Best Quality of Life Grants in Kansas

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading sporting goods retailer, supports community initiatives by providing donations to registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Their focus is on promoting safety and responsibility in sports and outdoor activities. Proposals must foster community engagement and must not be affiliated with religious or political groups. Events should take place in areas with Academy stores, ensuring a positive local impact while encouraging active lifestyles and connection among community members.

BOK Charitable Contributions aims to enhance community life and economic wellbeing across several states, focusing on four key pillars: United Way, economic development, education, and basic needs. The foundation supports organizations that address poverty, education, and community health. Their strategic approach ensures impactful contributions, and they welcome grant applications year-round. BOK Financial's commitment is evident in its partnerships with local nonprofits, fostering sustainable growth and development in the regions they serve.

The Dwane & Velma Wallace Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations in Wichita, Kansas, focusing on areas such as arts, education, community development, social services, and quality of life. Grants are available to entities that enhance community welfare, but requests for fundraising events, operating deficits, and individual scholarships are not eligible. The foundation aims to empower local organizations to create a positive impact, reflecting the legacy of Dwane and Velma Wallace.

The Hall Family Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Kansas City by funding initiatives that elevate community spirit, promote equity, and create strong educational foundations. Prioritizing economic opportunities for marginalized communities, the foundation supports projects that foster inclusivity and holistic approaches to poverty reduction. With a commitment to innovative and collaborative efforts, the foundation aims to ensure that all community members can realize their potential and thrive.

The Deihl Humanities Grants, established by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, aim to support community and public arts or humanities projects that enhance the quality of life in Manhattan and Riley County, Kansas. With a focus on proposals exceeding $10,000, these grants encourage initiatives that bring humanities to life through public programming, fostering community engagement and connections among individuals.

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.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation, in collaboration with the Greater Salina Community Foundation, offers community grants aimed at enhancing life quality in North Central Kansas. These grants prioritize projects in education, health care, social services, conservation, arts, and community beautification. Notably, preference is given to initiatives fostering community involvement and volunteerism, while excluding funding for tax-supported programs or general operational expenses.

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant supports local nonprofits in Bourbon County, including public charities, schools, and government agencies. Established in 2007, it aims to enhance the quality of life in the Fort Scott area by connecting donors with worthy causes. Grant applications are accepted annually in August, evaluated in September, and awarded in late October. The foundation prioritizes sustainable projects and collaborations to maximize impact.

The Future Fund Giving Circle, part of the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas, unites friends and family from the Pittsburg area to support local nonprofits, schools, and government institutions in Crawford County. Since its inception in 2006, it has awarded over $179,000 in grants, including nearly $18,500 in 2023. The fund encourages charitable giving to enhance the quality of life in the region, with grant applications available each August.

The Tourism Marketing Grant Program, managed by the Kansas Department of Commerce's Tourism Division, aims to support innovative marketing efforts by Destination Marketing Organizations and tourism businesses in Kansas. This initiative encourages economic growth by enhancing the state's image as a tourist destination, increasing visitation, and improving community quality of life. By leveraging Kansas Tourism's resources, recipients can launch impactful promotional activities that attract more visitors to the region.

The Herington Community Legacy Grant, established in 2019 by The Community Foundation of Dickinson County, aims to support nonprofits in the Herington area. It prioritizes funding for community development, arts, education, and health services. Eligible organizations may apply for both this grant and the Community Foundation's Grant Cycle. However, it excludes funding for general operating expenses, capital campaigns, and individuals, emphasizing projects that foster collaboration and volunteerism.

The Emporia Community Foundation (ECF) provides grants to support innovative projects that address community needs in health, education, recreation, and cultural affairs. Targeting the counties of Lyon, Chase, Greenwood, Morris, Osage, Coffey, and Wabaunsee, ECF aims to enhance the quality of life for local citizens. Preference is given to initiatives not directly tax-supported, ensuring that community-driven efforts can thrive and contribute to a stronger, more connected region.

The Helen S. Boylan Foundation, established in 1982, aims to enhance community life in Carthage, Missouri, the Greater Kansas City Area, and Lindale, Texas. It provides quarterly grants to non-profit organizations focused on arts, education, health, and wellness. The foundation prioritizes innovative projects and multi-year funding for initiatives benefiting local citizens. Eligible recipients include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while grants for individuals or sectarian activities are excluded. Proposals should focus on new initiatives or capital improvements.

The Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas, empowers women by funding initiatives that enhance their health and quality of life. Through its Women’s Giving Circle and Circle of Friends, the Fund has awarded over $350,000 since 2007, supporting projects focused on education and awareness. Grants range from $2,000 to over $2,000, ensuring vital resources reach nonprofits dedicated to women's health in Southeast Kansas.

The Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas Grant provides an opportunity for residents to contribute to their community through philanthropic efforts. Open from September 1 to October 1, 2023, it supports non-profit organizations, schools, and government entities. The Foundation enables citizens to make impactful gifts, from memorial contributions to ongoing support for children's issues, ensuring that charitable efforts enhance the quality of life in Southwest Kansas.

The George H. Nettleton Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for older adults in the Greater Kansas City area by funding unmet basic needs. The foundation envisions a healthy senior population and invites both new and existing programs to apply. Grants typically average under $100,000 and can extend for a maximum of two years. Agencies must be licensed 501C3 and serve specific counties in Missouri and Kansas.

The Kansas Attraction Development Grant Program aims to foster sustainable tourism by funding projects that enhance travel experiences within the state. With a total of $1,000,000 available, the program supports public and private entities in creating new attractions or improving existing ones, ultimately driving economic growth, increasing visitation, and enriching community life. Eligible applicants include non-profits and government agencies, with a focus on projects that provide demonstrable ties to the tourism industry.

Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC) offers the Operation Round Up program, a charitable initiative that allows members to round up their electric bills for community projects. This program supports nonprofits, schools, and emergency services within TCEC's service area in Oklahoma and Texas. Each participating meter contributes an average of $6 annually, significantly impacting local organizations. Grants are capped at $5,000 per organization, ensuring focused support for essential services and educational initiatives.

The SEED Grant program, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, aims to revitalize Kansas communities with populations under 5,000 through funding for quality-of-life projects. Eligible projects include childcare and senior programming, community vibrancy initiatives, food retail access, and library enhancements. Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000, requiring a 10% match and completion within 12 months. This initiative fosters economic growth and community well-being in eligible counties across Kansas.

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.

Heartland Community Foundation: Heartland Area Action Fund

The Heartland Area Action Fund is an unrestricted community grant funds designated to support current and future charitable needs of communities in the Heartland area. 

What do the funds support?

The funds support a wide variety of community needs and populations with one common goal- to improve the quality of life of the Heartland area.

Grants are typically restricted to the geographic areas served by the community foundation.

What type of support is funded?

• Projects or programs that serve the community and/or advance the mission of the organization
• Seed money to establish or initiate a new project, program, or organization, including operating expenses
• Capacity building or activities that strengthen an organization to increase its ability to fulfill its mission, including technology & equipment, professional development & training, additional staff to implement a new program, etc.
• Capital improvements including new construction or renovation of a facility
• Endowment funds to provide permanent and long-term support for an organization or program

The Wichita Wagonmasters, through their Good Life Grants established in 2012, aim to enhance the quality of life in Wichita, Kansas. These grants support a variety of community projects that promote collaboration among nonprofits, fiscal soundness, and sustainable solutions. Eligible applicants must be IRS-exempt organizations with measurable outcomes. However, requests for general operational support, fundraising activities, and religious purposes are not accepted. The foundation seeks to showcase Wichita as a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

The Dr. George & Jeanne Tiller Fund Grant supports nonprofits in Kansas focused on advancing women's health. Since its inception, it has awarded over $1 million, emphasizing reproductive health services and education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing. Grants range up to $25,000. The fund prioritizes projects that provide comprehensive health services, medical education, and support for women in need. Applications are subject to board approval, with specific exclusions for business expenses and advertisements.

The Golden Belt Community Foundation's Spring Community Building Grant supports diverse projects aimed at enhancing quality of life in Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford Counties. This grant encourages collaborative, measurable, and sustainable initiatives that positively impact the community. Eligible applicants include public charities, government units, and occasionally other nonprofits and businesses, provided the projects are charitable in nature. Favorable projects are those that leverage matching funds to maximize community benefits.

The Unified Government Hollywood Casino Fund Grant aims to enhance community health in Wyandotte County by funding initiatives that promote healthy eating and physical activity. It prioritizes projects that leverage additional funding, align with local strategic goals, and reach underserved populations. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Wyandotte residents. Exclusions apply to capital campaigns, individual support, and lobbying activities, ensuring a focus on impactful community programs.

The Sisters' Circle Fund, established in 2016, aims to enhance charitable giving within African American communities in Greater Kansas City. This fund awards grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving quality of life and providing essential services in the region. Eligible nonprofits must have 501(c)(3) status and focus on serving African-Americans in specific counties in Missouri and Kansas. This initiative fosters impactful community development and strengthens local support networks.

Who We Aare

Since 1983, the Topeka Community Foundation has worked to improve the quality of life in our region through an active partnership with donors and others who believe, as we do, that positive change occurs through effective charitable giving. Today, the Community Foundation manages almost 400 charitable funds established by individuals, families, and businesses and nonprofit organizations. Together, these funds represent ordinary people who have made extraordinary commitments to our community.

Healthy Lifestyles Grants

Requests may include (but are not restricted to):

• staff salaries,
• marketing expenses,
• technology,
• strategic planning and
• consultants.