Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Kansas

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Kansas can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program to fund conservation practices on working lands. Support covers technical and financial assistance to improve water and air quality, soil health, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience on eligible farm, ranch, and forest lands.

Kansas 501(c)(3) and similar nonprofits working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can access funding through McGraw Foundation for general operating support, projects, or occasional capital needs. Grants typically range from US $2,000 - US $10,000, with larger awards possible for especially promising, high-impact efforts.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 through the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship from the American Water Works Association. Focused on water industry challenges, this academic scholarship may benefit Kansas nonprofits partnering with or supporting such graduate research programs.

Kansas nonprofit organizations hosting community events or seeking general operating support can apply for community sponsorships that align with FNBO’s focus areas. Focused on community development, First National Bank of Omaha invites nonprofits to request unrestricted funding for fundraisers, festivals, arts and culture seasons, and other activities that strengthen local communities and residents’ well-being.

Nonprofit organizations planning capital campaigns or major facility projects in Kansas can apply for First National Bank of Omaha’s capital or major donations program. Funding supports specific projects in areas like affordable housing, environmental sustainability, entrepreneurship, education, community health, arts and culture, and community cohesion in FNBO’s Kansas service communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Kansas seeking support for economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture programs can apply for the Community Possible Grant Program. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help fund initiatives that address work, home, and play, with priority for organizations led by people of color in designated U.S. Bank communities.

Kansas 501(c)(3) public charities with programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible projects must primarily benefit Kansas communities served by Union Pacific and demonstrate strong DEI commitments and measurable community impact.

Agricultural and forestry producers in Kansas can apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program, receiving US $1,500 - US $4,000 annually to enhance conservation on working lands. This USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service program supports practices like improved grazing, crop resiliency, and wildlife habitat, and Kansas nonprofits that manage eligible lands as producers may benefit.

Kansas nonprofits serving women and children through self-sufficiency, education, and humanitarian aid programs can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation. The foundation provides up to US $750,000 for projects such as homelessness services, employment assistance, microfinance, food security, health care, child welfare, and disaster relief that build long-term resilience and sustainability.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Kansas conducting biomedical research can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support small-scale research projects and student research experiences. NIH provides up to US $375,000 to institutions that award baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH support, strengthening their research capacity and environment.

Early-career medical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country institutions conducting clinical trials can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, which offers approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Kansas nonprofits partnering with eligible LMIC investigators support global health research projects.

Early-career health researchers in Kansas who hold junior faculty positions at low- or middle-income country institutions can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 to support mentored research and protected time. This NIH program backs LMIC-based projects across diverse health disciplines under LMIC and U.S. mentorship.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations seeking funding for education-focused programs, youth initiatives, arts education, community services, or related efforts in Kansas and other U.S. regions can apply for grants from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $20,000. Focus areas include academic assistance, literacy, journalism, after-school programs, and quality-of-life improvements.

Kansas nonprofits, institutions, and similar organizations can seek sponsorship funding to support health-related congresses, events, or initiatives that provide tangible marketing or recognition benefits. Biogen Foundation considers a wide range of neurological and related disease areas, and reviews requests based on alignment with its interests, event details, and the event’s geographic location.

Regions Bank provides Kansas nonprofits with matching gift funding when recent Regions retirees donate to eligible 501(c) or 170(c) organizations. Organizations focused on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, service members and veterans, or individuals with disabilities can receive up to US $1,000 per retiree per year within the Regions footprint.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Kansas working on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. Eligible charities receive matched donations when full-time associates or recent retirees submit qualifying contributions within the program’s timeline.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, including those in Kansas, can seek general operating support for grassroots work in regenerative agriculture, climate justice, healthy food access, and pollution-free environments. Focused on community-centered change, Clif Family Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $50,000 grants, with preference for U.S.-based groups demonstrating strong local ties and budgets under $8MM.

Kansas nonprofits and public entities working on transportation and air quality can seek support for congestion mitigation projects through the Kansas Department of Transportation. Focused on reducing emissions, KDOT invites Kansas organizations to propose initiatives like bike-share systems, zero-emission vehicle purchases, refueling infrastructure, or similar projects that help meet Clean Air Act requirements.

Nonprofit and conservation organizations supporting regenerative agriculture and habitat conservation in Kansas and other eligible states can seek funding to expand technical assistance for private landowners. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Conservation Partners Program awards US $250,000 - US $750,000 for projects that help landowners plan, implement best practices, engage in Farm Bill programs, and share conservation outcomes.

The FNBO Impact Grant Program aims to empower nonprofit organizations that eliminate barriers to economic and social opportunities. Focusing on Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, and Financial Literacy, this initiative supports projects that enhance community well-being and promote personal economic self-sufficiency. While the 2025 grant cycle is closed, interested applicants should check back in early 2026 for updates on future funding opportunities.

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.

The KS AmeriCorps Operational Grant, managed by the Kansas Volunteer Commission, aims to enhance community service by funding organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in impactful interventions. This grant prioritizes educational outcomes, poverty alleviation, rural support, social justice, and youth development. Successful applicants must demonstrate that their programs align significantly with these priorities. While priority consideration is given, it does not guarantee funding, emphasizing the competitive nature of the grant.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.

The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund provides grants focusing on Education, Human Services, and Healthcare initiatives. The fund prioritizes programs with measurable outcomes that aim to alleviate poverty and suffering. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits and align with the fund's mission to create sustainable change. Applications are accepted by invitation only in specific regions, with a rolling deadline. The fund seeks collaborative efforts to maximize impact across its program areas.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund

The NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund supports the launch or expansion of clinical programs and new service areas that increase access to care for underserved patients. This funding is designed to help NAFC members introduce new services or grow existing programs that address unmet community health needs and improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.

The RNRF Implementation/Collaboration Grants support innovative projects that enhance collaboration among stakeholders to address critical challenges in environmental, social, and economic systems. Offering up to $200,000 for initiatives lasting 12 months or more, these grants aim to implement evidence-based practices and facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork. Eligible applicants must be from 501c3 organizations in the U.S., ensuring alignment with RNRF's mission and focus areas, fostering sustainable and impactful outcomes.