Best Grants for Youth Programs in Kansas

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth and underserved residents can seek funding for special programs, capacity building, and capital projects through the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation, with typical awards of US $150,000 - US $500,000. Organizations working in education, healthcare, social services, arts, or Jewish community initiatives in greater Kansas City may be eligible.

Kansas 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and churches can access funding through the Kansas Health Foundation’s Kansas Innovation Fund to test new projects that improve health and health equity. Mini grants up to US $5,000 support innovative ideas that address underlying causes of poor health for Kansans, including youth-focused initiatives.

Kansas 501(c)(3) organizations enhancing access to performing or visual arts can receive funding for general operations, programs, productions, events, or capital campaigns. Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation provides support primarily in the greater Kansas City area, so youth-serving arts programs in eligible Kansas counties may be competitive applicants.

Youth robotics teams in Kansas affiliated with schools or 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for John Deere Foundation support for FIRST Robotics Competition expenses and mentoring. Eligible teams are near John Deere communities in Kansas or have an active John Deere mentor, with priority for underserved, underrepresented, or rural youth participants.

Gove County Community Foundation

Our Mission

The goal of the Gove County Community Foundation is to enhance the quality of life in Gove County through philanthropy, to increase economic and community development opportunities. We are driven by a mission to create a prosperous future for our community by supporting collaborative and innovative initiatives that address today’s needs while paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.

Through grants, scholarships, and community programs, we support a wide range of initiatives that contribute to the economic, social, and cultural vitality of Gove County. Whether it's enhancing educational opportunities, supporting local businesses, or preserving our rich heritage, we are here to help our community grow and prosper.

GCCF Community Grant

Providing charitable funding is at the heart of our mission. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Gove County Community Foundation awards grants to organizations across Gove County, supporting initiatives in arts and culture, community development, education, environment, health, human services, recreation, and youth development. Through these grants, we help strengthen our community today and build a brighter future for tomorrow. 

Grantmaking Criteria

Grants can address:

• Education: Enhances the learning environment and expands opportunities for students in Northwest Kansas. Provides increased self-reliance on personal life skills and workforce capability.
• Health Care: Ensure access to quality health care services and promotes healthy life practices.
• Economic Development: Development of a robust and sustainable economy includes a diversity of businesses and quality job opportunities.
• Community Social Services & Security: Enhance access to social services needed for individuals of special needs and supports systems to provide community disaster relief and general community emergencies.
• Conservation & Environment: Support efforts to improve and maintain high air and water quality, appreciation for our natural environment and enhance economic and social benefits of outdoor resources.
• Arts & Culture: Provide cultural and artistic opportunities to enhance the quality of life for local residents and to encourage tourism and the exchange of ideas.
• Community Beautification: Support efforts to improve and maintain public spaces to enhance community pride and encourage socialization among residents.

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational, governmental, or religious institutions serving Decatur County youth, recreation, beautification, service, and community improvement projects can seek up to US $7,500. Focused on local community enhancement, Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation invites proposals that benefit Decatur County, Kansas through the GROW Decatur County Foundation Fund Grant.

The Cloud County Public Health Fund, established by the Kansas Health Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Cloud County. It supports local health initiatives through grants, scholarships, and awards. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. The fund prioritizes projects that promote public health and well-being. However, it does not support political projects or those with operating deficits, ensuring funds contribute to meaningful community impact.

Kansas youth-serving schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits running FIRST LEGO League Explore STEM programs can access funding through John Deere Foundation to support underserved, underrepresented, or rural students. Eligible teams must be near John Deere Inspire communities or have a committed John Deere employee mentor and meet specific participation and equity criteria.

Youth STEM teams associated with schools or 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kansas and other John Deere home communities can receive funding to participate in FIRST LEGO League Discover and related FIRST programs. John Deere Foundation provides support to teams near its Inspire locations, especially those serving underserved, underrepresented, or rural students in STEM fields.

The Kansas Department of Commerce

The Kansas Department of Commerce is committed to helping individuals, businesses and communities achieve prosperity in Kansas. One of the ways it accomplishes this mission is by providing financial assistance and partnership support to further identified goals. Most grants call for local matches and other required stipulations that vary by project. Below are the funding opportunities Commerce offers on an annual basis. Please note that grant amounts and dates are subject to change.

Towns

Recognizing the similar challenges of the smallest communities and distressed urban neighborhoods in creating welcoming and compelling places, Commerce launched the Towns grant program to support small-scale quality of place projects that create quick, meaningful results in rural communities. Through the process, the program aims to increase local capacity, grow community and youth engagement, mobilize volunteers, increase investment in the community and businesses, and increase the number of new communities applying for and winning Commerce grant awards.  

Kansas youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek funding for community development, education, human services, health, cultural programs, and veteran and military support. Grants from Penn National Gaming help organizations in Wyandotte County and other eligible communities address local residents’ needs through youth programs and related services where the company has a business interest.

Nonprofit and public organizations running youth, education, or community service programs in Kansas can apply for operational AmeriCorps support to engage members in evidence-informed service projects. Kansas Volunteer Commission prioritizes initiatives in youth development and mentoring, education, poverty alleviation, rural intermediary work, social justice, and related community-strengthening efforts.

The KS AmeriCorps Planning Grant empowers organizations in Kansas to develop effective AmeriCorps programs aimed at addressing community needs. This grant supports planning for a subsequent operational grant application cycle (2026-2027). Key priorities include education, poverty alleviation, support for rural communities, social justice, and youth development. By leveraging these grants, organizations can enhance their readiness to serve and make a significant impact in their communities.

501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal entities, and local governments in Kansas serving Douglas County youth can apply for Douglas County Community Foundation Community Grants, with awards of US $1,000 - US $10,000 for local projects. Funding can support youth-focused work in areas like education, arts and culture, health, housing, and human services.

The Nita M. Lowey 2025 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Competition is aimed at new applicants who seek to provide expanded learning opportunities outside regular school hours. Managed by the Kansas State Department of Education, this grant supports projects that enhance student achievement, particularly in schools with a significant low-income population. Applicants must collaborate with community organizations and focus on meeting state educational standards.

Kansas youth-serving after-school and summer learning programs that previously received 21st Century Community Learning Centers funding can apply to continue expanded learning and enrichment services in Kansas. Eligible re-applicants must serve students from schools with at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch, supporting efforts to help youth meet or exceed state and local academic standards.

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing youth services, emergency assistance, shelters, safety-net health care, and other critical human services can receive unrestricted operating support for core expenses. Menorah Heritage Foundation provides metro Kansas City organizations up to US $10,000 for items like salaries, rent, utilities, audits, technology, and benefits when serving local youth and families.

Public and private nonprofits, schools, higher education institutions, government entities, labor organizations, partnerships, and tribes in Kansas can receive up to US $5,000 to support nonpartisan youth civic engagement projects for grades K–12. Kansas Volunteer Commission funds initiatives like service-learning, youth advisory roles, and opportunities for underrepresented youth to participate in local decision-making and public meetings.

Nonprofit organizations running youth activities, arts and culture, or basic human needs programs in Southeast Kansas counties can apply for Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas Community Impact Grants, with awards of US $500 - US $11,000. Eligible counties include Allen, Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette, Montgomery, Neosho, and other surrounding areas.

Nonprofit arts organizations and eligible public or tribal entities in Kansas and the broader M-AAA region can apply for Mid-America Arts Alliance’s Regional Touring Grant, awarding up to US $5,000 in matching funds toward touring artists’ fees. Projects must feature in-region artists, include at least two public events, and may engage youth among other underserved audiences.

Kansas youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through the Hatton W Sumners Foundation to run civic education, engagement, and leadership programs. Grants support activities like mock legislative sessions, public policy conferences, teacher training on founding documents, and academic contests that teach the science and practice of American democratic self-government.

Kansas 501(c)(3) organizations running youth and family programs can access funding through Central Kansas Community Foundation to support children’s mental health, youth leadership, parenting education, and family-focused services. Grants of US $1,000 - US $2,500 are available for projects serving Harvey, Butler, Marion, Elk, Wilson, and Sedgwick (Valley Center) counties.

Kansas 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through literacy, education, healthy and active communities, or military and veteran support can apply for funding, primarily in the greater Kansas City metro area. Royals Charities provides grants that may benefit youth programs in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties and nearby Missouri counties within its service area.

Youth robotics teams in Kansas participating in FIRST programs can access funding to support STEM education activities. Grants from John Deere Foundation help teams near Coffeyville and other Inspire home communities cover registration and related costs, with priority for school- or 501(c)(3)-based teams serving underserved, underrepresented, or rural youth and those engaging John Deere employee mentors.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations and local government entities in Kansas and other Midwest states can receive US $5,000 - US $15,000 in matching funds to renovate baseball and softball fields. Royals Charities supports major upgrades like new sod, infields, fencing, dugouts, and other safety-related improvements for facilities primarily used by youth programs.

Kansas youth and family service nonprofits can seek one-year, unrestricted operating support for health, education, and financial stability programs through the Impact 100 opportunity. Focused on broad community well-being, United Way of Greater Kansas City invites area health and human service organizations, including those serving youth, across the six-county Kansas City metro region to apply.

Kansas communities under 5,000 people seeking funds for tangible economic revitalization projects can apply for $10,000 - $25,000 to enhance childcare, youth-serving libraries, community vibrancy, and food retail. Eligible applicants in specified Kansas counties include local governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofits, with a 10% match required.