• Special to the Leader & Times
The Western Kansas Community Foundation (WKCF) is conducting the “Our Community, Our Future” survey for the second year in Liberal and Hugoton in order to gain a deeper understanding of local priorities.
The initiative is a three-year, three-part process consisting of a survey, community forum, and grant opportunity. The survey is open to any individual that is a member of these communities as employees, students, or residents.
Survey responses will be collected throughout the Spring to be followed by a community discussion and gathering in the fall. WKCF seeks to bring together people from various sectors, including nonprofits, businesses, healthcare, government, education, and the general public to discuss potential solutions. Community dialogue is expected to take place in the fall.
At that time, a grant opportunity of up to $15,000 will be made available to eligible organizations for applications that address the needs outlined in the survey. Last year, the “Our Community, Our Future” survey process resulted in a $15,000 grant award to the Liberal Area Coalition for Families to address the need for transitional housing assistance in the community.
“The initiative is meant to bring local leaders together to discuss their community’s most pressing needs,” WKCF Executive Director Conny Bogaard said. “We know there is a lot of talent and opportunity, and we want to empower local leadership in addressing broad community needs. WKCF wants to not only understand their priorities but also, be part of the solution.”
The survey is available in English and Spanish and takes approximately five to 10 minutes to complete. Interested participants can access the survey online through the foundation’s Facebook page and wkcf.org. Print copies of the survey are available by request. WKCF encourages every community member, high school aged and older, in Liberal or Hugoton to complete the “Our Community, Our Future” survey and provide insight and perspective that will create opportunities to positively impact their community.
Western Kansas Community Foundation is the region’s hub for philanthropy, simplifying giving and amplifying impact through connecting individual donors to causes they care about, and using the power of collective giving to address our region’s greatest challenges. WKCF holds nearly $50 million in more than 200 funds established by individuals, families and organizations, each making a difference in their own unique way. Through WKCF, people who care about Western Kansas can make a lasting impact on the place we call home.
For more information visit wkcf.org or call (620) 271-9484.
