WKCF lift: Community foundation efforts remain far-reaching in region | Opinion | gctelegram.com
Western Kansans strive to make their communities better places to live.
An indomitable spirit of giving has been instrumental in helping community foundations in Kansas and beyond become difference-makers.
Community foundations a nonprofit organizations allowing donors to create permanent funds to help address local challenges and improve quality of life a assist in education, the arts, youth programs and more.
By giving cash, stocks or property, contributors to community foundations may tailor their giving to a cause they choose in the form of a one-time gift, or by establishing a legacy fund.
Locally, the Western Kansas Community Foundation reaches into 15 counties in southwest Kansas, with an impressive collection of more than 200 funds. Since its inception in 1996, the WKCF has granted several million dollars to nonprofit organizations with community-based programs.
Listings of grants distributed over the years are on the WKCF website, www.wkcf.org.
A sampling of the foundationas far-reaching impact came in a recent round of grants.
For its February grant cycle, the WKCF announced awarding more than $9,000 in grants from the Community Betterment Fund and Kansas Health Foundation Childrenas Fund, which provided the following support:
a Books and supplies for Youthvilleas aBridges Out of Povertya training
a New riding helmets, a computer and software for the Miles of Smiles therapeutic riding program
a Books and supplies for Shepherd of the Plains Foundation staff Certified Nursing Assistant training
a Vex Robotics Kits for the Garden City USD 457 Robotics programas Summer Robotics Camp
a New bicycle racks at the Finney County Administration Building, Finney County Attorneyas office and Finney County Health Department
a Funds for the Finney County Historical Societyas new Service, Immigration and Transportation exhibits
While the latest grants represent just a slice of whatas awarded each year by the WKCF, the list does offer proof of the vast array of recipients and ways to boost local quality of life.
Such assistance becomes all the more important at a time of governmental belt-tightening, and shouldnat be taken for granted.
When it comes to a community foundationas effectiveness, itas necessary to credit the dedicated staff and volunteers a and, of course, the generous folks interested in giving in a way that makes a difference for years to come.
Do you contribute to a fund through the Western Kansas Community Foundation?
