The Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas (CFSK) offers annual grant opportunities to support charitable organizations serving residents of Southwest Kansas. Grants are available from the Foundation’s unrestricted funds, as well as from dedicated funds that support organizations focused on children's issues. These grants are designed to assist nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in their efforts to improve community wellbeing through a broad range of projects.
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and governmental entities operating within the region. In limited cases, faith-based institutions or other organizations may be considered if their projects serve the broader community. The grant funds may be used for charitable purposes, but not for political activities, lobbying, or personal benefit. The Foundation’s guidelines prohibit using grant funds for overhead expenses such as rent or utilities, and grantees are advised to hold awarded funds in a separate account.
The grant application window opens annually on September 1 and closes on October 1. Applicants are required to submit a completed application form by mail to the Foundation’s office in Dodge City, Kansas. Applications submitted via email or fax will not be accepted. Required attachments include a detailed budget, IRS determination letter, recent financial statement, and for past recipients, any public announcements of previous grant awards. Applications must be print-ready, without staples, folders, or binders.
Each applicant is also expected to describe how they will publicly recognize the award, and all grantees are required to submit a final report by September 1 of the following year. The report must include how funds were used, statistical outcomes, and ideally, photographs. This reporting is essential to maintaining good standing with the Foundation and eligibility for future grants.
Successful grantees must sign a grant agreement that includes terms for financial reporting, promotional use of the Foundation’s name and logo, and cooperation with media coverage. Failure to meet the terms of the agreement may result in disqualification from future funding. For more information or assistance with the application, applicants may contact the Foundation’s office at 620-225-0959.
Submit physical, print-ready applications without staples; no electronic submissions allowed.
