Best Grants for Nonprofit Child Care Centers in Kansas

Nonprofit and community organizations in Kansas working on child care or other rural community needs can receive more than US $25,000 to support a designated Rural Champion for one year. With a mission to empower Kansas communities, Kansas Department of Commerce provides stipends to develop and implement strategies addressing local priorities such as childcare, housing, health, and food access.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local government entities in Kansas offering child care, early learning, or related education, health, or income-stability programs can seek program funding from Harvey County United Way. Grants support ongoing services in Harvey County, including child care access, early childhood development, financial stability, and other core community needs with measurable outcomes.

Organizations planning community-focused events or projects, including those offering child care services in Kansas, can seek sponsorships to support highly visible community contributions. Tyson Foods welcomes proposals that align with its core values, clearly demonstrate community benefits and event visibility, and show how funding will advance the organization’s primary mission and tax-deductible activities.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving educational outcomes for children and youth, including those providing child care services in Kansas, can apply for the Comis Foundation’s Comis Foundation Grant; awards US $5,000 - US $75,000 for pilot programs, proof-of-concept projects, and capacity building or innovative, whole-child-focused initiatives.

Kansas 501(c)(3) organizations providing child care, affordable housing, education, or related services can access funding through Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation to support self-sustaining programs for low-income and disadvantaged families. Support includes grants and low-interest program-related investments for economic development, day care, after-school care, health, and community-strengthening initiatives in the U.S. and select developing regions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting children’s health, wellness, or child care services in Kansas can apply for grants from 15 and the Mahomies Foundation. Awards up to US $15,000 help fund programs for children’s health, mental health, disabilities, early childhood development, and other community needs, which may benefit nonprofit child care centers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) organizations, local governments, chambers, and economic development groups in rural Kansas communities under 5,000 people can seek $10,000 to $25,000 for tangible childcare, senior programming, library, food retail, or community vibrancy projects. Focused on community development, the Kansas Department of Commerce requires a 10% match and completion within 12 months.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, school districts, and government entities expanding or improving childcare for ages birth to 5 in rural Kansas can apply for Patterson Family Foundation’s childcare grants of US $100,000 - US $500,000. Focused on rural development, this funding can help nonprofit child care centers increase capacity, upgrade facilities, and improve affordability for working families.

Nonprofit organizations serving children’s needs, including child care services, may be eligible for national funding that can benefit Kansas programs. CAPTRUST Community Foundation provides support to local and national charities, offering one large Charity of Choice award and multiple partnership grants each year to expand their reach and scale.

Nonprofit and public agencies providing child care and other public services in Kansas’s Johnson County can seek funding for programs serving low- to moderate-income residents. Focused on community development, Johnson County Kansas invites applicants to propose eligible services such as childcare, employment support, education, health, and related activities, with awards up to US $35,000.

Focused on child care services, Thing 123 Foundation invites Kansas child-focused nonprofits to seek support for programs that improve and enhance children’s lives. U.S.-based organizations, including child care centers working directly with children, may be eligible if their projects align with the foundation’s mission and they submit a complete application.

Joseph G Markoly Foundation Inc

When Joseph Markoly originally established the foundation more than thirty years ago, its focus was on Alzheimer’s and heart disease support, funded through a number of the larger national disease-related organizations. Over time the focus has shifted to helping small to mid-size organizations in our local communities which support children and seniors in a variety of effective ways. 

Markoly Foundation was established in honor of Joseph G. Markoly, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who wanted to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Joseph’s family was affected directly by both Alzheimer’s and heart disease having lost a family member to each condition. For that reason, the foundation dedicates a majority of their resources to providing grants to organizations that focus on the treatment of each of these diseases. In addition, Markoly Foundation supports a variety of programs dedicated to helping children and seniors by providing services, supplies, programs and research in areas impacting these demographics.

Joseph G. Markoly Foundation Grant Support for Children’s Organizations

Children are the future of this world and the Markoly Foundation is proud to fund local programs dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families. From providing vision services for school kids to classes on parenting, we are proud to do our part to help fund critical community programs for families.

We are dedicated to providing funding for local nonprofit programs that improve the quality of life for all, but particularly for the children and elders in our community.

Theresa Alessandra Russo Foundation Inc

The Theresa Foundation honors the memory of Theresa Alessandra Russo by touching the lives of children with special needs and their families. The Foundation fosters each child’s unique abilities by supporting programs focusing on art, music, dance, drama, and recreation.

The Theresa Foundation has a vision of the world where artistic expression and physical recreation are just as important to adults as they are to children. We believe in a world where every child, regardless of ability or challenging conditions, is free to communicate through and participate in every art or recreational activity. A society without art is a society without soul. Art enables us to express our inner thoughts, fears, joys, and sadness.  

The Theresa Foundation Grant Program

The Theresa Foundation Grant Program is committed to providing financial support for programs in art, music, dance, drama, or recreation that are designed specifically for children with special needs in order to ensure that no one is excluded from these activities. 

We believe that every individual should have the opportunity to participate in art, music, dance, drama or recreation if they so choose. Our grant program works to provide direct funding for the success of these activities, while also promoting an environment of acceptance and inclusiveness where all can take part without judgment or fear. 

As of 2026, the Theresa Foundation has provided over $3,300,000 in grant funding for over 200 programs in 29 states throughout the country and 4 international grants. With your help we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those with special needs by providing them access to enriching experiences that would otherwise be out of reach. 

Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation

Our mission is to empower our donors, affiliates and charitable partners through education, stewardship and regional collaboration, to create thriving communities and impact present and future generations.

Northwest Kansas Early Childhood Sustainability Grant Fund

To help sustain licensed childcare centers or nonprofit qualified family childcare homes (formerly classified as nonprofit group homes).

To assist with sustainability of quality nonprofit early education centers or qualified childcare homes in Northwest Kansas, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, the State of Kansas – through the Children’s Cabinet, and the Patterson Family Foundation, have collaborated to create this permanently endowed grant fund.

What is meant by sustainability?

The grant is intended to address a budget shortfall or unforeseen issue that, if not addressed, could result in the closure of the facility or closure of classrooms, or that jeopardizes the standard of care provided.

Applicants can ask for budgetary support for operations in order to divert dollars for a necessary or critical capital expenditure without which the ability of the facility to stay open or provide safe, quality care is threatened.

Examples could include HVAC, structural or safety issues, or issues noted by the fire marshal or during a license review.

When possible, facilities must strive for full enrollment – while always meeting KDHE guidelines. It is understood that facilities will often “hold slots” while a current child in care ages up.

Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation

Our mission is to empower our donors, affiliates and charitable partners through education, stewardship and regional collaboration, to create thriving communities and impact present and future generations.

Sheridan County Childcare Fund

Created in early 2024 by the SCCF Board of Directors, this fund supports childcare initiatives across Sheridan County.

Dane G Hansen Foundation

Dane G. Hansen Foundation was established in 1965 with a generous estate gift from Dane G. Hansen. Mr. Hansen was an entrepreneur whose business interests over the course of his life included, among others, retail, lumber, road and bridge construction and oil. Reflecting Mr. Hansen’s lifelong love of Northwest Kansas, the charitable foundation that bears his name has a mission to improve the quality of life for the residents and the communities in the 26 counties that make up the northwest quarter of Kansas.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is committed to providing opportunities for the people of Northwest Kansas to enjoy the highest possible quality of life. Fulfillment of our mission is predicated on three specific goals: Strengthening and supporting our communities, Creating an environment for growth, and Increasing economic opportunities.

Early Childhood Education Sustainability Grants

A grant to assist with sustainability of quality nonprofit early education centers or qualified childcare homes in Northwest Kansas, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, the State of Kansas – through the Children’s Cabinet, and the Patterson Family Foundation, have collaborated to create this permanently endowed grant fund.

Dane G Hansen Foundation

Dane G. Hansen Foundation was established in 1965 with a generous estate gift from Dane G. Hansen. Mr. Hansen was an entrepreneur whose business interests over the course of his life included, among others, retail, lumber, road and bridge construction and oil. Reflecting Mr. Hansen’s lifelong love of Northwest Kansas, the charitable foundation that bears his name has a mission to improve the quality of life for the residents and the communities in the 26 counties that make up the northwest quarter of Kansas.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is committed to providing opportunities for the people of Northwest Kansas to enjoy the highest possible quality of life. Fulfillment of our mission is predicated on three specific goals: Strengthening and supporting our communities, Creating an environment for growth, and Increasing economic opportunities.

NW Kansas CARES for Kids

Access to quality early childhood education is important to the quality of life and economic health of every community. 

NW Kansas CARES for Kids includes multiple grants designed to assist childcare centers and qualified family childcare homes (formerly group homes) in attracting and retaining staff, providing educational materials, and also helping to sustain existing slots and to provide more slots for Northwest Kansas children.

Dane G Hansen Foundation

Dane G. Hansen Foundation was established in 1965 with a generous estate gift from Dane G. Hansen. Mr. Hansen was an entrepreneur whose business interests over the course of his life included, among others, retail, lumber, road and bridge construction and oil. Reflecting Mr. Hansen’s lifelong love of Northwest Kansas, the charitable foundation that bears his name has a mission to improve the quality of life for the residents and the communities in the 26 counties that make up the northwest quarter of Kansas.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is committed to providing opportunities for the people of Northwest Kansas to enjoy the highest possible quality of life. Fulfillment of our mission is predicated on three specific goals: Strengthening and supporting our communities, Creating an environment for growth, and Increasing economic opportunities.

Early Childhood Education Staff Support Grants

Though they are charged with caring for our most precious assets, classroom helpers and teachers in the early childhood field are historically low-wage earners. The Early Childhood Education Staff Support Grant is designed to provide financial recognition for these important workers, reduce costs associated with staff turnover, and stabilize the workforce.

Originally piloted for 5 years, the grant has been enhanced and renewed for another 5 years.

Grants support Kansas organizations providing early childhood care, education, and development services for children ages 0–6 to better prepare them for kindergarten. Grants from Greater Salina Community Foundation help child care and related programs in Ottawa and Saline Counties, with up to US $2,500 available and priority for children in poverty or facing significant learning barriers.

Grants from QuikTrip help Kansas child care and early childhood nonprofits that serve at-risk youth with program support and related needs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must operate in Kansas counties where QuikTrip has stores, and can receive grants, in-kind product donations, event sponsorships, and volunteer support for education-focused services.

Brinker International provides Kansas child care services and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits with monetary or in-kind dining certificate support for events benefiting kids, hunger, and education. Eligible organizations must apply online at least six weeks before their event; donations are generally limited to one award per organization each calendar year.

Nonprofit child care and early childhood organizations in Kansas can seek funding to support child care services, early learning, and family-focused community development projects. Grants from WK Kellogg Foundation help U.S. organizations, including those in Kansas, advance nurturing early care and education, maternal and child health, good food access, equitable economic opportunity, and racial equity; applications are accepted year-round.

Child care and other community-focused organizations in Kansas can receive small Neighborhood Donations for program support or event sponsorship. Eastern Bank Foundation provides US $100 - US $1,000 to non-501(c)(3) groups working in areas like child care services, basic human needs, housing, education, and related human and social services across its market area.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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.

The Hillman Innovations in Care Grant seeks innovative, nursing-driven proposals to address the impact of racism on health equity for marginalized communities. This includes addressing health disparities faced by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and economically disadvantaged populations. The program encourages bold, evidence-based interventions that enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes. Grants of up to $600,000 will support projects that demonstrate potential for broad replicability and sustainability over a 36-month period.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.