literacy efforts.

Nonprofit organizations, government entities, and school groups in Meade County, Kansas can apply for Meade County Community Foundation’s community development and revitalization grants to support local projects. Funding focuses on county-wide and individual community initiatives, including work with the three school districts and nearby Seward County youth-serving efforts.

Patterson Family Foundation

The Patterson Family Foundation was established to reinvest in rural communities and cultivate values of education and hard work for current and future generations. Currently, the Foundation is led by the adult children of the Patterson Family.

The Patterson Family Foundation, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is a family-led foundation that extends the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson. The Foundation’s mission, “Working together to help rural communities thrive,” is carried forward through strategic grantmaking and other collaborative initiatives that serve rural counties across Kansas and western Missouri. 

Where We Serve

We are geographically focused on assisting Kansas and western Missouri counties with fewer than 50,000 residents.

Our impact is realized through four interconnected priorities:

Economic Opportunity

• Our vision: Rural communities have resilient economies that offer diverse and stable career opportunities for all residents.
• We are committed to keeping rural economies strong by helping grow and retain great talent, attracting former and new residents, and investing in opportunities that strengthen and diversify local and regional economies

Education

• Our vision: All students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.
• A strong education system is at the heart of a thriving community, and we’re working alongside educators, families, and local leaders to help it grow. This means supporting and developing exceptional teachers, providing students with opportunities to develop skills and experience, and creating more hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for the future.

Healthcare

• Our vision: Communities have access to high-quality healthcare services, leading to improved health outcomes and increased well-being for all residents.
• Access to quality healthcare is essential for keeping rural communities strong. We work to expand the healthcare workforce, improve access to essential services, and empower all rural residents to lead long, healthy lives.

Community Engagement

• Our vision: Residents are actively engaged in decision-making process, contribute to community development, and have a strong sense of belonging and purpose.
• Strong communities are built through local leadership, volunteerism, and collaboration. We work alongside communities to drive grassroots engagement and empower multi-generational leaders. Through regional partnerships and strong community foundations, we help communities deepen relationships, expand opportunities, and steward local resources for future generations.

Open Call Grants

Patterson Family Foundation’s Open Call Grants are publicly announced and submitted through the Grants Portal. Applications are reviewed using criteria aligned with the Foundation’s priorities, including community impact, feasibility, sustainability, and readiness to implement the proposed work in the Kansas or western Missouri rural community. 

Open Call Grant: Adult Learning

This opportunity supports adult learners in building literacy, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning skills. Funding helps reduce barriers to participation and expands equitable access to evidence-based education that prepares adults for meaningful employment, civic engagement, and personal advancement. Projects should strengthen community-based programs, support innovation, and align adult learning with local workforce needs, with priority given to organizations in our rural catchment area or partnering with local employers. Applicants should plan to report on learner participation, skills or credentials gained, employment or career advancements, and partnerships that connect adult learners to local opportunities. 

Eligible uses of funds include:  

• Funding for new instructors and staff training 
• Instructional materials 
• Technology and digital learning tools 
• Outreach and recruitment 
• Support services that reduce participation barriers 
• Program evaluation and data collection   

Catholic dioceses and parishes in Meade County, Kansas that are part of an Extension Diocese can seek support to create, sustain, or expand ministries for young Catholics. Focused on Catholic faith formation, Catholic Extension invites applications for campus ministry, youth ministry, religious education for children and families, and young adult programs.

Catholic dioceses seeking to strengthen fundraising, financial management, and operational efficiency in Meade County, Kansas can apply for Building Capacity Grants supporting development staff, software, audits, and strategic planning. Catholic Extension supports approved Extension Dioceses with initiatives that improve long-term financial stability, stewardship, and the institutional strength of Catholic schools and related diocesan operations.

Catholic parishes and diocesan entities running pastoral or social outreach ministries in Meade County, Kansas can seek funding to establish, expand, or enhance their programs. Catholic Extension supports initiatives such as catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, evangelization media, liturgical life, social outreach to vulnerable groups, and minor support to restore church services after disasters, in approved Extension Dioceses.

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.

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.