Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Kansas

Destination marketing organizations, tourism communities, and travel industry businesses in Kansas can access funding through the Tourism Marketing Grant to launch new or first-time tourism marketing and promotion projects, with awards up to US $10,000. Grants from Kansas Department of Commerce: Tourism Division help Kansas community development efforts by expanding promotional reach, increasing visitation, and enhancing visitor experience.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations running arts, education, social services, or community development programs in Kansas can seek project support through the Dwane L and Velma Lunt Wallace Foundation. Grants from this funder help Kansas groups, especially in Wichita, enhance quality of life and community service without covering operating deficits, staff salaries, or individual aid.

With a mission to strengthen local communities, Parsons Area Community Foundation provides Kansas community organizations with mini-grants up to US $2,500 to implement or complete nonprofit projects within 25 miles of Parsons. Schools, churches, government entities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community service or development initiatives may be eligible.

Kansas community-focused, tax-exempt organizations with projects sponsored by a local Kiwanis club can receive support for community development and service initiatives in Kansas. Kansas Kiwanis Foundation provides Club Community Project Grants of up to US $1,000, awarded through Kiwanis clubs to help fund local community improvement projects.

Nonprofit organizations working on community development, affordable housing, workforce development, entrepreneurship, or adult financial education in Kansas can seek funding to expand economic and social opportunities. With a mission to strengthen communities, First National Bank of Omaha provides support for projects like neighborhood revitalization, small business development, job creation, and adult vocational or financial literacy programs.

Nonprofit organizations planning capital campaigns or major facility projects that support community development and related priorities in Kansas can apply for First National Bank of Omaha’s capital or major donations. Funding supports projects like construction, renovation, or other large-scale efforts that advance areas such as affordable housing, community health, arts access, and neighborhood stability.

Nonprofits, local governments, and other eligible local organizations in Kansas can apply for the Kansas Department of Commerce’s HEAL grants, awarding up to US $100,000 for rural downtown building rehabilitation and façade improvements. Projects that create spaces for businesses, housing, arts, childcare, or civic uses and drive community revitalization may be competitive.

Upward Mobility Mass Action Mini-Grant Program

Upward Mobility is the opportunity to stabilize, thrive and build a better future over time. It means that hard work leads to real opportunity, and people have the freedom to make choices about their lives without constantly falling behind. Today, too many Kansans are working hard but are still unable to get ahead. While Kansas ranks 11th nationally on income inequality according to America’s Health Rankings – a strength for our state – persistent gaps in opportunity remain for many Kansans. These Kansans – often referred to as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) struggle to afford basic living expenses.

In Kansas:

• Nearly 40% of households fall below the ALICE Survival Budget threshold
• In 84 of 105 counties, the average job pays less than $0.60 for every $1 needed to meet basic costs of living
• 1 in 5 Kansans has debt in collections
• 1 in 5 Black Kansans live in poverty – nearly twice the rate of White Kansans

These are not isolated challenges. They reflect a systemic mismatch between wages, costs, and access to opportunity. Working families are not failing – the math simply does not work. Kansas has the ideas, people and commitment to move this work forward, and Kansas Health Foundation (KHF) is investing in solutions that accelerate progress on Upward Mobility across Kansas.

KHF will award grants of up to $10,000 each (including cost of travel expenses) to eligible Kansas nonprofit organizations for community-driven solutions that help Kansans facing financial hardship get ahead.

This opportunity is designed to put the Blueprint for Upward Mobility into action. The Blueprint was shaped by ideas, experiences and feedback from approximately 1,000 Kansans and identifies 11 strategies for addressing significant barriers preventing Kansans from achieving greater economic stability. Funded projects must advance at least one of the 11 strategies identified in the Blueprint for Upward Mobility.

Kansas property owners planning preservation or restoration of buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the Register of Historic Kansas Places can access funding for professional fees and construction costs. Kansas Historical Society’s Heritage Trust Fund offers US $5,000 - US $100,000 matching grants, which may support community development and revitalization projects across the state.

Local governments, nonprofits, and universities in Kansas can receive reimbursement grants for historic preservation planning, surveys, education, and physical preservation projects that produce tangible products. Kansas Historical Society’s Historic Preservation Fund supports activities like National Register nominations, disaster preparedness plans, and preservation-focused workshops, with priority for projects highlighting underrepresented histories and significant preservation anniversaries.

With a mission to strengthen Kansas communities, Kansas Department of Commerce provides rural towns and organizations with support to hire a dedicated Rural Champion for one year to tackle a critical local need. Funding can back projects like community services, childcare, housing, food access, recreation, entrepreneurship, health, or broadband in Kansas.

Kansas community-based organizations working on poverty reduction, community development, or nonprofit capacity-building can seek US $4,000 - US $39,000 for innovative programs or training/technical assistance projects in Kansas. Focused on anti-poverty strategies, Kansas Housing Resources Corporation invites proposals that strengthen local capabilities, serve low-income residents, and support leadership and governance within the CSBG network.

Kansas community action agencies and neighborhood-based organizations can seek funding for innovative projects or training and technical assistance that reduce poverty and empower low-income residents. Focus areas include community development, housing, education, health, nutrition, and rural development. Grants from Kansas Housing Resources Corporation range from US $4,000 - US $39,000.

Kansas nonprofit organizations planning community events, fundraisers, or general operations can seek community sponsorship support that advances affordable housing, small business development, education, health, arts, and neighborhood revitalization. Focused on community impact, First National Bank of Omaha invites groups working on community development and related service projects in its Kansas communities to request unrestricted financial support, reviewed monthly.

Kansas community and downtown revitalization organizations can access technical assistance and support for Main Street district redevelopment through the Kansas Main Street Program in Kansas. Kansas Department of Commerce helps designated communities with strategic planning, organizational development, design services, professional training, and access to state and national grant funds to strengthen historic commercial districts and community life.

Nonprofits, school districts, and government entities in rural Kansas communities can apply for Patterson Family Foundation’s Innovation in Community Engagement grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $500,000 for creative community engagement projects. Funding supports new ideas that build long-term, multi-generational involvement and may benefit community service and development initiatives.

Kansas community and economic development entities in rural areas can seek funding to improve storefront signage and strengthen downtown commercial districts in Kansas. Kansas Department of Commerce provides matching support up to US $25,000 to upgrade high-quality, cohesive signage for three to five local retail or commercial businesses, boosting visibility, customer traffic, and long-term economic vitality.

Organizations and individual artists in Kansas seeking to enhance public spaces with creative placemaking projects can apply for the Transformative Art for Public Spaces (TAPS) Grant, offering US $1,500 - US $2,000 per project. Kansas Department of Commerce supports public and community art that boosts economic growth, community vitality, and local identity, with priority for communities new to Commerce funding.

Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits with established education or health programs can apply for funding to expand proven services that close opportunity gaps for underserved communities. The L B Research and Education Foundation supports small to medium organizations nationwide with multi-year youth, post-secondary, or adult vocational education initiatives and innovative physical or mental health access, research, or workforce development efforts; awards range from US $10,000 - US $75,000.

RBC Foundation USA provides Kansas community nonprofits with funding for workforce preparation, youth development, and arts access programs. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities of at least three years with $100,000+ annual budgets, located in communities where RBC Wealth Management operates. Community service projects that build job skills or expand inclusive opportunities may be competitive.

Kansas community service and development nonprofits, including 501(c)(3) emergency response and youth programs, can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants; awards range from US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible projects must serve Kansas communities on Union Pacific’s route and fit priorities like safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants up to $2,499 to support local programs that enhance community health and well-being. This initiative by Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration, focusing on areas such as physical and mental health, poverty alleviation, and neighborhood improvements. Organizations like non-profits and government agencies can apply for funding during a rolling application period, with decisions made monthly. The fund aims to empower communities and address health inequities through impactful partnerships.

The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People Grant Program supports projects led by economically disadvantaged communities to combat poverty and injustice. By promoting justice, building stronger communities, and advocating for economic equity, this program empowers individuals and groups to address the root causes of their struggles. The initiative seeks sustainable solutions that respect the environment and reject violence, fostering long-term positive change in society.

The Ochylski Family Foundation supports registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations through grants aimed at enhancing their operational capacity. With an application deadline of October 1, organizations must submit a detailed request outlining their initiatives. The foundation's mission aligns with its commitment to foster community development and nonprofit effectiveness in Iowa, ensuring that resources are allocated to impactful projects that serve the public good.

The Derby Community Foundation Community Enrichment Grant provides competitive funding of $500 to $10,000 to non-profit organizations and government entities that serve the Derby community. Eligible projects must align with the Foundation's mission and benefit residents within the USD 260 boundaries. Organizations can apply annually, but those that received funding in the previous cycle must wait a year before reapplying.

The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants for Fiscal Year 2025 support revitalization efforts in severely distressed public housing and surrounding neighborhoods. This program encourages collaboration among local governments, housing agencies, and community partners to create comprehensive plans aimed at improving housing quality, promoting upward mobility for residents, and attracting long-term investment for neighborhood development. Successful applicants will implement their Transformation Plans, which were developed through prior Planning Grants to enhance the quality of life for residents.

Alliance for Social Trust: Trust in Practice Awards

Trust is the foundation of vibrant, resilient communities and healthy civic life. Across the country, local and national organizations are demonstrating the profound ways trust shapes our collective well-being—strengthening relationships between neighbors, cultivating confidence in institutions, and enabling people to work together to solve shared challenges. These efforts are often rooted in the knowledge and leadership of those closest to the work. 

The Trust in Practice Awards support non-profit organizations that are collaborating on new initiatives to build trust across local or virtual communities. Grantees will be part of a national network dedicated to fostering trust through the Alliance for Social Trust’s programs and storytelling platforms. Award recipients will also participate in the annual Trust in Practice Summit to celebrate the work of trust builders.