Best Arts Grants for Nonprofits in Kansas

The Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation focuses on enhancing the quality of life in greater Kansas City through strategic philanthropy. It supports organizations dedicated to nonprofit excellence, addressing systemic issues, and improving outcomes for underserved communities. Grants typically range from $100,000 to $250,000, aiming for transformational change. The Foundation prioritizes local organizations that align with its mission and values, ensuring a significant community impact.

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.

Russell County Area Community Foundation

The Russell County Area Community Foundation is an Affiliate Foundation of Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation with all funds managed by GNWKCF.

At the Russell County Area Community Foundation, we believe in hometowns and preserving our rural way of life. Our mission is to help people invest in meaningful ways to make a difference in the community by building permanent endowment funds and meeting charitable community needs. RCACF was founded in 2001 to benefit the communities in the Russell County area. We are an affiliate of Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, a 501c3 organization. This helps us effectively pool resources with other foundations for community growth. Our local board of directors provides leadership on decisions that directly impact our communities.

Russell Area Youth Activities Fund

Helping Youth Participate, Learn & Thrive

Removing financial barriers so every child has the opportunity to grow, explore, and succeed.

The Russell Area Youth Activities Fund is designed to promote the health and well-being of children and to encourage healthy lifestyles through involvement in extra-curricular activities, including athletics, performing arts, visual arts, and literacy programs.

Important Information

• Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Financial need must be demonstrated.
• Grant payments are made directly to the activity provider on behalf of the child.

How Can the Russell Area Youth Activities Fund Help?

The fund provides financial assistance so local youth can participate in activities they might otherwise be unable to afford. 

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Dane G. Hansen Community Grant for Wallace County, initiated in March 2015, aims to support charitable activities across Northwest Kansas. It prioritizes educational enhancements, healthcare access, economic development, and community services. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental institutions, while individual applications are not eligible. Preference is given to projects that engage community involvement and utilize strategic planning processes. This initiative fosters sustainable growth and improves quality of life for local residents.

Sheridan County Community Foundation

The Sheridan County Community Foundation is an Affiliate Foundation of Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation with all funds managed by GNWKCF.

The Foundation became an affiliate of GNWKCF in 2012. An affiliate is a collection of community funds to increase philanthropic giving in a geographic area. Both endowed and non-endowed funds are developed to provide financial support to 501(c)(3) and other qualifying nonprofit organizations and for charitable purposes to benefit area residents. The mission of Sheridan County Community Foundation is to encourage, prudently manage, and distribute charitable contributions to improve the quality of life in Sheridan County residents, now and in the future.

Gerald A. & Darlene R. Schaffer Fund

The Gerald A. & Darlene R. Schaffer Fund provides grant support to assist organizations or community projects that benefit Hoxie and/or Sheridan County in the following categories or entities as specified: Healthcare needs in Sheridan County; Education in Sheridan County (Hoxie Schools specific); Music, arts, and entertainment opportunities (Hoxie specific); City of Hoxie Golf Course; Hoxie Elks Projects; St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church; and St. Frances Catholic Cemetery. Grantmaking decisions are overseen by the Sheridan County Community Foundation Board of Directors.

Gove County Community Foundation

Our Mission

The goal of the Gove County Community Foundation is to enhance the quality of life in Gove County through philanthropy, to increase economic and community development opportunities. We are driven by a mission to create a prosperous future for our community by supporting collaborative and innovative initiatives that address today’s needs while paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.

Through grants, scholarships, and community programs, we support a wide range of initiatives that contribute to the economic, social, and cultural vitality of Gove County. Whether it's enhancing educational opportunities, supporting local businesses, or preserving our rich heritage, we are here to help our community grow and prosper.

GCCF Community Grant

Providing charitable funding is at the heart of our mission. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Gove County Community Foundation awards grants to organizations across Gove County, supporting initiatives in arts and culture, community development, education, environment, health, human services, recreation, and youth development. Through these grants, we help strengthen our community today and build a brighter future for tomorrow. 

Grantmaking Criteria

Grants can address:

• Education: Enhances the learning environment and expands opportunities for students in Northwest Kansas. Provides increased self-reliance on personal life skills and workforce capability.
• Health Care: Ensure access to quality health care services and promotes healthy life practices.
• Economic Development: Development of a robust and sustainable economy includes a diversity of businesses and quality job opportunities.
• Community Social Services & Security: Enhance access to social services needed for individuals of special needs and supports systems to provide community disaster relief and general community emergencies.
• Conservation & Environment: Support efforts to improve and maintain high air and water quality, appreciation for our natural environment and enhance economic and social benefits of outdoor resources.
• Arts & Culture: Provide cultural and artistic opportunities to enhance the quality of life for local residents and to encourage tourism and the exchange of ideas.
• Community Beautification: Support efforts to improve and maintain public spaces to enhance community pride and encourage socialization among residents.

Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation

Our mission is to empower our donors, affiliates and charitable partners through education, stewardship and regional collaboration, to create thriving communities and impact present and future generations.

Sheridan County Arts & Culture Fund

This endowed fund supports arts and culture-related projects and organizations throughout Sheridan County. It was created in 2022 to encourage creativity and cultural enrichment in the region

The Dane G. Hansen Community Grant supports charitable projects in Northwest Kansas, providing $50,000 annually for community initiatives. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions in specified counties. Grants aim to enhance education, healthcare, economic development, and social services while prioritizing community engagement. The program, managed by the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, will conclude in 2025, encouraging diverse projects that promote local well-being and sustainability.

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.

Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation

Our mission is to empower our donors, affiliates and charitable partners through education, stewardship and regional collaboration, to create thriving communities and impact present and future generations.

Cheyenne County Universal Grant

Applications for the community foundation grants should address:

• Education: Enhances the learning environment and expands opportunities for students in Northwest Kansas. Provides increased self-reliance on personal life skills and workforce capability.
• Health Care: Ensure access to quality health care services and promotes healthy life practices.
• Economic Development: Development of a robust and sustainable economy includes a diversity of businesses and quality job opportunities.
• Community Social Services & Security: Enhance access to social services needed for individuals of special needs and supports systems to provide community disaster relief and general community emergencies.
• Conservation & Environment: Support efforts to improve and maintain high air and water quality, appreciation for our natural environment and enhance economic and social benefits of outdoor resources.
• Arts & Culture: Provide cultural and artistic opportunities to enhance the quality of life for local residents and to encourage tourism and the exchange of ideas.
• Community Beautification: Support efforts to improve and maintain public spaces to enhance community pride and encourage socialization among residents.

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 Caroline Peine Charitable Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Manhattan, Kansas, focusing on projects that benefit the KONZA Prairie and promote recreational development in Keats. The Foundation welcomes applications from local nonprofits addressing various community needs, including the arts, historical preservation, and recreational services. However, it does not fund operating costs for city facilities or religious purposes, ensuring that its support aligns with Caroline Peine's commitment to the community.

The Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) Program, initiated by the Kansas Department of Commerce, aims to revitalize underutilized downtown buildings in rural Kansas. The program offers grants for building and façade improvements, encouraging economic activity by supporting new businesses, housing, and civic engagement. Eligible projects must demonstrate potential for revitalization and adhere to local design standards. Funding includes up to $100,000 for building grants and $40,000 for façade improvements, requiring a 1:1 match from applicants.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Solomon Valley Community Foundation

Through our grant-making efforts, Solomon Valley Community Foundation supports area nonprofits in their mission to create positive change. From funding essential programs to supporting new initiatives, we're committed to strengthening our communities and helping local organizations thrive. Together, we can make a lasting change.

SVCF Competitive Grants

Solomon Valley Community Foundation's bi-annual grants are available to all nonprofit organizations, government and public entities, educational institutions, and churches located within Mitchell County. Grants are awarded through a competitive application process.

Funding Sources

Funding is made possible by the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund and the SVCF Community Impact Fund.

The Hansen Foundation has partnered with community foundations throughout the Northwest Kansas region to help improve the quality of life for communities in the region. As a result, SVCF is allocated funding from the Hansen Foundation to help support grant-making within Mitchell County. This funding can be used to support projects or programs that address the following:

• Education: Enhances the learning environment and expands opportunities for students. Provides increased self-reliance on personal life skills and workforce capability.
• Health Care: Ensures access to quality health services and promotes healthy life practices.
• Community Social Services & Security: Enhances access to social services needed for individuals of special needs and supports systems to provide community disaster relief and general community emergencies.
• Conservation & Environment: Supports efforts to improve and maintain high air and water quality, appreciation for our natural environment, and enhances economic and social benefits of outdoor resources.
• Arts & Culture: Provides cultural and artistic opportunities to enhance the quality of life for local residents and to encourage tourism and the exchange of ideas.
• Community Beautification: Supports efforts to improve and maintain public spaces to enhance community pride and encourage socialization among residents.

The DCCF Community Grants program aims to enhance the quality of life for residents of Douglas County, Kansas, by funding diverse local projects in areas such as arts, education, health, and community development. The program prioritizes clear project descriptions and sustainability, welcoming proposals from 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local governments. Notably, it does not support multi-year funding or general operating expenses, ensuring that grants are targeted and impactful.

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 Mount Carmel Foundation Legacy Grant is dedicated to enhancing healthcare in Southeast Kansas, continuing a legacy of philanthropy since 1983. It supports nonprofit healthcare providers with project budgets ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. Funded initiatives have included advanced medical technology, patient care enhancements, and facility upgrades. Organizations aligned with Catholic teachings are prioritized, particularly those serving Bourbon, Cherokee, and Crawford Counties, ensuring vital healthcare access for the community.

The Artistic Innovations Grant Program, supported by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, provides up to $15,000 to artists and arts organizations in the M-AAA six-state region. This initiative fosters creativity by funding the development and premiere of original works, encouraging innovative projects that engage local audiences. Eligible applicants include individual artists and nonprofit organizations, promoting a vibrant arts community through financial support for artistic exploration.

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 Elm Acres Grants Fund supports projects benefiting at-risk youth in Southeast Kansas, encompassing Crawford, Cherokee, and Labette counties. Established by the Elm Acres Foundation in collaboration with the Community Foundation, this initiative has awarded over $140,000 to local nonprofits since 2017. In 2023 alone, it granted $23,413 to 12 organizations, underscoring its commitment to fostering opportunities and essential services for the youth in the community.

The Mader Foundation Grant supports programs aimed at improving the lives of children in Greater Kansas City. Eligible organizations must possess 501(c)(3) status, demonstrate financial transparency, and ensure funding directly benefits youth K-12. Grants are not provided for salaries, operating expenses, or funding for organizations with restricted membership. Applications require a completed budget form and must be submitted annually. This grant focuses on arts, education, health, and welfare initiatives.

The Kerr Foundation Inc. offers grants to 501(c)3 organizations, focusing on education, arts, health, and human services. Priority is given to Oklahoma entities, but applications from neighboring states and Washington D.C. are also accepted. The foundation supports various project types, including capital, program, and operating expenses. Note that back-to-back grants are not allowed, enforcing a three-year gap for reapplication after funding. This ensures a broad and impactful reach for community development.

Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation

Our mission is to empower our donors, affiliates and charitable partners through education, stewardship and regional collaboration, to create thriving communities and impact present and future generations.

Poore Family Farms Fund Grant

The Poore Family Farms Fund was established to honor the legacy rooted in seven generations of farming by the Emery Poore Family. Grants are available to USD 392’s FFA Program for the following purposes:

• Equipment Funding: Grants may be used to purchase modern equipment that supports vocational training programs, ensuring students have access to state-of-the-art tools and technology.
• Materials and Supplies: Financial support for essential materials and supplies will enhance the hands-on learning experience, preparing students for real-world vocational careers.
• Teacher Development: Investment in professional development for vocational teachers will include travel, mileage, meals, workshops, certifications, and other educational opportunities to keep educators at the forefront of vocational training.
• Student Development: To benefit or encourage the education and development of the students of the FFA / CTE agricultural community including travel, mileage, meals, convention expenses, judging opportunities and FFA licensed Jackets and apparel for events.

The CFSEK General Funds Grants support Southeast Kansas nonprofits with up to $160,000 in funding for 2023. The grants target projects in Youth Activities, Basic Human Needs, and Arts & Culture. Since 2004, numerous projects have benefited from these funds, fostering community growth and enhancing quality of life. In 2022, the foundation awarded $150,000 to 41 recipients, demonstrating a strong commitment to local initiatives. Applications will be available in June, encouraging broad participation.

The Leadership Transformation Grants, provided by the Kansas Leadership Center, aim to foster leadership in Kansas communities. This program offers training and a framework to help organizations embrace change and tackle challenges effectively. By enhancing leadership at all levels, the initiative promotes a more engaged workforce and drives positive cultural change. It is open to civically engaged organizations across various sectors, including education, faith, government, and nonprofit, seeking to mobilize their teams for meaningful progress.

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.