Innovation in Community Engagement Grant

Innovation in Community Engagement Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Patterson Family Foundation
Amount: US $25,000 - US $500,000
Last Updated: March 26, 2026

Summary

The Patterson Family Foundation is inviting innovative proposals to enhance community engagement in rural areas. With a focus on projects that foster long-term involvement from all generations, the Foundation aims to support initiatives that contribute to the mission of thriving rural communities. To apply, organizations must be located within the Foundation's Kansas and western Missouri catchment and possess nonprofit status. Early submission of the Letter of Intent is highly recommended for timely review.

Overview

Note: The Patterson Family Foundation reviews grant applications in two cycles, allowing us to disburse funds as efficiently as possible. LOIs submitted by February 18th will be considered part of round one and the deadline for these applications will be April 3rd. LOIs submitted after February 18th will be considered part of round two, and the deadline for these applications will be June 29th. Registration is required before applying. This is represented by the pre-proposal deadline above. Organizations will register in the Grants Portal by 12:00 PM (Noon) CST on Feb 13, 2026 for Round 1 consideration and by 12:00 PM (Noon) CST on May 6, 2026 for Round 2. All registration requests are reviewed for eligibility before access to the Letter of Inquiry (LOI) application is granted. Committed to your community. The Patterson Family Foundation, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is a family-led foundation that extends the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson. The Foundation’s mission, “Working together to help rural communities thrive,” is carried forward through strategic grantmaking and other collaborative initiatives that serve rural counties across Kansas and western Missouri. Our Mission Working together to help rural communities thrive. Strategies for Thriving Rural Communities At the Patterson Family Foundation, we believe that thriving rural communities aren’t just about the numbers—they’re about the people who choose to live there. A strong and engaged community is built on essentials like access to good jobs, quality healthcare, educational opportunities, and a sense of belonging. But keeping rural communities strong doesn’t happen on its own—it takes all of us working together. That’s why we focus on working with local leaders, businesses, and organizations to invest in the areas that matter most, ensuring that rural places don’t just get by but thrive for generations to come. Innovation in Community Engagement The Patterson Family Foundation is excited to invite creative proposals aimed at enhancing community engagement in rural communities. We’re looking to fund projects that explore new ideas with the potential for long-term impact and growth of community involvement of all generations of rural residents.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Location: Organizations located in or serving a county or community within the Patterson Family Foundation’s Kansas or western Missouri catchment are eligible to apply.  Read more about the Patterson Family Foundation’s philanthropic catchment. Nonprofit Status: Applicants need to be a 501(c)(3) organization, school district, or government entity.

Ineligibility

The Patterson Family Foundation can only provide funding for charitable activities, therefore, we do not plan to fund for-profit entities through our active grant programs. Projects working in or serving communities outside our catchment will not be eligible for grant funding