Philanthropy Today

Virginia Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Manhattan Area Resettlement Team (MART), shares how the organization has helped over 250 refugees establish new lives in Kansas since 2021. From airport pickups to job placement to navigating complex documentation, MART provides comprehensive support that has helped many refugees achieve self-sufficiency in just a few years. • MART began in 2021 follow...

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Kansas provides crucial support to families whose children need medical care, functioning as a home away from home where families can stay at no cost while remaining close to their hospitalized children. Their historic house offers eight private guest bedrooms, meals, transportation, and emotional support for families during difficult times. • Supportin...

Homefront Heroes is a faith-based ministry called to reach unconnected military wives by providing them with discipleship, resources, and a supportive community to help them thrive amid the unique trials they face. • Founded in 2019 by three military wives who identified a gap in support services • Offers multiple support channels including social media, the Hope on the Homefront podcast, and Bibl...

The Food and Farm Council of Riley County and City of Manhattan serves as a network hub bringing together partners to address persistent food insecurity issues, reduce food waste, and support local farms. Riley County consistently ranks among the highest counties for food insecurity nationwide, with approximately 13-14% of residents affected and 2,700 people currently receiving SNAP benefits. • Co...

Jack Lindquist, Executive Director of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program, shares the 33-year history and impact of this regional leadership initiative. The program builds collaborative relationships across Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee, and Morris counties to foster regional problem-solving and create positive change. • Created 33 years ago through partnership between Fort Riley,...

The YES Fund supports Manhattan's youth through after-school programming, creating opportunities for young people and strengthening the community since its founding in 1993 following devastating floods. • YES Fund originated when community leaders recognized that youth lacked meaningful after-school activities • Annual campaign generates approximately $300,000 for youth programs across Manhat...

Karla Hagemeister of the Flint Hills Breadbasket shares remarkable statistics about their new facility and the rising need for food support in Manhattan. After moving to a larger location in May, they're now serving record numbers.  With over 2,000 family visits in June alone, Karla reflects on both the community's generosity and growing economic challenges. • The Breadbasket moved to a...

The Art Press Fund is transforming Manhattan's cultural landscape by bringing diverse events to the community while renovating a historic Art Deco building into a 400-person indoor venue to complement their successful outdoor space. • Eric Kleiner, musician with Headlight Rivals, leads the organization alongside Derek Richards and his sister • The fund's three main goals include providin...

The Salvation Army's 360 Life Center in Manhattan, Kansas, represents a groundbreaking approach to community service as the first rural pilot program of its kind in the United States. Director Susan Evans and volunteer Carla Johnson share how they've expanded from helping 25-30 people monthly to over 1,000 by identifying and filling service gaps through collaborative partnerships. • The...

Rich Jankovich, Chapter President of the Fort Riley-Central Kansas AUSA chapter, explains the organization's mission to serve America's Army, veterans, National Guard, Reserves, and their families through education, professional development, and advocacy. • AUSA's Fort Riley-Central Kansas chapter covers from east of Topeka to the western Kansas border, making it one of the largest...

Michael Stubbs, president of Mount Mitchell Prairie Guards, shares the inspiring 20-year journey of preserving a historically and ecologically significant 165-acre park. From rescuing the land from potential development to creating accessible trails where visitors can experience wagon ruts from the 1840s and diverse prairie ecosystems, this volunteer-led effort showcases grassroots conservation at...

Kitty Pursley joins us to discuss the third annual Little Apple Splash, the world's premier canine aquatics competition coming to Blue Earth Plaza this weekend, featuring dogs jumping from a dock into a pool competing in three disciplines.  • Manhattan hosts the national competition as a qualifier for the world championship in Dubuque, Iowa • Competition includes big air (long jump), extreme...

Manhattan Area Technical College has transformed from a vocational technical school into an enterprise center for workforce training, offering both traditional college pathways and flexible skills-based education through their Tech Plus program. The college boasts an impressive 98-99% job placement rate with graduates earning $50-70K+ right out of school, demonstrating the critical need for techni...

The Flint Hills Summer Fun Camp offers inclusive summer camp experiences for all children regardless of their abilities. Founded in 2010 by mothers of children with autism, the camp has grown to serve approximately 40 children from three school districts with professional staff and community support. • Started in 2010 by mothers who wanted camp experiences for their children with autism • Serves c...

Thrive, a relatively new nonprofit organization, works to break cycles of poverty by building community support systems, increasing financial stability, and teaching essential parenting skills to families who would otherwise feel isolated and overwhelmed. • Founded by Jamie Morris Hardeman in response to patterns observed at CASA, where families in the foster care system often lacked financial sta...

Matt reflects on his journey with the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, sharing insights from his time as Board Chair and the innovative initiatives that have positioned the foundation for future success. • Joined GMCF after moving to Manhattan in 2005, serving first on the grants committee before joining the Executive Board • Spearheaded an innovative childcare solution that functions as a...

The Manhattan Optimist Club is launching an instrument drive to collect gently used band and orchestra instruments for students whose families can't afford them. This initiative brings together the Optimist Club, K-State's instrument repair specialist, and local school music directors to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in music education regardless of financial circ...

Tara Clausen, CEO of Kansa United Way, discusses their upcoming Community Investment Day where volunteers help decide how donor funds are allocated to programs supporting ALICE families (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). • Community Investment Day on July 23rd is a full-day event where volunteers review grant applications and hear from nonprofit partners • Dollars raised through United...

The Symphony in the Flint Hills prepares for its final concert on June 14th after 20 remarkable years of bringing music to the Kansas prairie. This signature event has faced growing challenges, including weather disruptions and rising costs, but remains committed to celebrating and raising awareness about one of the last tallgrass prairies in the world. • Started when Jane Coger hosted the Kansas...

The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce's HYPE program creates a community for young professionals through social events, professional development, and nonprofit engagement. Rebranded five years ago, HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Emerge) focuses on building connections and making Manhattan a place where 18-40 year olds want to live, work, and play. • Program operates through five pillars:...

Manhattan Area Technical College receives prestigious Carnegie Foundation classifications, positioning it among an elite 8% of institutions nationwide with outstanding student outcomes including 97% job placement rates and 86% of graduates remaining in Kansas. • Carnegie Foundation classifications include Applied and Career Studies (top 8% of institutions) and Opportunity College and University (t...

ECM at K-State creates an inclusive campus community through student-driven programming and a mission of "all humans welcome, no strings attached." The organization fosters belonging while addressing important topics like sustainability, community building, and inclusive dining. • Friday Real Food Lunches provide vegan, gluten-free meals for 20-30 students weekly • Student-driven program...

No Stone Unturned Foundation has moved into their new facility on Tuttle Creek Boulevard in Manhattan, allowing them to start pulling children off waiting lists and expand their pediatric therapy services. Their holistic care model has gained such recognition that therapy organizations from across Kansas are visiting to learn about their approach. • Topped the Grow Green Match Day leaderboard with...

The Center of Hope Ministry serves Manhattan's homeless population as a warming shelter, providing dignity and safety during the harshest winter months. This volunteer-run organization now offers nightly cots, meals, and life-changing support to up to 30 guests. • 100% volunteer-operated with working board members covering overnight shifts • Recently moved from Vineyard Church to First Congre...

Be Able Community Center provides life-changing support to Manhattan residents facing adversity, offering essential services and a compassionate community. The center is celebrating its fifth year of operation while preparing to launch a crucial supportive housing program to bridge a significant gap in local resources. • Located at 431 South Fifth Street, Be Able functions as a daytime community r...