Philanthropy Today

We talk with Kansas Green Schools Director Rachel Wahle about why getting kids outdoors is one of the fastest ways to counterbalance rising screen time and student anxiety. We share how KACEE supports teachers across Kansas with practical training, standards-aligned curriculum, and student projects that create real change at school.  • what KACEE is and how we train the trainers in environmental e...

We catch up with Josh Brewer from Habitat for Humanity of the Northern Flint Hills on active builds, a major Manhattan rehab, and what it takes to keep job sites safe when the heat spikes. We also break down the repair program, the Builders Club, Hope Restored ReStore gift cards, and a fall fundraiser that brings the community together.  • four active construction sites including a large rehab nea...

We sit down with Tyler Dupey, the new Executive Director of Kanza United Way, to hear how he plans to lead with strategy, strong volunteers, and smarter use of data. We also dig into how local giving becomes local grants, plus the volunteer tools and literacy programs that help families across Manhattan and Riley County.  • Tyler’s path from western Kansas to Manhattan and into nonprofit leadershi...

We talk with Rachel Fontenau from Sunflower Children’s Collective about how their Child Advocacy Center and CASA program support kids and caregivers through investigations, court, and recovery. We also share how the community can fund free services through Champions for Hope and how volunteers can train to become a CASA.  • serving about 315 children across programs each fiscal year and seeing ste...

We talk with Carla Johnson from Disabled American Veterans about how trained service officers help veterans and families access VA benefits, file claims, and avoid getting lost in paperwork. We also dig into a Kansas policy win and the everyday ways a local DAV chapter steps in when someone needs help fast.  • the DAV mission and who it serves, including spouses and dependents  • how chapter and n...

We talk with Dane Malone about how Switch Wicked Studios grows from a screen printing shop into a nonprofit community art space in downtown Manhattan. We dig into the events, the low-friction ways artists can participate, and the big goal of making creativity feel accessible for all ages.  • expanding from design and screen printing into a retail space plus community studios  • running weekly meet...

We talk with Daphne McNally from Adabus about how local public transportation connects people across Manhattan and the surrounding counties with fixed routes, curb-to-curb rides, and regional service. We also share practical tips for first-time riders plus what’s changing next, from better stops to new software and possible microtransit.  • ATA bus services across Riley, Pottawatomie, and Geary co...

We talk with Virginia Rodriguez of the Manhattan Area Resettlement Team about what it really takes to help refugees build stable lives in Manhattan and the surrounding area. We also dig into how fast changing policies and public narratives are shaping fear, opportunity, and day to day reality for the families MART serves. • MART’s role as a refugee resettlement agency serving a 50 mile radius arou...

We talk with Elizabeth Nelson about how USD 383 Early Learning keeps working through the summer and why now is the time to apply for preschool. We break down the July 16 in-person application day, what “kindergarten readiness” really looks like, and how one central application connects families to inclusive support.  • Summer learning and year-round enrollment work in USD 383  • July 16 applicatio...

We talk with Dr. Sarah Barrett about the YES! Fund and how a community-funded grant model builds safe, engaging after-school programs for youth across Manhattan. We trace the fund’s roots back to the 1993 flood, the moment local leaders listened to young people, and how that choice has led to more than $6.3 million in support over 30 years. • what the Yes Fund is and what “YES” stands for • why yo...

We catch up with Jack Lindquist on how the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program recruits and trains leaders who understand the whole region, not just one town. We talk through who qualifies, how the program is funded, and why class projects turn networking into real community change.  • recruiting for the 2026-27 class and why the program looks for motivated, growth-minded leaders  • eligibilit...

We talk with Tom Roberts about how the Engineers Foundation of Kansas turns donations into hands-on STEM opportunities for students across the state. We dig into robotics, MathCounts, Future City, and why AI makes critical thinking more important, not less.  • what the Engineers Foundation of Kansas is and why it exists  • how statewide support strengthens the engineering pipeline in Kansas  • usi...

We talk with Deb Klutz of Homestead Ministries about long-term, holistic care for adult female survivors of sex trafficking in Manhattan and Celina. We dig into why trafficking is underreported, why some survivors seek faith-based support, and how the community can offer practical help that makes recovery possible.  • Homestead Ministries’ residential model and what holistic long-term care looks l...

We welcome Brent Sigman as the new executive director of the Flint Hills Volunteer Center and hear why he’s bringing a boots on the ground mindset to volunteer coordination. We talk through where the biggest needs are right now, how we build stronger community partnerships, and how we can bring more young people into volunteerism.  • Brent’s local background and the path from public service and th...

We talk with Gail Urban and Willie Thomas from the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Foundation about how better parks, stronger programs, and smarter funding can lift a whole community. We dig into scholarships that help kids participate, plus the July 4 cardboard boat regatta that turns fun into long-term support.  • why the foundation forms and what it funds for Manhattan Parks and Rec  • How the...

We talk with Erin Dragotto from the Museum of Art and Light about why the Picasso experience feels so powerful when you see the full creative timeline in one place. We also dig into how arts access, school partnerships, and citywide collaboration can help Manhattan grow as a destination for culture and community life.  • what it means to see Picasso’s work in context with his life and creative ran...

We talk with Melissa Solden and incoming principal Jared Taylor about what makes Manhattan Catholic Schools feel joyful, mission-driven, and deeply connected to the wider Manhattan community. We also run through the biggest events and simple next steps for families and supporters who want to tour, enroll, donate, or volunteer. • Jared Taylor’s path from English teacher to incoming principal • Disc...

We talk with Little Apple Splash organizer Kitty Pursley about the dock diving competition returning to Blue Earth Plaza and why it is one of the most fun free events to watch in Manhattan. We break down how the sport works, what makes this year special, and how local partners help bring a national-level canine competition to town.  • what Little Apple Splash is and why it is family friendly  • ho...

We share what makes Manhattan’s Juneteenth weekend feel like a true community homecoming, from live music and barbecue to a walk that helps strangers become friends. We also connect the celebration to the history of Yuma Street and close the weekend with a free screening of 42 at the Douglas Activity Center.  • Party Train concert details and why the show is free  • Fellowship focus through food s...

We talk with Jennifer Elliott about how the Midwest Dream Car Collection has become one of the top car museums in the country by pairing world-class vehicles with real storytelling and up-close access. We also dig into the Route 66 centennial exhibit, hands-on family activities, and the member events that make a return visit feel like a tradition.  • Travel + Leisure recognition and what sets the...

We sit down with Dr. Alaya Mestrovich C. from UFM to break down what’s new in their summer catalog and why community education still matters in Manhattan. We also dig into inclusive ceramics, practical AI training, and a new after-school option designed for working families.  • what UFM is and how it serves Manhattan, the region, and Kansas  • new ceramics classes and how the studio supports neuro...

We talk with Gary Lloyd and Gene Clausen about a practical way to remove a major barrier to music education: getting real instruments into kids’ hands. We also hear how the Manhattan Optimist Club funds youth programs, builds community partnerships, and keeps the work fun and welcoming.  • the story behind the Manhattan Optimist Instrument Recovery Program and why it started as a pilot project  •...

We talk with Vicky James and Andrea De Jesus about how Nourish Together connects local farms, health partners, donors, and volunteers to fight food insecurity and reduce food waste in Manhattan, Kansas. We dig into produce prescriptions, blessing boxes, and food recovery wins that show how small actions can drive real systems change.  • rebranding to Nourish Together to unite programs under one cl...

We talk with Morningstar executive director and co-founder Donja McDonald about building a peer-run mental health community where safety and dignity come first. We dig into why a sober environment matters, how funding works for a consumer-run organization in Kansas, and what real acceptance looks like when stigma starts to loosen.  • relocating to a bigger space without increasing rent  • defining...

We talk with Diane Hinrichs of Pawnee Mental Health about making support easier to find, easier to accept, and more connected to everyday life. We share what Pawnee offers across 10 counties, why 24/7 mobile crisis matters, and how art can help people move toward more good days.  • mental health as physical health and why asking for help matters  • youth and adult community services as wraparound...