Philanthropy Today

The Flint Hills Breadbasket is transforming food assistance in Manhattan with its upcoming move to a spacious new facility on Skyview Drive, which will open in early May. Executive Director Karla Hagemeister shares how this expansion will create a dignified shopping experience while nearly doubling its weekly service hours. • New location will feature a grocery store-like environment with polished...

The Boys and Girls Club of Manhattan prepares for its 26th annual Casino Night fundraiser on April 4th at the K-State Alumni Center, featuring a prom theme and introducing their first-ever dance floor to the event. • Now operating in 13 locations across Ogden, Manhattan, and Wamego • Early Learning Center serves over 80 infants and toddlers with room to grow • New dedicated Teen Center fulfills 30...

Doncha McDonald shares how Morningstar's unique peer-led approach transforms lives by creating power balance among those with mental illness. Through her personal journey with schizoaffective disorder, she reveals how finding purpose through community support was more healing than medication alone. • Morningstar's "secret sauce" is that everyone who works there has lived experi...

Jim Gordon sits down to discuss his 26 years of community impact through the Community Foundation and the Community Foundation Awards, which honor those who give their time, talent, and treasure. • Jim Gordon, co-founder of GMCF and title sponsor of the CFAs, shares how the awards began • The CFAs focus on celebrating volunteers who contribute time and talent alongside those who give financially •...

Leslie White, Director of the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation, shares her passion for supporting the Discovery Center through fundraising for exhibits, educational programs, and community events while making learning accessible to everyone in the region. • The annual Friend of the Flint Hills award will honor Carl and Mary Ice on April 11th for their contributions to protecting the Flint H...

The Kansas Honor Flight pairs area veterans with high school students for life-changing journeys to Washington D.C. memorials, creating powerful connections between generations and providing long-overdue recognition for those who served. • Created in 2012 as one of five national hubs pairing veterans with student guardians • 309 veterans have participated across 13 completed flights at no cost to...

Greater Manhattan Community Foundation founder Mark Knackendoffel shares how recognizing philanthropy drives more charitable giving and strengthens the community. The GMCF has exceeded all expectations in its 25-year journey, providing structure, discipline, and support to local organizations while avoiding direct competition in fundraising. • Community Foundation Awards bring visibility to worthy...

Heather Peterson, Jim Franke, and Greg McCune from the Manhattan Optimist Club share their initiatives to uplift the community's youth through various fundraisers and programs. Driven by a shared mission, the club highlights its upcoming events and its vital role in fostering a positive atmosphere. • Discussing the Optimist Club's efforts to engage the community  • Highlights of their an...

We explore the dynamic partnership between MATC and GMCF, focusing on workforce development and community engagement. Jim Jeanette shares insights into how local philanthropy creates a ripple effect that lifts everyone. • Conversations around the role of philanthropy in education  • The impact of MATC and GMCF collaboration in workforce training  • Stories of individuals benefiting from local scho...

On this episode of the Community Hour Show we  highlight the transformative work of the Armed Forces Community Foundation, which aims to enhance the lives of military families through community support. Kevin West shares insights on fundraising successes and future initiatives. • Overview of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation's role  • The mission and achievements of the Armed Forces...

This segment of the Community Hour delves into GMCF's strategic planning process and its implications for the community. Board Chair Matt Crocker and Chair Elect Beth Smoller, discuss the importance of clarity, stakeholder engagement, and purposeful abandonment in shaping GMCF's future efforts. • The transition of GMCF from a funding conduit to a community leader  • Engaging with stakeho...

This episode highlights the role of the Manhattan Public Library in promoting community engagement and literacy through diverse programming and events, including an upcoming book sale. Eric Norris, the library director, discusses membership benefits, volunteer opportunities, and the importance of community support in maintaining accessible library resources. • Eric Norris shares his experiences as...

On the GMCF Community Hour, Michelle Haub, the Special Programs Leader at Meadowlark Talks about the Memory Program Art Mingle, which celebrates the connection between art, memory, and community support while highlighting the importance of creativity for cognitive health. Michelle also discusses upcoming events, and the invaluable resources available for caregivers and individuals facing cognitive...

The Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program offers a comprehensive approach to developing regional leaders through hands-on learning, community engagement, and servant leadership principles. By emphasizing collaboration and diversity, the program prepares participants to navigate challenges and contribute meaningfully to their communities.  • Overview of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program...

Discover the vital role that the Friends of the Fort Riley Museums play in preserving military history and fostering community engagement. This segment of the radio show explores exciting events, restoration efforts, and opportunities for the public to connect with their heritage through local initiatives. • Exploration of the Fort Riley Museums and their significance • Overview of the First Infan...

Join us as we celebrate Jimmy Carter's legacy and explore Habitat for Humanity's impactful work in the Northern Flint Hills. Our conversation takes us through local community initiatives, upcoming events, and pioneering projects that aim to provide dignified housing for families in need.  • Discussion of Jimmy Carter's influence on community service  • Details about the Home is When...

This episode of the GMCF Community Hour Radio Show highlights the ongoing developments of the Child Care Business Initiative, emphasizing its collaborative approach to enhancing childcare services in the community. Listeners learn about the construction progress, recruitment of childcare providers, the support offered to entrepreneurs, and the broader impact on families seeking reliable care optio...

Today we chatted with Rachelle Wertenberger & Kent Saylor about how a beloved classmate's legacy inspires and transforms lives even after tragedy strikes. Join us as we honor Tara Ploeger through a heartfelt conversation with Kent and Rachel, who share their deeply personal connections with Tara and the scholarship created in her memory. You'll hear how an unexpected tragedy led to o...

Today we chatted with Morree Floersch Chairperson of the Clay Center Community Improvement Foundation and Bill Oetinger President of the Clay County Education Endowment Association (CCEEA). Listen as Bill retells the remarkable journey of the CCEEA, whose humble beginnings over two decades ago have transformed into a powerhouse for local scholarships, bolstered by the incredible $2.6 million McDan...

Today we talked with Claudia Jones and Nicole Kucherov about The American Association of University Women (AAUW) scholarships and its role in empowering women since the 1920s. Claudia, an AAUW board member, shares the AAUW's incredible history and community contributions such as traveling libraries and Depression-era daycare support. Listen to Nicole's heartfelt experience as a non-tradi...

In this episode, Dave Lewis sat down with Penny Wika, who, alongside her late husband Norris, has devoted her life to enriching education and fostering philanthropy in Wamego. Penny's inspiring transition from a career in journalism to becoming a beloved teacher at Manhattan High School, the story behind the creation of the Norris and Penny Wika Scholarship, a $1,000 renewable annual award in...

 Today we talked with Linda Fincham, Vice President of the Frankfort Community Foundation Board of Directors, and Haley Stevens, a former scholarship recipient. Linda provides a heartfelt account of her parents' memorial funds and their dedication to supporting local students pursuing medical careers. Peek into the lives of those who juggle work, school, and family, and learn how a strong sup...

Today, we talked with GMCF’s President and CEO Vern Henricks, and Gants & Scholarships Coordinator Edee Nichols about the impact of GMCF’s scholarship initiatives, from the heartwarming origins fueled by donor interests and memorial funds to the tangible success stories from students in the community of Clay Center, Atchison, Dover, Wamego, and Manhattan, Kansas. You'll learn how these sc...

Today, we talked with Jason & Jill Selland and Trey Lockwood about the inspiration behind establishing a scholarship to honor influential educators Jay Logan and Larry Potroff and discover how these teachers shaped the Sellands' lives and inspired them to give back to their community. Jason & Jill share touching stories of past recipients who have gone on to positively impact their co...

Today, we chatted with Ken Culbertson Monroe Say, about the motivation behind establishing the Home Care and Hospice Employee Education Fund scholarship. Ken opens up about the journey that led to the creation of this scholarship, fulfilling his wife Rhoda's final wish to support the compassionate hospice staff. Over the past eight years, this scholarship has paved the way for ten recipients,...