Technical Education Programs in Kansas and Missouri

The Patterson Family Foundation is offering grant funding to support the expansion and modernization of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs designed for high school students in rural communities. This funding opportunity is focused specifically on preparing students for careers in high-demand industries. The Foundation's goal is to address workforce gaps in under-resourced regions by supporting CTE initiatives that create strong pathways to employment and career advancement for youth in rural settings. This grant program is available in two rounds in 2025. Round 1 launches on April 1, 2025, with Letters of Intent (LOIs) due by April 18, 2025, and full applications due by May 9, 2025. Round 2 begins April 19, 2025, with LOIs due by July 3, 2025, and full applications due by July 25, 2025. Decisions will be communicated in August and October 2025, respectively. Organizations are strongly encouraged to submit their LOIs early to allow time for review and potential invitation to submit a full application. Eligible applicants must register through the Patterson Family Foundation Grants Portal before applying. Registration is required by 12:00 PM CST on April 18 for Round 1 and July 3 for Round 2. Upon approval of registration, applicants will be granted access to the LOI application. Existing users may log in directly, and technical support is available at info@pffkc.org. Funding ranges from $50,000 to $500,000. However, proposals seeking funding for capital expenses or for salaries, benefits, or compensation of existing public school district staff will not be considered. The Foundation emphasizes that participation in the application process does not guarantee funding, and applicants are discouraged from suggesting or announcing receipt of funding until formally awarded. The Patterson Family Foundation serves counties in Kansas and western Missouri with populations under 50,000. These geographical restrictions apply to all applicants. To support applicants, the Foundation offers Office Hours from 1–3 PM, which can be reserved by emailing Office Manager Sasha Winterowd at sasha.winterowd@pffkc.org with the applicant's name, contact information, preferred session date, and three questions to discuss. Applicants should anticipate a thorough due diligence process. Final decisions are only confirmed in writing through a formal award letter. No verbal or informal commitments are binding, and public communication of funding must be pre-approved once a grant is awarded.