Best Saline County Grants for Nonprofits in Kansas

Nonprofit organizations, community groups, and individuals doing charitable projects in northern McPherson County and southern Saline County can seek flexible community development support. Grants from Smoky Valley Community Foundation help Saline County, Kansas organizations improve quality of life through projects that address current or future needs in the Smoky Valley area.

Catholic dioceses and parishes in Extension dioceses can seek funding for constructing, expanding, or renovating Catholic churches and related facilities, including in Saline County, Kansas. Grants from Catholic Extension help under-resourced Catholic communities with minor repair and equipment needs and major building projects through matching challenges, generally up to US $100,000.

Individuals and families facing leukemia, lymphoma, or transplant-related expenses in Saline County, Kansas can receive help with uncovered medical, travel, or lodging costs through this memorial fund. With a mission to build community endowments, Greater Salina Community Foundation provides up to US $2,000 per applicant; funding is limited and first come, first served.

The L.P. “Pat” Mullen Fund, established by the Greater Salina Community Foundation, supports youth education in Saline County, KS, focusing on arts, humanities, technology, and science. It provides funding for hands-on learning opportunities and the enhancement of existing programs for youth aged 0-18. Grants are available to various entities, including nonprofits and educational institutions, while ensuring that applicants adhere to specific eligibility criteria.

The GSCF Fund for Early Childhood Care, Education & Development Grants aims to prepare children in Ottawa and Saline Counties for kindergarten. Established by Mark and Jane Berkley, it supports organizations that address the educational and developmental needs of children aged 0-6, particularly those facing poverty or barriers to learning. Early education significantly enhances children's chances of academic success and future employment, making these grants vital for community growth and well-being.

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.

The Regional Water Implementation Grant aims to enhance collaboration among water systems in Kansas by providing funding for preliminary engineering studies. With a maximum funding amount of $1,000,000 for 2024, this grant encourages projects that consolidate systems, expand water supply districts, and connect previously unlinked public water supply systems. A 50% match can be sourced from local or KDHE funds, promoting effective water management across the state.

The GSCF Kansas Health Foundation Fund supports public health initiatives in Saline County, KS, focusing on healthy lifestyles and preventative programs. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government entities, and religious organizations. The fund seeks projects that enhance community health and well-being, offering seed money, capacity building, and capital improvements, while excluding healthcare for the ill and political initiatives. For more information, visit the Kansas Health Foundation's website.

The Assaria Community Fund, managed by the Greater Salina Community Foundation, supports charitable projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents of Assaria, Kansas. This fund provides resources for community-serving initiatives, seed funding for new projects, and capacity-building efforts. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, requests for political projects or those that involve discrimination will not be considered. The fund emphasizes community collaboration and sustainable development.

The Lewis H. Humphreys Charitable Trust Grant supports educational, cultural, human services, and healthcare programming for underserved populations in East Central Kansas. Established in 2004, the Trust offers grants for general operating, program, and capital support. Projects must meet compelling community needs and provide broad social benefits. Eligible organizations must specifically serve East Central Kansas residents. Grants are typically awarded for a duration of one year, aligning with the Trust's commitment to community enhancement.

Nonprofit or municipal leaders seeking to rehabilitate blighted downtown commercial buildings in Saline County, Kansas can access this Community Development Block Grant-funded program for up to US $300,000. With a mission to develop viable communities, Kansas Department of Commerce supports projects that improve commercial districts and expand economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents across Kansas.

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.

NW Kansas CARES for Kids

Access to quality early childhood education is important to the quality of life and economic health of every community. 

NW Kansas CARES for Kids includes multiple grants designed to assist childcare centers and qualified family childcare homes (formerly group homes) in attracting and retaining staff, providing educational materials, and also helping to sustain existing slots and to provide more slots for Northwest Kansas children.

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 Staff Support Grants

Though they are charged with caring for our most precious assets, classroom helpers and teachers in the early childhood field are historically low-wage earners. The Early Childhood Education Staff Support Grant is designed to provide financial recognition for these important workers, reduce costs associated with staff turnover, and stabilize the workforce.

Originally piloted for 5 years, the grant has been enhanced and renewed for another 5 years.

The Capitol Federal Foundation, established in 1999, aims to enhance community life by investing in education, housing, and charitable efforts. This private foundation partners with employees to support local charities through matching contributions. With a commitment to community since 1893, it focuses on empowering future generations and addressing vital community needs, ensuring a lasting impact on the quality of life for residents.

Parents or guardians of youth baseball players in Saline County, Kansas who face financial barriers can apply for the Youth Baseball Fund, administered by Greater Salina Community Foundation. Grants help cover local league costs such as registration, tournaments, uniforms, equipment, and clinics for eligible children, with awards distributed first come, first served.

Our mission is to enhance quality of life, today and in the future, by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Building a permanent endowment
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Meeting needs through grants, awards, and scholarships

Richard and Lou Ann Bergen Scholarship in the Creative Arts

Amount

Minimum $1,000

Geographic Limitations

Saline County high school seniors attending either Bethany College, Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas State University, Kansas Wesleyan University, University of Kansas or Wichita State University.

Renewals

Scholarship is renewable up to four years.

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 Start-up or Expansion Grants

This grant is for the start up or expansion of licensed home-based, qualifying family childcare homes (formerly group homes), or childcare centers. 

To assist communities to start or expand quality nonprofit early education centers or group homes in Northwest Kansas. In certain situations, the Hansen Foundation can also work through governmental or qualified non-profit entities to assist in the start-up or sustainability of licensed childcare homes.

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 Enhancement Grants

A quality childcare center should be more than a place where children are safe and fed. Science is clear about the critical importance of a child’s first three years of brain development. The early years are the platform from which all learning starts. 

This grant is designed to offer assistance to nonprofit childcare centers or family childcare homes (formerly group homes) with needs such as office equipment, outdoor space needs, curriculum, books, or other items.

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.

Staffing Assistance Grants

The Hansen Foundation recognizes that having dedicated professional staff can help community foundations grow faster and better serve their communities. With that in mind, the Hansen Foundation partnered with the Patterson Family Foundation to offer an opportunity for countywide community foundations in the Hansen service area to receive assistance to hire full-time staff.

Community Foundation must apply for the grant opportunity through the Hansen Foundation’s grant portal. 

About Us

Mission

The mission of CKCF is Building Stronger Communities Through Charitable Giving. Located in Newton, CKCF is a host foundation to 18 affiliates in the central Kansas region, supporting rural philanthropy.

History

The CKCF based in Newton, Kansas is thriving as a viable community foundation serving Newton while also being host to numerous affiliate community foundations throughout central Kansas. The Central Kansas Community Foundation was originally founded in 1994. Following a stable history serving a tri-county area the foundation merged in 2009 with the well-established Greater Newton Community Foundation. Today, the CKCF continues to demonstrate a commitment to strengthening communities across the entire Central Kansas region.

USD 484 Fredonia Schools Grant

As the Fredonia Community Foundation, an affiliate of Central Kansas Community Foundation, works to increase awareness in the community of our mission, we hope to continue our partnership with the staff of USD 484. We know that in a time of conservative spending, teachers may have classroom needs and/or opportunities that are outside of your annual classroom budget. We are dedicating $5,000 to these grants.

Proposals may be written for classroom materials, special project/programs, or field trips. Think creatively and consider working collaboratively with your team.

The Fredonia Area Community Foundation is here to support educators, and we appreciate the continued good work they are doing for the students of USD 484.

FUNDING REQUESTS SHOULD NOT EXCEED $1,000

The Community Impact Grant from the George and Jeanne Frisbie Family Fund aims to address the essential needs of underserved populations, particularly at-risk youth and teens transitioning out of foster care. This fund supports projects that serve community needs, provide seed money for new initiatives, and enhance organizational capacity. Preference is given to programs offering food, hygiene products, clothing, dental care, and mental health services, promoting long-term community welfare.

Licensed ground ambulance services in rural, frontier, or densely settled rural areas of Saline County, Kansas can receive up to US $5,110 per EMS student for tuition, books, and required course fees. With a mission to strengthen emergency medical care, the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services supports recruitment, initial training, and continuing education for EMS providers.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation Community Grant Fund, in partnership with the Greater Salina Community Foundation, supports projects across 26 counties in Northwest Kansas. This grant initiative focuses on enhancing education, healthcare, social services, conservation, arts, and community beautification. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and government organizations, promoting sustainable community development and volunteer involvement, ensuring long-term positive impacts on local quality of life.

The Greater Salina Community Foundation offers the Relationship Based Philanthropy Fund for Early Childhood Care, Education & Development, established by Mark and Jane Berkley. This initiative aims to prepare children in Ottawa and Saline Counties for kindergarten, addressing the critical need for early education. By fostering collaboration and transparency between grantmakers and nonprofits, the foundation ensures sustainable support for programs benefitting children facing significant barriers, ultimately enhancing their future success and societal well-being.

The Greater Salina Community Foundation promotes community enhancement through Relationship Based Philanthropy, focusing on collaboration and transparency in grantmaking. The Kansas Health Foundation Fund supports projects that improve public health in Saline County, encouraging healthy lifestyles and environments. Grants are available for nonprofits, educational institutions, and governmental organizations, while ensuring that funds create lasting impact through permanent endowed funds. This initiative aims to address local health needs sustainably, fostering community well-being for future generations.

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.

Our Mission: 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
• Increasing economic opportunities

Our Guiding Principles

• Health: Healthy individuals form healthy communities.
• Workforce: A capable workforce can build effective community economic opportunities.
• Education: Education, both formal and informal, is the key for improved quality of life.
• Environment:Appreciation for our natural world positively impacts human health.
• Leadership: Leadership, management and volunteerism are essential ingredients of dynamic communities..
• Culture: Attractive communities with cultural opportunities attract and retain residents.

Our Service Area

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s primary service area includes the 26 most Northwest Kansas counties. Consideration will be given to proposals from organizations outside the primary service area if the proposal provides substantial benefits to the people or communities within the primary service area.

Applications are received year-round and grants are awarded monthly to benefit Northwest Kansas and its residents.

NEW Fund Match

Helping community foundations and donors establish permanent funds

Beginning in 2025, The Hansen Foundation will offer a new, additional match opportunity to help donors and eligible countywide community foundations create new endowed field of interest, donor-advised, designated, and organization funds.

This matching opportunity will begin in January of 2025 and sunset December 31 of 2027.

How much funding is available and how does it work?

Community foundations can utilize up to $20,000 per year to be secured as follows:

• 1:1 match, up to $2000 for donors’ gift(s) to establish a NEW ENDOWED field of interest, designated, organization or donor advised fund established through the host foundation (GNWKCF or GSCF). Maximum match of $2,000 per fund.
• Please note: either the donor, or the charitable organization that will benefit from the fund, must reside in the Dane G. Hansen 26-county service area to qualify for the match. New donor advised funds must therefore be donors who live in the defined service area.
• Donors must agree to reach the $10,000 fund minimum within 3 additional years.
• 1:2 match for donors’ gift(s) to an existing ENDOWED field of interest, organization, or designated fund held within the host foundation that is not yet at the fund minimum. Maximum of $1,000 per fund.

Note that gifts to existing donor advised funds or any scholarship funds do not qualify.

A fund is eligible for only ONE match during the three-year program.

Fund agreements and proof of donation will be submitted to the host foundation to verify and then submit monthly to the Hansen Foundation for match qualification. Matching dollars will be awarded to the host foundations at the end of each month.

If a foundation does not utilize the full $20,000 in a year, there is no carry-over to the following year, but the foundation will be eligible for the full amount in the remaining years of the program.

Licensed ground ambulance services in rural, frontier, or densely settled rural areas of Kansas can use this program to cover EMS provider recruitment, initial training, continuing education, and related course costs, with awards up to US $5,110 per student. Grants from Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services help eligible Saline County, Kansas EMS providers advance their education and certification.