Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Kansas

Nonprofit organizations working on basic needs, education, economic development, or community safety in Kansas and other BOK Financial service areas can apply for BOKF Foundation’s charitable contributions. Funding supports programs that enhance quality of life and economic wellbeing, and Kansas nonprofits with operating or programmatic needs in these pillars may be eligible.

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on education, community development, health, arts, or youth and family services can apply for Hall Family Foundation support, primarily in the greater Kansas City region. Grants from Hall Family Foundation help organizations fund capital projects and programs that enrich communities, reduce inequity, and improve quality of life.

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and churches can seek mini grants to test new projects improving health and health equity. Kansas organizations can access funding through Kansas Health Foundation’s Kansas Innovation Fund, which offers up to US $5,000 for innovative ideas addressing health disparities and the underlying factors causing poor health outcomes in Kansas communities.

About Us

The Phillips County Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 Kansas Nonprofit Corporation dedicated to promoting civic pride and community cohesiveness, encouraging community projects of all types, raising and granting funds, and providing avenues for the community and individuals to financially support their interests. The Phillips County Community Foundation also serves as a conduit to facilitate giving from private or family foundations to organizations and causes.

History

The Phillips County Community Foundation (PCCF) is a 501(c)3 public non-profit foundation created to conduct charitable and educational services for residents of Phillips County. The Foundation began in 2003, as Phillips County Development and Community Foundation, Inc. It now operates as PCCF with a 10-member Board. In addition to managing endowments, funds and scholarships, the Foundation owns the Fischer Building and operates the Entrepreneurial Center (E-Center).

Phillips County Community Foundation: Mini-Grant

Discover how we empower the Phillips County community through our Mini Grants program. Apply for funding up to $1,000 for your projects. Download the form, complete it, and submit via email to pccf@phillipscofounation.org or drop it off at our office. 

Kansas and nearby 501(c)(3) nonprofits and rural governmental entities advancing health equity through coverage and care can access funding through Reach Healthcare Foundation’s Rapid Equity Fund. Awards up to US $10,000 in unrestricted support for small-budget, grassroots organizations serving Black, Brown, immigrant, refugee, and rural communities with healthcare access and related services.

The Sheridan County Community Foundation offers Larger Project Grants to support organizations enhancing the quality of life in Sheridan County, Kansas. Grants are available for programs, supplies, and short-term community needs, with a focus on projects that strengthen local communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, educational institutions, and governmental entities. The foundation reviews applications monthly, ensuring that funds are directed towards impactful initiatives that respond to evolving community priorities.

About Us

As an affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation (GNWKCF), we join a collective of area community foundations aimed at increasing philanthropic giving in the northwest Kansas region. Both endowed (long-term, invested funds) and non-endowed (short-term, “pass-though”) funds are developed to provide financial support to 501(c)(3) and other qualifying non-profit organizations and for charitable purposes to benefit area residents.

When you partner with the SCCF for your philanthropic endeavors, your fund(s) will be commingled with other funds and managed professionally by the GNWKCF. Your fund assets will grow over time and have a lasting impact for years to come!

Our Available Grant Funds

To support a wide range of community needs, the Sheridan County Community Foundation utilizes multiple funding “buckets,” including unrestricted community funds, designated funds, field-of-interest funds, and other available grantmaking resources. This flexible structure allows us to match projects with the most appropriate sources of support and maximize the overall impact of each grant awarded. In some cases, the Foundation may also recommend additional or complementary funding from individual fund holders — particularly Donor Advised Funds — as we collaborate with donors to develop new funding streams and expand opportunities to meet evolving community priorities.

Sheridan County Community Foundation: Sponsorship Requests  (Up to $500)

Our Sponsorship Grant Program supports local events, seasonal activities, and community gatherings that bring people together across Sheridan County.

Ideal for:

• Community celebrations, fundraisers, youth activities, and annual events that enhance local quality of life.

Program Highlights:

• Awards of up to $500 per request
• Approximately 10 sponsorships awarded each year
• Maximum of $500 per organization per year
• Simple, streamlined application

Examples of supported events include: community recreation seasons, benefit walks and runs, fairs and rodeos, school and youth activities, holiday celebrations, and other local traditions.

General Grantmaking Criteria

We support projects and programs that benefit Sheridan County residents and strengthen local communities. Organizations based outside Sheridan County may apply if their project directly benefits Sheridan County.

Examples of eligible projects include:

• Community programs or services that meet local needs or advance your organization’s mission
• Seed funding to launch new projects, programs, or organizations (including start-up operating costs)
• Capacity building to strengthen organizational effectiveness — such as technology or equipment upgrades, professional development, staff expansion, or training
• Capital improvements including facility renovation or new construction
• Endowment support to ensure long-term sustainability of a program or organization

Kansas state and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes needing capital for rural water, sewer, solid waste, or stormwater infrastructure can apply for this USDA Rural Development program. Grants and loans can cover construction, improvements, related legal and engineering fees, land and equipment, and start-up operations for eligible rural areas and small towns.

Tri-County Electric Cooperative provides Kansas nonprofits, community-based organizations, schools, and emergency services with funding for charitable, educational, and emergency service projects. Organizations in Morton County and Sherman County may receive up to US $5,000 annually through the Operation Round Up program to support local community needs and public safety efforts.

Kansas rural local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes can receive USDA Rural Development assistance to prepare for or recover from emergencies that threaten safe drinking water. This program funds waterline extensions, repairs, and new water sources, including wells, reservoirs, and treatment plants, in eligible low-income rural areas and small towns.

Helen S. Boylan Foundation provides Kansas nonprofit organizations and public agencies with funding for arts, education, health, human services, environment, and public interest projects. Eligible 501(c)(3)s in the greater Kansas City area may request support for new initiatives, program expansion, capital improvements, building renovations, or, in some cases, general operating needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wyandotte County, Kansas can apply for funding to support community development, education, human services, health, cultural programs, and veteran and military support. Grants from Penn National Gaming help Kansas nonprofits cover local program and operating needs that benefit residents where the company has a business interest.

Nonprofits, schools, government, and religious entities in Kansas working on public health in Cloud County can receive operating and project support, including seed money, capacity building, capital improvements, and endowment growth. Greater Salina Community Foundation provides these grants to strengthen healthy lifestyles, behaviors, and environments through the Cloud County Public Health Fund.

Grants from this fund help Kansas public health organizations in Ottawa County cover operating, program, and capacity-building costs that promote community health and well-being. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational, governmental, and religious entities seeking support for projects, new initiatives, technology, equipment, capital improvements, or endowment related to public health.

Focused on public health, Greater Salina Community Foundation invites Kansas nonprofits, schools, government, and religious entities in Lincoln County and USD 298/299 areas to apply for support. Funding can cover operating costs, new health programs, capacity building, equipment, capital improvements, or endowments that promote healthy lifestyles, behaviors, and environments.

Nonprofits, schools, government, and religious entities in Kansas focused on public health and healthy living programs can access funding through Greater Salina Community Foundation to support preventative health initiatives in Washington County. Grants may cover operating support for new programs, capacity building, capital improvements, seed funding, and endowment related to community health projects.

Kansas public health and community organizations can seek funding for programs, operating support, and capacity building that promote healthy living in the Smoky Valley area. Focused on public health, Greater Salina Community Foundation invites 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational, governmental, and religious entities to apply for projects including new programs, capital improvements, technology, and endowment support tied to specific initiatives.

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, government, and religious entities can receive operating, program, seed, capacity-building, capital, or endowment support for public health and healthy living projects in the Smoky Valley area. Greater Salina Community Foundation’s Smoky Valley Healthy Living Fund may also consider charitable community projects led by other groups partnering with an eligible fiscal agent.

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.

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.

Nonprofit, educational, governmental, and religious organizations in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego Counties in Kansas can receive funding for community projects, operating support, and capacity building. Greater Salina Community Foundation’s Heartland Area Action Fund supports a wide range of initiatives, from new programs and capital improvements to endowments that enhance quality of life in the Heartland area.

Nonprofit public charities, private operating foundations, and government units in Kansas’s Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford counties can apply for Golden Belt Community Foundation’s Spring Community Building Grant, with awards up to US $3,000 for charitable community projects. Funding supports quality of life, arts and culture, community destinations, economic opportunity, and planning and development.

Nonprofits and other eligible organizations strengthening internal operations can receive US $100,000 - US $250,000 for capacity building, including leadership, board development, technology, evaluation, and strategic planning in the Kansas City region. Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation supports efforts that advance equitable economic mobility, which may benefit Kansas organizations working in entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, education access, and nonprofit development impacting Kansas Citians.

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for education, arts and culture, health, or human services projects can apply for funding that covers capital, program, or operating needs. Focused on broad community benefit, Kerr Foundation invites eligible organizations in Kansas and surrounding states to propose initiatives that expand opportunities, particularly for young people.

Nonprofit and local government partners in Kansas can use this program to fund street outreach, emergency shelters, essential services, homelessness prevention, and rapid re-housing operations. With a mission to expand housing solutions, Kansas Housing Resources Corporation provides ESG funding components that can support ongoing operating needs for homelessness services and supportive housing providers.

Executive leaders of 501(c)(3) public charities focused on nonprofit growth and development in Kansas City–area counties can be nominated for the Kauffman Uncommon Leader Visionary Award. Focused on advancing economic mobility, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation honors innovative, community-centered leadership with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $150,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations seeking general operating support for financial literacy, entrepreneurship, STEM/STEAM, or community-focused programs may be eligible, including those in Kansas. Grants from Deluxe Corporation Foundation help nonprofits partnered with its employee resource groups address youth achievement, women’s and veterans’ services, disability inclusion, LGBTQIA+ equity, disaster recovery, and related social issues nationwide.