Best Grants for Theater in Kansas

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs, including theater organizations, may be eligible for funding that supports new approaches and unaddressed issues. Creag Foundation supports creative, smaller or evolving organizations developing fresh solutions to societal challenges; applications are by invitation, but qualifying groups can submit a letter of inquiry.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment can apply for Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Kansas theater organizations may be eligible if they serve mostly economically underserved communities and integrate tech-enabled programming within these priority areas.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Kansas can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. With a mission to strengthen communities, State Farm Companies Foundation provides support that may benefit theater organizations whose programming advances education, youth development, or neighborhood revitalization.

Theater and performing arts nonprofits in Kansas offering impactful cultural or arts education programming can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation; awards are typically more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or limited general support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses above $2 million and strong, sustainable results may be eligible.

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on health, education, or community services can seek funding for programs such as food pantries, healthcare access, STEM initiatives, and preventative health efforts. Focused on community well-being, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites U.S.-based organizations, including those with theater-related education or community programs, to apply during its March and September review cycles.

Kansas theater and arts education organizations serving urban low-income children and youth may be eligible for large project or scaling support in education, childhood health, or family economic stability. Funding from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation is available to U.S. entities requesting more than US $50,000 whose programs align with its mission and values.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations advancing early childhood education or community economic development can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant in Kansas communities where PNC operates. Funding supports programs for young children, affordable housing, small business development, job training, arts and culture, and services that benefit low- and moderate-income residents; theater organizations may be eligible when projects fit these priorities.

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.

Russell County Area Community Foundation

The Russell County Area Community Foundation is an Affiliate Foundation of Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation with all funds managed by GNWKCF.

At the Russell County Area Community Foundation, we believe in hometowns and preserving our rural way of life. Our mission is to help people invest in meaningful ways to make a difference in the community by building permanent endowment funds and meeting charitable community needs. RCACF was founded in 2001 to benefit the communities in the Russell County area. We are an affiliate of Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, a 501c3 organization. This helps us effectively pool resources with other foundations for community growth. Our local board of directors provides leadership on decisions that directly impact our communities.

Russell Area Youth Activities Fund

Helping Youth Participate, Learn & Thrive

Removing financial barriers so every child has the opportunity to grow, explore, and succeed.

The Russell Area Youth Activities Fund is designed to promote the health and well-being of children and to encourage healthy lifestyles through involvement in extra-curricular activities, including athletics, performing arts, visual arts, and literacy programs.

Important Information

• Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Financial need must be demonstrated.
• Grant payments are made directly to the activity provider on behalf of the child.

How Can the Russell Area Youth Activities Fund Help?

The fund provides financial assistance so local youth can participate in activities they might otherwise be unable to afford. 

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in theater, education, science, health, or other charitable programs can access funding through Sidney Stern Memorial Trust to support charitable, scientific, medical, or educational activities. Eligible tax-exempt organizations must use awarded funds within the U.S., demonstrate sound management, and show broad, meaningful impact on their target populations and general welfare.

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on theater, arts and culture, basic needs, workforce development, housing, or community development can seek sponsorship support to advance economic mobility and social progress. With a mission to strengthen communities, Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides regional U.S. sponsorships for programs, events, and initiatives that keep local communities vibrant and healthy.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Kansas arts, theater, recreation, and community-service nonprofits improving quality of life in Manhattan or Keats can access funding through the Manhattan Fund Caroline F Peine Charitable Foundation; awards more than US $25,000 for eligible projects. Programs may include theater and arts, parks and recreation, historic preservation, libraries, senior and disability services, and subsidized child care.

Southern U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years can seek single-year support for programs addressing hardship, such as education, poverty relief, disaster relief, health, or family services. Focused on compassionate community impact, Robinson Foundation invites eligible groups, including those with theater-related outreach or youth programming, to demonstrate tangible, meaningful results in the Southern region.

Nonprofit arts organizations in the Kansas City metro’s five counties with theater or other arts as their primary purpose can apply for ArtsKC Mission Support Grants, awarding US $5,000 in unrestricted funding. Eligible groups must be founded before 2020 and offer public-facing programming, with multi-year support and added consideration for diverse-led organizations.

Kansas theater and arts nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities can access funding for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs if they are within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community. Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritizes projects that support communities it serves and create long-term value and sustainability.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Charlotte Street

What We Do

• Provide annual cash awards, project based grants, special commissions and specific travel opportunities to visual and generative performing artists
• Provide free studios and performance and exhibition spaces to theater, dance, music, film/video and visual artists for the creation and presentation of new work
• Facilitate venues and opportunities for public exposure to these exhibitions and performances, and facilitate artistic collaboration and exchange
• Plan and collaborate on behalf of Kansas City artists and the arts community with philanthropic, business and civic leaders
• Engage national philanthropic and cultural leaders with Kansas City artists and the arts community

Creative Confluence Fund: Strengthening Arts-Engaged Organizations

ArtsKC, Charlotte Street, and the Hall Family Foundation are requesting proposals for capacity-building support for art-focused, small organizations (annual budget at or below $500,000) located or serving key geographic areas that represent a broad swath of art forms, offering accessible programming to our community. 

Selected organizations will represent diverse artistic disciplines and forms of social engagement and must provide accessible programming for communities in the geographic areas of the Historic Northeast, Eastside Kansas City, and Northeast Wyandotte County.

• Fifteen arts-engaged organizations will receive $15,000 in unrestricted funding per year for two years.
• ArtsKC will provide capacity-building assessments, subject matter experts, and project implementation support (value of up to $10,000 per year per organization).
• Grantees will be expected to work with ArtsKC to carry out their capacity-building initiatives as well as share learnings with other awardees in a cohort model, which may include artist awardees as well.
• Documentation, evaluation, and/or presentations on projects will be required.

This project seeks to build organizations’ long-term viability, including growing community engagement, stabilizing finances and personnel, identifying and resolving organizational needs, strategic planning, developing evaluation metrics and competencies, or other identified priorities. 

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community development, arts education, or cultural enrichment programs can access funding through Ameriprise Financial, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise volunteers. Grants support efforts like neighborhood revitalization, arts access for underserved audiences, and diverse performances, so theater organizations that fit these focus areas and U.S.-based eligibility may be competitive.

501(c)(3) organizations in South Central Kansas can apply for Shaw Family Foundation support for social services, arts, and educational initiatives. Theater groups and arts nonprofits in counties such as Sedgwick, Butler, and surrounding areas may be eligible, with preference for select Wichita-based institutions and Kansas University Endowment Association scholarships.

Kansas 501(c)(3) performing arts organizations can seek up to US $5,000 to support public music performances through the Martha Lee Cain Tranby Music Enrichment Fund. Grants help cover specific performing projects or general operating expenses for music-focused work, and theater or dance groups may be eligible when funding clearly supports their live music components.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Kansas 501(c)(3) public charities running safety, workforce development, community vitality, environmental sustainability, or arts and cultural programs can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000. Theater and performing arts organizations in Kansas may be eligible if their projects serve Union Pacific–served communities and fit these priority areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with programs for underserved youth, food insecurity, housing support, or environmental stewardship in Kansas and beyond can seek True Inspiration Awards funding for community impact projects. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Chick Fil A Foundation provides US $30,000 - US $350,000 to organizations in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.