Best Pottawatomie County Grants for Nonprofits in Kansas

The Patterson Family Foundation's Innovation in Education Grant aims to enhance educational opportunities in rural communities. With a focus on creative proposals that foster new ideas for sustainable growth, the foundation invites eligible organizations in Kansas and western Missouri to apply. Registration is required before submitting a Letter of Intent, with specific deadlines for each funding round. This initiative underscores the foundation's commitment to supporting initiatives that empower local communities and promote long-term benefits.

Up to US $20,000

PLTW Gateway - New Program (In Partnership With: Caterpillar Foundation)

Our Mission

Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

STEM and CTE Grants for Your School

PLTW provides STEM and CTE-aligned curriculum grants for elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools to implement or expand PLTW Launch, PLTW Gateway, PLTW Computer Science, PLTW Engineering, and PLTW Biomedical Science STEM programs.

We work with companies and foundations across the U.S. to make these grants possible.

PLTW Gateway

Caterpillar Foundation understands the importance of equipping individuals and communities with the skills, resources and services they need to thrive in our changing world. Investments in workforce readiness and STEM aim to create human infrastructure through an empowered, prepared and skilled workforce.

Caterpillar Foundation has worked with PLTW to expand access to STEM education. Through this collaboration, Caterpillar Foundation is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.

PLTW Gateway

New Program

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US $25,000 - US $500,000

Innovation in Economic Opportunity

The Patterson Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering economic opportunity in rural areas through innovative proposals. They prioritize funding for regional innovation hubs and strategies aimed at industry diversification. Organizations eligible for support must be located in or serve communities in Kansas or western Missouri. With a strong commitment to education and community resilience, the Foundation aims to empower future generations while enhancing local economies.

Applications due Dec 15, 2026

Up to US $5,110

Kansas EMS Education Incentive Grant Program: Densely Settled Rural Counties and Cities

The Kansas EMS Education Incentive Grant Program supports licensed ambulance services in rural, frontier, and densely settled rural areas of Kansas. It aims to enhance the recruitment, training, and certification of EMS providers. Eligible services can apply for funding based on specific criteria, including costs for recruiting and initial training courses. The program also allocates funding amounts for continuing education and post-secondary education degrees, ensuring comprehensive support for EMS services throughout the grant cycles.

Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services

Unspecified amount

Community Impact Funding from Georgia-Pacific Foundation

Applications due Oct 31, 2026

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities can seek support for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects in Pottawatomie County, Kansas. Grants from Georgia-Pacific Foundation help communities near its manufacturing facilities fund programs that improve long-term well-being and sustainability.

Georgia-Pacific Foundation

US $100,000 - US $500,000

Childcare Grant

The Childcare Grant from the Patterson Family Foundation supports organizations in Kansas and western Missouri that enhance childcare services. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, school districts, and government entities focused on expanding childcare capacity, improving facilities, and making services more affordable for working families. Applications will be accepted through a Letter of Intent starting April 1, 2025, with a commitment to fostering thriving rural communities. The foundation emphasizes collaboration and sustainability in childcare initiatives.

Applications due Oct 17, 2027

Up to US $300,000

Commercial Rehabilitation Grant Program (KS)

The Kansas Community Development Block Grant Program aims to revitalize downtown areas by funding the rehabilitation of blighted commercial structures. This initiative, managed by the Kansas Department of Commerce, seeks to enhance the quality of life for residents and stimulate economic growth, particularly benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals. By strategically investing in key buildings, the program hopes to prevent further deterioration and act as a catalyst for positive change in local communities.

Kansas Department of Commerce

Up to US $10,000,000

Great Plains Grassland Fund

Applications due Jan 28, 2027

Great Plains Grassland Fund

The Great Plains Grassland Fund is a public-private grant fund that helps protect and sustainably manage the native grasslands of the Great Plains by pairing land protection strategies with technical and financial assistance for ranchers. The program aims to permanently conserve high-value grasslands at risk of conversion through easements and other durable land protection tools; support ranchers and communities with resources to improve grazing management, maintain working lands, and keep grasslands intact; and build a durable funding mechanism that leverages public and private capital, supports qualified implementation partners, and advances community-led conservation projects across the region.

Summary

The Fund will operate as a funding mechanism to facilitate capital aggregation and disbursement to strategically protect grasslands across the Great Plains. The primary objectives for this Fund include:

Permanently protect land using conservation easements in areas with high conservation value, high conversion risk, and strong community buy-in
Leverage technical and financial resources to improve grazing land management in and around the areas under protection status
Engage local communities in identifying sites for protection and planning conservation and grazing land management
Measure and report key progress indicators for conversion, biodiversity, water and rancher livelihoods

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

Up to US $40,000

Healthy Lifestyles Funding for Kansas Nonprofits via Topeka Community Foundation

Applications due Jun 30, 2027

Nonprofit organizations running programs to improve health habits and lifestyles for residents of Pottawatomie County, Kansas and nearby counties can seek multi-year Healthy Lifestyles support, with awards up to US $40,000 for program costs like staff, marketing, technology, planning, and consultants. Topeka Community Foundation administers these grants and excludes capital projects, vehicles, debt retirement, and grants to individuals.

Topeka Community Foundation

US $10,000

PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion (In Partnership with Caterpillar Foundation)

Our Mission

Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

STEM and CTE Grants for Your School

We work with companies and foundations across the U.S. to make these grants possible.

PLTW Gateway

Program Expansion

US $5,000

PLTW Launch - Program Expansion (In Partnership With: Caterpillar Foundation)

Our Mission

Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

STEM and CTE Grants for Your School

We work with companies and foundations across the U.S. to make these grants possible.

PLTW Launch

Program Expansion

Unspecified amount

Literacy Advancement Grant

The Literacy Advancement Grant, offered by the Patterson Family Foundation, aims to enhance foundational literacy skills in rural communities of Kansas and western Missouri. This grant supports public school districts and eligible nonprofits in implementing effective educational initiatives that foster reading comprehension and family engagement. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate community impact and sustainability in their proposals, ensuring a lasting benefit to local literacy efforts.

Unspecified amount

Early College Pathways

The Early College Pathways program by the Patterson Family Foundation aims to empower students to earn both a high school diploma and college credit. This initiative fosters partnerships between school districts and accredited colleges, enhancing educational attainment while reducing costs. By supporting local career transitions and strengthening the workforce pipeline, it promotes sustainable growth in rural communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and educational entities serving Kansas and western Missouri, focusing on student success and community engagement.

Up to US $10,000

PLTW Launch - New Program (In Partnership With: Caterpillar Foundation)

Our Mission

Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

STEM and CTE Grants for Your School

We work with companies and foundations across the U.S. to make these grants possible.

PLTW Launch

: PLTW Launch

: New Program

Applications due Oct 1, 2027

Up to US $2,000

BCBSKS Foundation - Healthy Habits for Life Grants

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation offers Healthy Habits for Life Grants to support schools in promoting healthy lifestyle choices for K-12 students. With a maximum grant of $2,000 per school, programs may include initiatives that reduce cardiovascular risk, increase physical activity, and reinforce positive mental health. Schools are encouraged to collaborate on unique projects, such as gardens, health fairs, and fitness activities, aiming to instill lifelong healthy habits in students.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas

Unspecified amount

Trades Workforce Development Grant

The Trades Workforce Development Grant, offered by the Patterson Family Foundation, aims to support skill development in high-demand trades like HVAC, plumbing, and welding. Organizations in Kansas and western Missouri can apply starting April 1, 2025. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance community engagement and offer pathways to quality jobs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities. Early submission of the Letter of Intent is encouraged for timely review and consideration.

Unspecified amount

Chronic Disease Prevention, Screening, and Education Grants

The Patterson Family Foundation offers Chronic Disease Prevention, Screening, and Education Grants aimed at community initiatives that enhance health management. This funding supports programs that increase awareness of chronic conditions, promote healthy behaviors, and provide access to screening and education in rural areas. Projects must demonstrate community impact and readiness for implementation, focusing on early detection and long-term health improvement for residents in Kansas and western Missouri.

Applications due Aug 10, 2027

Unspecified amount

Caring Community Foundation (CCF) Grant

About

The Caring Community Foundation (CCF) is about connecting, growing and giving – growing funds for the future of our local communities and connecting donors to needs they care about, right here at home. The CCF was initiated in 2015 to serve the general geographic area of Pottawatomie, Marshall, Nemaha and Jackson Counties in Kansas. From its inception, the Foundation has been busy pursuing its action-oriented vision: Enhancing Vibrant Communities!

As a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity accepted by the IRS, the Caring Community Foundation is an independent entity created to fill the need for a local organization to support local charitable causes. As a community foundation, the CCF can help support a wide variety of charitable causes for individuals, families, organizations and communities. Whether you are interested in education, healthcare, sports, agriculture, community support, or something else, contributing to the Foundation can make a difference for the cause dearest to you!

Caring Community Foundation (CCF) Grant

The Caring Community Foundation (CCF) exists to help enhance the vibrant communities of rural northeast Kansas. We want to develop strong relationships with our local non-profits who serve community needs with the hope that our collective efforts will revitalize our hometowns. We believe this will help make optimal communities in which to raise a family, access quality education, grow businesses, and experience art and culture.

The CCF is making $6,000 available through a competitive grant process to nonprofits based in our service area (see heart graphic). These grants will be provided by the CCF Community Fund, which is supported by our donors. We are grateful to all for making these grants possible!

Proposals are to be submitted electronically, or on paper, by Monday, August 10, 2026 to Valerie Ramage, Executive Director, Caring Community Foundation at vramage@ccfks.org or P.O. Box 54, Onaga, KS. 66521. Awards will be announced by September 11, 2026. Projects must be completed by October 31, 2027. A final narrative and budget report of the project is due to vramage@ccfks.org by December 1st, 2027. Non-compliance with these terms by an awardee, as determined by the Caring Community Foundation Board of Directors, will require the awardee to return the award to the CCF within 60 days of notification of such determination.

What can be funded: Charitable efforts that support community development or service, local arts, health, education, and/or local non-profit organization success.

Caring Community Foundation

Unspecified amount

Ferguson Cares Grant

Rolling deadline

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

Ferguson

Up to US $800,000

Water and Sewer Infrastructure Grant Program

Pre proposal due Sep 15, 2027

The Water and Sewer Infrastructure Grant Program, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, allocates $1 million in 2024 to support essential water and sewer projects in communities with populations over 5,000. Each eligible project can receive up to $800,000, with a required 25% cash match. Funding is intended for infrastructure improvements, engineering costs, and administrative expenses, making it vital for enhancing community water systems.

Kansas Department of Commerce

Unspecified amount

Open Call Grant: Adult Learning

Patterson Family Foundation

The Patterson Family Foundation was established to reinvest in rural communities and cultivate values of education and hard work for current and future generations. Currently, the Foundation is led by the adult children of the Patterson Family.

The Patterson Family Foundation, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is a family-led foundation that extends the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson. The Foundation’s mission, “Working together to help rural communities thrive,” is carried forward through strategic grantmaking and other collaborative initiatives that serve rural counties across Kansas and western Missouri.

Where We Serve

We are geographically focused on assisting Kansas and western Missouri counties with fewer than 50,000 residents.

Our impact is realized through four interconnected priorities:

Economic Opportunity

Our vision: Rural communities have resilient economies that offer diverse and stable career opportunities for all residents.
We are committed to keeping rural economies strong by helping grow and retain great talent, attracting former and new residents, and investing in opportunities that strengthen and diversify local and regional economies

Education

Our vision: All students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.
A strong education system is at the heart of a thriving community, and we’re working alongside educators, families, and local leaders to help it grow. This means supporting and developing exceptional teachers, providing students with opportunities to develop skills and experience, and creating more hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for the future.

Healthcare

Our vision: Communities have access to high-quality healthcare services, leading to improved health outcomes and increased well-being for all residents.
Access to quality healthcare is essential for keeping rural communities strong. We work to expand the healthcare workforce, improve access to essential services, and empower all rural residents to lead long, healthy lives.

Community Engagement

Our vision: Residents are actively engaged in decision-making process, contribute to community development, and have a strong sense of belonging and purpose.
Strong communities are built through local leadership, volunteerism, and collaboration. We work alongside communities to drive grassroots engagement and empower multi-generational leaders. Through regional partnerships and strong community foundations, we help communities deepen relationships, expand opportunities, and steward local resources for future generations.

Open Call Grants

Patterson Family Foundation’s Open Call Grants are publicly announced and submitted through the Grants Portal. Applications are reviewed using criteria aligned with the Foundation’s priorities, including community impact, feasibility, sustainability, and readiness to implement the proposed work in the Kansas or western Missouri rural community.

Open Call Grant: Adult Learning

This opportunity supports adult learners in building literacy, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning skills. Funding helps reduce barriers to participation and expands equitable access to evidence-based education that prepares adults for meaningful employment, civic engagement, and personal advancement. Projects should strengthen community-based programs, support innovation, and align adult learning with local workforce needs, with priority given to organizations in our rural catchment area or partnering with local employers. Applicants should plan to report on learner participation, skills or credentials gained, employment or career advancements, and partnerships that connect adult learners to local opportunities.

Eligible uses of funds include:

Funding for new instructors and staff training
Instructional materials
Technology and digital learning tools
Outreach and recruitment
Support services that reduce participation barriers
Program evaluation and data collection

US $100,000 - US $500,000

Preventative Care Access Grant

The Preventative Care Access Grant from the Patterson Family Foundation aims to enhance healthcare delivery models in rural communities across Kansas and western Missouri. Organizations eligible for funding can develop innovative solutions such as mobile health and telehealth services to improve access to care. Registration is required before submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI), with deadlines set for April and July 2025. This initiative supports projects that directly benefit the foundation's target areas.

Unspecified amount

High School Career and Technical Education Grant

The High School Career and Technical Education Grant supports the expansion and modernization of educational programs for high school students in rural communities. This initiative aims to equip students with the skills needed for high-demand industries, fostering economic growth and community development. Eligible organizations can submit a Letter of Intent starting April 1, 2025, with specific deadlines for consideration. The Patterson Family Foundation emphasizes collaboration to enhance access to quality education and job opportunities.

Unspecified amount

Mental Health Services Grant

Rooted in rural.

Committed to your community

Our Mission

Working together to help rural communities thrive.

Grant Types

Open Call Grants

This opportunity increases access to mental health support by expanding services, strengthening local care networks, and promoting prevention, harm reduction, and behavioral health education. Projects should create supportive environments that reduce stigma, increase awareness, and help residents access appropriate care. Applicants should plan to report on services delivered, residents served, improvements in access or awareness, and partnerships that enhance local mental health support.