Central Kansas Community Foundation KidsFUNd Grant

The Central Kansas Community Foundation administers the Central Kansas KidsFUNd Grant, a private funding opportunity supported through the L. Marie Haun Charitable Fund for Children. The foundation serves as a regional philanthropic organization dedicated to improving quality of life across Central Kansas by investing in community-driven initiatives. This grant program is specifically designed to strengthen children, parents, and families while fostering healthy, resilient communities within the foundation’s defined service area. The KidsFUNd reflects a targeted commitment to addressing challenges affecting family systems and child development through evidence-based and community-informed programming. The purpose of the grant is to fund projects and programs that align with one or more of four defined focus areas: children’s behavioral research, child welfare, teaching parent skills, and strengthening families. These focus areas emphasize both direct services and research-informed approaches that contribute to positive developmental outcomes for children and families. Eligible activities include behavioral skill development programs, family support initiatives, parenting education, and services aimed at improving child safety and well-being. The grant prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate measurable impact, strong alignment with these focus areas, and the ability to deliver meaningful benefits through education, support, or intervention. Funding for the grant cycle is approximately 20000 dollars in total, with individual grant awards typically ranging from 1000 to 2500 dollars. Applications requesting less than 500 dollars are not permitted, establishing a practical minimum threshold for funding requests. Grant funds must be used strictly for direct program expenses, and there are explicit restrictions on their use. Funds may not be allocated toward salaries, wages, payroll expenses, or general operating support. Additionally, projects that primarily focus on commodity distribution are generally not eligible, although programs that incorporate meals as part of broader family support initiatives may be considered. Eligibility for the KidsFUNd Grant is inclusive of a range of tax-exempt and public-serving organizations. Applicants must either hold 501c3 nonprofit status, qualify as a tax-exempt entity such as a school, church, city, or county, or apply through a qualified fiscal sponsor if they lack independent nonprofit status. All applicants must demonstrate sound organizational governance, leadership, and financial management practices. Furthermore, eligibility is geographically restricted to organizations serving residents within the Central Kansas Community Foundation’s service area, which includes Harvey, Butler, Marion, Elk, Wilson, and portions of Sedgwick County, specifically Valley Center. The application process is conducted online and requires submission by the stated deadline. Applications open on July 6, 2026, and must be submitted by August 5, 2026. Applicants are expected to provide all required documentation and comply with the foundation’s due diligence requirements. Organizations that received funding in prior cycles must be in good standing and have submitted all required grant impact reports to be considered. Proposed projects must occur within the anticipated grant period from September 2026 through May 2027, and all funds must be expended by May 2027 unless an extension is formally approved. Evaluation of applications is based on alignment with the KidsFUNd priorities, the quality of the proposed project, and the anticipated impact on children and families. The number and size of awards are determined by the availability of funds and the strength of submitted applications. Priority is given to initiatives that demonstrate evidence-based approaches, clear outcomes, and the capacity to deliver meaningful services within the community. For additional information or clarification, applicants may contact Melissa Schreiber, Program Officer for Grants at the Central Kansas Community Foundation, via phone or email. The grant cycle follows an annual pattern, suggesting that similar opportunities may be available in subsequent years with comparable timelines. Award notifications are expected following the review period, though a specific notification date is not provided.

Strong alignment with focus areas and clear measurable impact will improve competitiveness; emphasize evidence based practices and direct benefits to children and families