Best Seward County Grants for Nonprofits in Kansas

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is a leading philanthropic organization founded in 1978 that inspires and facilitates charitable giving to improve quality of life in the Greater Kansas City region and beyond. From its modest beginnings, the Foundation has grown into one of the nation’s most respected public charities, managing billions in charitable assets and administering thousands of funds for individuals, families, and businesses. Through donor-advised funds and other giving vehicles, it helps donors give strategically and effectively while providing education, leadership on key community issues, and personalized guidance that amplifies lasting community impact.

Coach Mike Wallace Memorial Scholarship

The Coach Mike Wallace Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Coach Mike Wallace by supporting a deserving track and field student-athlete from the Olathe, Kansas community. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors from Olathe East, Olathe South, Olathe North, Olathe West, or Olathe Northwest High School, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and participate in track and field. The scholarship provides a $1,500 award to recognize academic achievement, athletic dedication, and commitment to school athletics.

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is a leading philanthropic organization founded in 1978 that inspires and facilitates charitable giving to improve quality of life in the Greater Kansas City region and beyond. From its modest beginnings, the Foundation has grown into one of the nation’s most respected public charities, managing billions in charitable assets and administering thousands of funds for individuals, families, and businesses. Through donor-advised funds and other giving vehicles, it helps donors give strategically and effectively while providing education, leadership on key community issues, and personalized guidance that amplifies lasting community impact.

Bruce Culley and Linda Larkins Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund supports students who graduated from a Northland-area school district—Liberty, North Kansas City, or Park Hill—and plan to attend Metropolitan Community College, with preference given to those enrolling at the Maple Woods campus. Eligible applicants should have an average or above-average GPA of 2.5 or higher, demonstrate perseverance in overcoming personal or economic challenges, and believe in the value of hard work as a pathway to upward mobility. The scholarship provides a $3,600 award to help students pursue their postsecondary education at MCC.

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is a leading philanthropic organization founded in 1978 that inspires and facilitates charitable giving to improve quality of life in the Greater Kansas City region and beyond. From its modest beginnings, the Foundation has grown into one of the nation’s most respected public charities, managing billions in charitable assets and administering thousands of funds for individuals, families, and businesses. Through donor-advised funds and other giving vehicles, it helps donors give strategically and effectively while providing education, leadership on key community issues, and personalized guidance that amplifies lasting community impact.

Bright Lights Scholarship

The Bright Lights Scholarship provides college financial assistance to students whose parents serve as leaders in their communities, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and clergy. Eligible applicants must be the child of a qualifying community servant, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled or planning to enroll full time at a two- or four-year college or university. Recipients are required to maintain a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.75 and provide proof of full-time enrollment. The $2,000 scholarship is typically disbursed in equal payments prior to each semester or trimester and may be used for tuition, fees, textbooks, or required course-related materials.

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is a leading philanthropic organization founded in 1978 that inspires and facilitates charitable giving to improve quality of life in the Greater Kansas City region and beyond. From its modest beginnings, the Foundation has grown into one of the nation’s most respected public charities, managing billions in charitable assets and administering thousands of funds for individuals, families, and businesses. Through donor-advised funds and other giving vehicles, it helps donors give strategically and effectively while providing education, leadership on key community issues, and personalized guidance that amplifies lasting community impact.

Board of Public Utilities Scholarship Fund

The BPU Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to high school seniors and recent graduates from Wyandotte County who are pursuing postsecondary education in vocational, technical, or four-year degree programs, with an emphasis on STEM-related fields. Eligible applicants must be enrolled as a senior at a Wyandotte County high school during the application period or be a recent graduate within the past three months, and plan to enroll in an accredited vocational, technical, apprenticeship, or four-year degree program such as engineering, computer science, or environmental science. Scholarships may be awarded on a recurring basis for up to two years, provided recipients maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA. Awards are determined through a competitive review process administered via the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, with consideration given to academic pathway, extracurricular involvement, and diversity principles. Award amounts total up to $5,000 for students attending four-year institutions and up to $3,000 for those attending two-year institutions or apprenticeship programs.

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation

The American Academy of Optometry (AAOF) is an association of optometric professionals who strive to stay at the top of their field. You will find like-minded colleagues within the American Academy of Optometry, an organization committed to promoting the art and science of vision care through lifelong learning.

The Academy’s membership is comprised of optometrists, vision scientists, and other qualified professionals who have committed themselves to the rigorous process required to achieve its prestigious designation, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO).

For more than a century, the Academy has provided Fellows access to the best minds in optometry, vision science, research, and more. Today’s Fellows welcome the opportunity to attend the Academy’s premiere event, its annual meeting. Other members include students, residents, and Candidates for Fellowship.

Each fall attendees from around the world gather for thousands of hours of continuing education and exposure to the most recent research, networking, and latest products and services. Fellows particularly value the opportunity to connect with colleagues and mentors while enjoying an exceptional level of camaraderie.

OD to PhD Scholarship Program

The OD/PhD Scholarship Program funds optometrists receiving a PhD in eye and vision related fields. Examples of appropriate PhD programs include but are not limited to: Vision Science, Physiological Optics, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Education (emphasis on Optometric Education), Neuroscience, and Psychology. The program provides vital support to those who will teach and lead the next generation of optometry students and advance the profession’s cutting-edge research.

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation is proud to partner with EssilorLuxottica to offer the OD to PhD Fellowship, an opportunity created to support optometrists who are ready to take the next step into vision science research. This fellowship is open to individuals who have completed or are completing the clinical training required for the optometry degree and who are enrolling in a PhD program in vision science or a related biomedical discipline.

This competitive fellowship provides financial support during the early years of doctoral training. Awardees receive funding in their first year and may receive additional support in the second year based on successful academic and research progress as detailed in their annual progress report.

Note, awardees may receive the fellowship for up to one successive, two-year period. 

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Velma Shotwell Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Velma Shotwell Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduates of Conotton Valley or Carrollton High Schools planning to enroll, or currently enrolled, at an accredited college or university to pursue further education in the following fields: History, Writing (not limited to, English, Journalism, Language Arts, Communications and programs in Mass Media), Graphic Arts, Music (which shall include but not limited to, vocal music, instrumental music, music history, music education, and music performance) and any other program or field of study approved by the Selection Committee. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Perry Township School Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Perry Township School Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist high school graduates or high school seniors who have permanent residency in Perry Township in Carroll County, Ohio or who had a permanent residence on the date they began their post high school education. Applicants must have been accepted at and are planning to enroll, or are currently enrolled, at an accredited college, university, or technical school with at least a two-year course of study to pursue further education.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Melvin L. and Frances E. Tolson Scholarship Trust Fund

The Melvin L. and Frances E. Tolson Scholarship Trust Fund was established to assist students who are residents of Carroll County, Ohio in furthering their education with interests in either aviation, art education or fine and performing arts who are enrolled or accepted at a college, university, technical, or vocational school.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Loris and Merle Coe Scholarship Fund

The Loris and Merle Coe Scholarship Fund assists graduating seniors (including home-schooled students) accepted to any two or four-year college or university who are either a Boy Scout or Girl Scout and have earned either an Eagle Scout Award or rank of Life Scout, Gold Award or Silver Award. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500

Renewable:

• Yes

CultureSource

CultureSource is a member association for non-profit arts and cultural organizations in Southeast Michigan serving Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe and St. Clair counties. As a regional service organization, we do this work through hosting professional development workshops that grow creative and leadership capacities, presenting programs that provide space for exchanging ideas about arts and culture, and leading initiatives that bring together stakeholders interested in the public accessing creative expression.

Our MISSION is to advance and cultivate creative and cultural expression in Southeast Michigan.

The Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists

The Spector Craft Prize (the “Prize”) is an annual initiative launched in 2025 to champion excellence in American craft. Founded by Abigail Klem Spector and Warren Spector through the Spector Family Foundation, the program supports craft artists at pivotal moments in their careers through awards, mentorship, and community-building.

In an era dominated by rapid technological advancement, the Spector Craft Prize stands as a vital counterbalance by preserving material connections in an increasingly virtual world, supporting creative expression amid declining public funding for arts education, and reconnecting makers and the public to our shared heritage of craft. By championing craft artists at pivotal moments in their careers, the Spector Family Foundation aims to strengthen the role of craft in contemporary American culture.

Aim of the Prize

The Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists seeks to identify and support exceptional emerging craft artists whose work demonstrates technical mastery, innovative vision, and deep engagement with American culture. The Prize aims to recognize artists who show significant potential for contributing to the field and who would benefit from the comprehensive support provided by the program.

Selected artists represent the future of American craft and demonstrate a commitment to strengthening craft's role in contemporary American culture through their practice, community engagement, and artistic vision. 

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

DNP Registration Reimbursement Grants Available for the APS Global Physics Summit

DNP is pleased to offer a limited number of registration reimbursement grants to encourage graduate student participation in the annual APS Global Physics Summit. This APS meeting provides an excellent opportunity for students in nuclear physics to present their research, interact with potential employers, and hear about advances in a broad range of physics topics.

If the nominee's application is accepted, the award will cover the early registration fee for students presenting in-person. Students will need to register prior to confirmation of receiving the award.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Howard and Edith Robertson Malvern Rotary Scholarship Fund

The Howard and Edith Robertson Malvern Rotary Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduating high school seniors who are residents of Brown Township in Carroll County, Ohio. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500

Renewable:

• Yes

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Don and Elsie Sickafoose Educational Trust Fund

The Don and Elsie Sickafoose Educational Trust Fund was established to assist students residing in Carroll County.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Church of Christ (Christian Disciples) Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Church of Christ (Christian Disciples) Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to help students who have permanent residence in Carroll County, Ohio or had a permanent residence on the date they began their post high school education.

Greater Toledo Community Foundation

Greater Toledo Community Foundation transforms generosity into lasting impact. With over $510 million in assets across 1,000+ funds, we've granted more than $370 million to strengthen education, health, arts, and social services throughout our region.

We connect donors with causes they care about while bringing together leaders, organizations, and resources to tackle our community's biggest challenges. What began with Walter E. Terhune's vision in the 1920s continues today as we help individuals, families, and businesses create positive change that will benefit our region for generations.

Ottawa County Community Foundation Grants

The Ottawa County Community Foundation, Inc. (OCCF) is a public charitable organization created by the citizens of Ottawa County to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families in Ottawa County. Grants from unrestricted funds support a variety of programs in the fields of education, health and social services, economic development, natural resources and the arts.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Astronomical Society of Kansas City Astronomy Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by the Astronomical Society of Kansas City to provide academic scholarships to students who have expressed an interest in studying Astronomy, or a related field, and have been accepted into the Department of Physics at University of Missouri-Kansas City. Scholarship support must be used for tuition and/or class-related materials (i.e. textbooks, lab fees, equipment).

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Foley Equipment Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is established to support mechanically-inclined high school students seeking a technical college or post-secondary degree focused on a career in heavy equipment, diesel, and/or electric power generation.

Preference will be given to women and minorities. This scholarship is renewable for up to 2 years as long as the student remains eligible.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Henry, Trina, Laurianna Wash Family Scholarship Fund

The purpose of this scholarship fund is to allow African American young men who have graduated from the High Asperations program to get scholarships for 2 or 4 year colleges and/or vocational/trade schools.

This scholarship is named after the foundation family of High Aspirations. The scholarship is named after them for their tireless work they have done in the Kansas City community through High Aspirations, Inc. since 2003.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Hillcrest Transitional Housing Youth Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the Fund shall be to provide scholarships to current residents or graduates of Hillcrest’s Youth Program who demonstrate a desire and an aptitude to pursue higher education.

In evaluating applicants, the student’s response to an essay question in the scholarship application inviting them to express personally why they are pursuing their education will be a determining factor.

Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in equal payments to the educational institution in August and January.

Applications are accepted year round however formal announcements will be made in April and November of each year.

Students may reapply annually up to four years as long as the student is making progress towards earning a degree. Progress towards earning a degree includes: a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester or its equivalent, passing classes, being in good standing with the educational institution, not dropping out, and other criteria as determined by the Youth Scholarship Committee.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants Scholarship Fund

The Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants created this scholarship fund to award to a qualified individual majoring in an agricultural field.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Kansas City Direct Marketing Jack Schmid Scholarship Application

In 1995, the Kansas City Direct Marketing Association Education Foundation, known as KCDMAEF, was established as an entity independent of the Kansas City Direct Marketing Association. The mission of the KCDMA Jack Schmid Scholarship Fund is to promote and foster direct marketing education in the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The Kansas City Direct Marketing Association (KCDMA) provided the initial funding for the Jack Schmid Scholarship and will continue to build its general fund through fund-raising event(s), memorial gifts, and gifts from individuals or companies interested in the future of direct marketing in Kansas City.

Scholarships will be awarded based on merit and the recipient’s potential contribution to the practice of direct marketing in the Kansas City region.

What does the scholarship include?

• Financial assistance in the amount of $1,000 per year.
• Eligible for a subsequent annual scholarship based on: Marketing coursework.; GPA.; Letter explaining your experience of the last year considering coursework and why you would be a suitable candidate.
• Support and Counsel of a mentor from the Jack Schmid Scholarship Committee.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Kelsey Family Scholarship for Nursing and Biomedical Engineering

This scholarship was established by Rick and Darla Kelsey in memory and patrimony of Richard and Greta Kelsey and their ancestors. For six generations, the Kelsey family farmed in the Kansas River Valley near Topeka. They were active in Freemasonry and devoted to charitable work and service to their church and community.

This is a one-time award. Students can reapply annually to be considered for a scholarship.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Lois Oxley Sandford Scholarship Fund

The purpose of this fund is to provide scholarships for students pursing a degree in nursing, public school teaching or to become a Licensed Unity Teacher.

This scholarship is renewable through completion of the program. This scholarship is intended for students currently in college and is not for high school seniors.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Modern Enigma Society Memorial Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the Modern Enigma Society Scholarship is to provide scholarships to members of the Modern Enigma Society who intend to further their education at a post-secondary institution or trade/vocational school.

Past receipts may reapply for up to three (3) additional years.

Consideration will be given to the applicant’s academic and civic performance, community service record and essay quality. Scholarship recipients are also expected to give back to the community by completing at least eight (8) hours of community service per quarter for one-year after they receive the scholarship. Scholarship recipients are expected to report back to the Advisory Committee of the Fund at least annually about their community service.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Morning Grange #227 Scholarship Fund

The Morning Grange #227 Scholarship Fund will benefit students who are planning to attend a college or vocational school who have attended high school in the Olathe, Gardner, and Spring Hill areas.

Morning Grange #227 members will be exempt from residency requirements. A Grange member is defined as a member of good standing or related to a member in good standing by no more than two generations – grandparent, parent or grandchild.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Ruth Marie Park Scholarship Fund for Advancement in Healthcare

The purpose of the Fund shall be to provide scholarships to non-traditional students who are currently professionals in the healthcare field and pursing advancement or, a non-traditional student who are aspiring to attain credentials for entry into the professional healthcare field. For purposes of the scholarship, a non-traditional student is defined as a person who has been out of high school for at least two years prior to applying for the scholarship.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Stephen and Karen Kohler Clegg Scholarship Fund

The Stephen & Karen Kohler Clegg Scholarship will support 6 scholarships at MCC’s ATSI. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide a student in each of the following areas:

• Welding
• Industrial Technology
• HVAC