PFF: Innovation in Education Grant

PFF: Innovation in Education Grant

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

Summary

The Patterson Family Foundation's Innovation in Education Grant aims to enhance educational opportunities in rural communities. With a focus on creative proposals that foster new ideas for sustainable growth, the foundation invites eligible organizations in Kansas and western Missouri to apply. Registration is required before submitting a Letter of Intent, with specific deadlines for each funding round. This initiative underscores the foundation's commitment to supporting initiatives that empower local communities and promote long-term benefits.

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. Rooted in rural. 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 Education The Patterson Family Foundation invites creative proposals aimed at improving education in rural communities. We’re looking to fund projects that explore new ideas with the potential for long-term impact and growth.

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.The Foundation will fund organizations outside of our catchment if the proposed project directly works in or serves communities within the PFF catchment. Nonprofit Status: Applicants need to be a 501(c)(3) organization, school district, or government entity.Applicants are restricted to one LOI in this cycle as we expect a high volume of applications.We recognize that projects may have multiple components that touch on more than one grant activity.This is allowed, but applicants should evaluate their organizational priorities and submit their strongest proposal. Applicants are restricted to a single LOI per cycle.Active grantees are eligible to apply. PFF will expect you to explain how the proposed project will not compromise any ongoing work for your current grant.Consideration for multi-year funding is based on the complexity of the project.We anticipate funding projects for up to three years through our 2025 programming; however, we will make determinations based on the scope of the requested project.Capital requests must have secured funding for at least 60% of the total project cost.Additionally, the Patterson Family Foundation will fund up to 20% of the total project cost, or up to $2,000,000.Organizations can request funding for up to 15% of the total budget for indirect costs.Please note that salary and costs related to a specific programmatic activity will be considered direct program costs.Organizations that received funding in the past can apply again. Community foundations participating in the Match or Capacity Building programs can also apply for other open grant opportunities. In addition to applying for an open grant, community foundations can act as the fiscal sponsor for multiple organizations, if necessary.Organizations conducting programming aligning with our available grants that do not meet our tax-exempt eligibility requirements, such as a 501(c)(4) or 501(c)(6) organization, can apply using a fiscal sponsor.

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