Philanthropy Today

We talk with Special Olympics Kansas event coordinator Caitlin Andris about why athletes with disabilities deserve to feel seen and how inclusive sports builds confidence, trust, and real community. We also break down the Polar Plunge in Manhattan and other Kansas events that turn donations and volunteer time into year-round opportunity and joy.  • Special Olympics Kansas as belonging, not just sp...

We talk with Vicky James and Jeff Pfannenstiel about how Nourish Together moves surplus food to people who need it and why the council is planning a smooth leadership transition. We break down the programs that quietly support Manhattan and Riley County, from farmers market kids’ tokens to recovered meals from big events.  • introducing Jeff Annensteel as incoming council coordinator  • why commun...

We talk with leaders and partners of the Armed Forces Community Foundation about how Manhattan strengthens real support for service members, veterans, and military families tied to Fort Riley and the region. We trade stories and specifics on spouse support, scholarships, care packages, community events, and the Veterans Day giving push that helps fund it all.  • why relationship-based support matt...

We talk with Diane Henrik Toburen from Pawnee Mental Health about how the organization funds care, builds partnerships, and responds when people need help right now. We zoom in on mobile crisis, medication access, military family support, and what 70 years of growth looks like across Northeast Kansas.  • Diane’s role raising funds and building community partnerships  • Results from the Inspiring H...

We talk with UFM Community Learning Center leaders about fall classes, community programs, and the simple ways anyone in Manhattan can learn something new or share a skill. We dig into ABLE, an after-school leadership and STEAM program built around K-State student mentors, plus practical supports like transportation and teacher in-service day programming.  • fall community enrichment classes from...

We sit down with Linda Wasburg and Phil Maddox to explain how the Sunset Zoological Park and Wildlife Conservation Trust secures the zoo’s future through gifts, endowment funding, and big capital projects. We also dig into Phase Two plans, the $8.25 million campaign, and how AZA animal welfare standards shape what guests will experience next.  • how the Trust Foundation supports wildlife conservat...

We talk with Crisis Center leaders about what domestic violence looks like in our community and what real support means when someone is trying to get safe. We break down the free, confidential, 24/7 services available across five counties and the concrete ways neighbors can show up without blaming victims. • Crisis Center role as the local domestic violence and sexual assault agency for five count...

We talk with Shepherd’s Crossing leaders about what 25 years of crisis support looks like on the ground and why the need keeps growing as costs rise. We break down Campaign 25, how we protect donor dollars through careful intake and budgeting, and why preventing an eviction can change a family’s whole future.  • 25-year growth from a small church-led start to hundreds of thousands in annual assist...

We talk with Kendra Kuhlman from the Manhattan Arts Center about how nonstop programming, youth theatre, and scholarships help more people feel like they belong through the arts. We also dig into Artini, upcoming productions, and the volunteer support that keeps the whole operation running.  • Macademy and McCompany youth programs by grade range  • Summer schedule packed with rehearsals and perfor...

We sit down with Scott Boos and Mia Wells from Be Able to unpack why job placement is not the finish line and why the real challenge often shows up after day one. We share how the new Be Able Academy focuses on identity, responsibility, and practical planning so neighbors can keep work, grow confidence, and build a stable future.  • the national 90-day drop-off after hiring and why employment rete...

We talk with Light MHK leaders about how local fundraising translates into real mental health support for people who cannot afford therapy costs. We also preview the next gala and spell out simple ways to volunteer, donate, and spread the word so more neighbors get care on time.  • recap of the inaugural “Light Within” gala and raising over $115,000  • what Light MHK is and how grants help cover m...

We talk with Chris Spooner of the Manhattan Community Health Foundation about how local philanthropy strengthens access to care, fills practical gaps, and supports programs that keep people healthier at home. We dig into mini-grants, workforce scholarships, and a new community award that spotlights the leaders who make health and wellness possible in Manhattan.  • the foundation’s mission and the...

We talk with Jori Louise Cheville, Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Museum of Art and Light, about the fall lineup and how the museum builds connections between old masters and contemporary artists. We dig into Picasso’s immersive experience, new exhibitions on AI and identity, and the hands-on events that turn a museum visit into something you can actively take part in.  • how curatorial pla...

We welcome Dene Kaster to the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation and talk through how her nonprofit finance background strengthens donor support and long-term community impact. We dig into real estate giving, the coming transfer of wealth, and the practical goal of making every dollar work harder for Manhattan-area nonprofits.  • Dene’s path from nonprofit finance to GMCF  • Her focus on inves...

We talk with Rebecca Fitzgerald and Sarah Duggan about how Meadowlark serves Manhattan and the Flint Hills with free community programs that go far beyond senior living. We dig into record-breaking support for Parkinson’s, a growing cancer community, and a new raffle fundraiser that helps keep these resources open to everyone.  • Meadowlark Market as a monthly fundraiser for the Good Samaritan Fun...

We pivot to Friends of the Fort Riley Museums and map out how Apple Days turns a fun day on post into real support for local history. Tara shares what to expect, how to get through the gate smoothly, and why the ghost tours keep people coming back year after year.  • Fort Riley Fall Apple Days as one of the biggest events on post  • Libby Custer apple pies as the signature fundraiser and why peopl...

We pivot mid-show and pull our intern, Liv Tubbs, onto the mic to talk about what she actually does at Greater Manhattan Community Foundation and why she’s leaning into nonprofit work. Along the way, we dig into Match Day prep, annual reports, and a surprise drop-in about Fort Riley ghost tours coming back.  • Liv’s path from marketing intern to campaign support and design work  • What Match Day m...

We talk with No Stone Unturned leaders about a sold-out Wildcats fundraising weekend and how community support translates into real therapy access for kids and families. We also share what it takes to grow responsibly, from finishing a capital campaign to tightening clinic operations so families do not get blindsided by billing issues. • Wildcats for No Stone Unturned weekend recap, including gala...

We talk with Lori Roggi about how the Rural Riley County Community Foundation grows local giving across Leonardville, Keats, and Riley. We break down what Match Day is, what the funds support, and how small-town pride turns into long-term community impact.  • how the foundation started as a GMCF affiliate and why the service area stays flexible  • why rural philanthropy relies more on neighbors an...

We trade birthday jokes with Manhattan Free Clinic executive director Rick Hernandez, then get into the real story behind a big relocation after 21 years in a basement space. We break down what the new College Avenue location changes for patient access, clinic capacity, and partnerships that fill gaps like vision care.  • the decision to move after water migration issues reduced usable clinic spac...

We catch up with Leslie White from the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation on the projects, exhibits, and fundraising that keep hands-on learning growing across the Flint Hills. We talk about taking education programs directly to schools, what Bison Beef and Bourbon funds next, and how an upgraded outdoor classroom will handle real Kansas weather. • the new sculpture’s meaning for the Discover...

We welcome Christina Knowlte from Good Shepherd Home Care and Hospice to share what makes Festival of Wines such a fun night and such an important fundraiser. We also talk about the real-world impact of local hospice care, veteran recognition, grief support, and ways to volunteer. • festival details at the K-State Alumni Center with cocktail hour and a five-course wine pairing dinner  • winery gue...

We talk with Pedro Melendez and Alex Garcia about building Makers Guild Inc into a judgment-free home for artists in Manhattan, Kansas, with low-barrier classes and community events that make creativity easier to access. We also get personal about how pottery and mixed media art can support mental health, especially for veterans and military families looking for a real outlet.  • why Makers Guild...

We talk with Beach Museum of Art curator Eileen Wong about building exhibitions that welcome everyone, from clear label writing to creating a space where curiosity is the point. We preview Homeslash Land Wazhazhe Artists Speak, a bilingual English and Wazhazhe exhibition featuring three Osage Nation artists, plus ways to celebrate and show up for the museum this season.  • Eileen Wong’s path from...

We talk with Lori Getch about Fairy Godmothers and how local giving meets urgent needs for women in Manhattan, Kansas. We break down the grants, the screening process, and the events that keep the mission growing.  • the origin story at the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation and the core mission of women helping women  • the HUG Hand Up Grant that helps women return to school, earn certificate...