Western Kansas Community Foundation
GARDEN CITY – Western Kansas Community Foundation (WKCF) is awarding 19 area nonprofit organizations with grants totaling $66,343 from the Community Betterment Fund, the Kansas Health Foundation Children’s Fund, and various Field of Interest and Unrestricted funds for its July grant cycle.
The July grant cycle is the mid-year grant cycle offered by WKCF each year. The other WKCF grant cycles have application deadlines of March 1 and Nov. 1. Additionally, WKCF awards Urgent Needs requests throughout the year.
The second grant cycle of the year was not short of opportunities for the foundation to continue its mission to enhance the quality of life in Southwest Kansas. A diverse range of community projects and nonprofit initiatives requested funding from across the region.
“From childcare programs and health services to arts and cultural endeavors, the grants awarded reflect WKCF's commitment to fostering growth and addressing the unique needs of Western Kansas,” Stacie Hahn, Program & Marketing Director for the WKCF, said of the grants. “By empowering local organizations, WKCF is helping to build a stronger, more vibrant community, ensuring that residents have access to essential resources and opportunities.”
The following programs will receive funding:
• American Red Cross “Alleviating Suffering in the Face of Emergencies” – $5,000
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Finney & Kearny Counties “Young Women of Purpose” – $1,000
• City of Ingalls “Firefighting Equipment” – $3,400
• Finney County Historical Society “2025-2026 Re-Living History” – $2,458
• Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo “Enhancing the Guest Experience” - $4,610
• Garden City Parks & Recreation “Summer of Self Discovery” - $2,500
• Gray County Recreation “Gray Co. Wellness Center Upgrades” - $4,899.97
• Heritage Christian Academy “Classroom Technology Upgrade” – $1,260
• Kearny County Hospital “Radio Readiness Initiative” – $5,000
• Real Men Real Leaders “Future Leader Initiative” – $1,200
• Russell Child Development Center “Early Intervention Program Vision Screener” – $4,995
• Southwest Kansas Health Transport “Every Ride Counts” – $5,500
• SparkWheel “Integrated Student Supports for GCHS” – $1,000
• The Community Inc. “Community’s Connection” – $10,000
• The Kansas Food Bank “Food 4 Kids” – $5,000
• USD No. 102 – Cimarron High School “Unique Classroom Furniture” – $4,500
• USD No. 102 – Cimarron Preschool “Name Stamps” – $445.20
• USD No. 457 Jennie Wilson After School Program “Fire Paws” – $2,000
• Wichita County Health Center “Pressure-Relief Air Mattress” – $1,575
The staff of Western Kansas Community Foundation always welcomes visit with donors or those interested in contributing to the unrestricted funds to help provide grants to more community projects and programs. The next grant deadline is Nov. 1.
To learn more about the application process and grant guidelines visit www.wkcf.org, call 620-271-9484 or stop by the office at 402 N. Main Street in Garden City.
