Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,959,810 (2023)
• Total Assets: $94.6 million
• Number of Awards: 103 grants in 2023
• Decision Time: Applications reviewed at monthly board meetings (held third Monday of each month)
• Grant Range: Up to $2,000 (GROW Decatur County) to $25,000 (Dane Hansen Community Grants)
• Geographic Focus: 14-county area in Northwest Kansas

Contact Details

Address: PO Box 593, 103 West 4th Street, Bird City, KS 67731

Phone: (785) 734-2406

Fax: (785) 734-2412

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.gnwkcf.org

Executive Director: Darci Schields ([email protected])

Director of Grants & Scholarships: Carol Sloper

Overview

The Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation (GNWKCF) was established to increase exposure and opportunities for philanthropy throughout northwest Kansas and the tri-state region. With total assets of $94.6 million and annual grant giving of nearly $3 million, GNWKCF serves as an umbrella organization for 14 counties in Northwest Kansas, comprising eight Affiliate Foundations, four Agency Foundations, seven Agency Partners, two Supporting Organizations, and numerous other funds. The foundation's mission is to "empower our donors, affiliates and charitable partners through education, stewardship and regional collaboration, to create thriving communities and impact present and future generations." GNWKCF has a strong partnership with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, which has been instrumental in building area community foundations through offering opportunities to establish and grow permanent endowment funds. Between 2020 and 2064, nearly $30 billion will transfer from one generation to the next in the 26 counties of NW Kansas, and GNWKCF is strategically positioned to capture a portion of that wealth for community benefit.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Dane G. Hansen Community Grants (Multiple Counties)

• Amount: $25,000 available in April and an additional $25,000 in September for each county-wide fund
• Counties: Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellsworth, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Phillips, Osborne, Rawlins, Russell, Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas and Wallace
• Application: Rolling basis through online portal
• Note: This grant program will sunset at the end of 2025
• Important: For requests over $10,000, covering multiple counties, multi-year requests, or projects previously funded directly by Hansen Foundation, applicants should apply directly to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation

GROW Decatur County Foundation Fund Grant

• Amount: Up to $2,000
• Geographic focus: Decatur County
• Application: Online submissions only (paper copies not accepted)

Cheyenne County Impact Fund Grant

• Geographic focus: Cheyenne County
• Application: Monthly deadlines

Bird City Century II Development Foundation Community Initiative Fund

• Application: By invitation only - contact Director Teryn Carmichael at 785-734-2556 to discuss project before receiving invitation code
• Focus: Community building projects promoting attracting new living-wage jobs, retaining existing jobs, strengthening community organizations' capacity, and collaboration among nonprofits

General County-Specific Grants

• Various county-specific funds administered through affiliate foundations
• Application deadlines: Typically the last day of each month for review at the following board meeting

Priority Areas

The foundation and its affiliate funds prioritize grants in these areas:

1. Education - Including scholarships (103 scholarships totaling $526,855 awarded through Russell County affiliate in one year)
2. Health Care - Community health initiatives and services
3. Community Social Services & Security - Programs serving vulnerable populations
4. Conservation & Environment - Environmental stewardship projects
5. Arts & Culture - Cultural enrichment and preservation
6. Community Beautification - Projects enhancing community appearance
7. Economic Development - Job creation and retention, small business support through revolving loan fund
8. Community Building - Emphasis on community involvement and volunteerism

Preference given to:

• Applications from Strategic Doing process
• Projects emphasizing community involvement and volunteerism
• Projects with broad community benefit

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals
• Businesses (except low-interest loans through revolving loan fund)
• Endowments
• General operating expenses
• Programs intended to replace tax-supported program budgets

Governance and Leadership

Staff

• Darci Schields - Executive Director/CEO ([email protected])
• Carol Sloper - Director of Grants & Scholarships
• Andi Culwell - Director of Affiliate Relations
• Jane Young - Director of Finance
• Makayla Norris - Affiliate Relations Coordinator
• Coleen Jensen - Office Manager
• Jana LaBarge - Accounting Clerk
• Doris Clingenpeel - Grants & Scholarships Coordinator

Board of Directors

• Mike Posson - Board Chair
• Joan McKenna - Vice-Board Chair
• Tom Keller - Treasurer
• Mitch Gillespie - Secretary
• Harry Joe Pratt - Board Member
• Travis Rickford - Board Member
• Raelene Keller - Board Member
• Tony Haffner - Board Member
• Chuck Moore - Board Member
• John O. Farmer - Board Member

GNWKCF provides full services to its affiliate foundations including administrative, accounting and investment services, donor relations and legal estate support, and foundation staff and board training. Each affiliate foundation operates with its own local board of directors under GNWKCF's 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Create Account

• Visit the grant portal at https://www.gnwkcf.org/grants
• Create a login account

Step 2: Complete Eligibility Quiz

• Take the eligibility quiz to determine which grant programs are available based on your geographic area

Step 3: Prepare Required Documentation

• List of organization's board members and their board positions
• Recent financial statement (income statement, balance sheet, annual spending budget)
• Project budget breakdown
• IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter (exceptions for governmental, educational, or religious entities)

Step 4: Submit Application

• Complete online application (paper copies not accepted for most programs)
• Submit by the last day of the month for most grants

Letters of Support: Generally not required but HIGHLY encouraged (up to three letters permitted)

Special Note for Large Requests: If requesting more than $10,000, covering multiple counties within the service area, requesting multi-year funding, or for projects previously funded directly by the Hansen Foundation, applicants should apply directly to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

Invitation-Only Programs: The Bird City Century II Development Foundation Community Initiative Fund accepts applications by invitation only. Contact Director Teryn Carmichael at 785-734-2556 to discuss your project before receiving an invitation code.

Decision Timeline

• Application Deadline: Last day of each month (for most grants)
• Review: At the following board meeting, which is held on the third Monday of every month
• Decision Time: Approximately 2-3 weeks from submission

Success Rates

• 2023: 103 grants awarded
• 2022: 94 grants awarded

Specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not specified in public materials. Contact the Director of Grants & Scholarships at [email protected] or call (785) 734-2406 for guidance.

Post-Award Requirements

Final reports are required, including:

• Receipts demonstrating how grant funds were used
• Pictures of the completed project

Application Success Factors

Geographic Alignment is Critical: Applicants must serve the specific county where they are applying for funds. The eligibility quiz on the grant portal will filter programs based on geographic area.

Emphasize Community Benefit: Grants must be for charitable purposes with broad community benefit. Demonstrate how your project will impact multiple community members or address a widespread need.

Show Community Support: While letters of support are not required, they are HIGHLY encouraged (up to three letters). This signals community buy-in and strengthens applications.

Highlight Collaboration: The Bird City Century II Development Foundation specifically prioritizes "collaboration among nonprofits, programs, and governmental agencies to enhance services without duplication." Even for other funds, collaborative approaches are viewed favorably.

Demonstrate Volunteerism and Community Involvement: Applications from initiatives that emphasize community involvement and volunteerism receive preference, particularly for Dane Hansen Community Grants.

Strategic Doing Connection: Preference is given to applications from the Strategic Doing process, a strategic planning methodology used by Hansen Foundation-affiliated counties. If your community has participated in Strategic Doing, reference this connection.

Match the Right Grant Amount: For smaller projects (under $2,000), county-specific funds like GROW Decatur County may be appropriate. For larger projects exceeding $10,000, consider applying directly to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation rather than the county pass-through grants.

Complete Financial Documentation: Ensure all required financial documents are current and clearly demonstrate organizational capacity and financial need. The foundation requires board lists, financial statements, project budgets, and 501(c)(3) documentation.

Economic Impact: For projects related to economic development, emphasize job creation, job retention, and attracting living-wage employment.

Be Aware of Sunset Dates: The Dane G. Hansen Community Grant program is promised through September 2026, so plan accordingly if seeking multi-year support.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Apply through the county where you work: Geographic restrictions are strictly enforced. Use the online eligibility quiz to determine which programs you qualify for based on service area.

• Most grants have monthly deadlines: Applications are typically due on the last day of each month and reviewed at board meetings on the third Monday of the following month, creating a predictable review cycle.

• Letters of support are "HIGHLY encouraged": While optional, up to three letters of support can significantly strengthen your application by demonstrating community backing.

• Larger projects may need different strategy: Requests over $10,000, multi-county projects, or multi-year funding should be directed to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation directly rather than county pass-through grants.

• Hansen Community Grants are sunsetting: The Dane G. Hansen Community Grant program will end in 2025, so plan alternative funding strategies if relying on these annual allocations.

• Final reports require receipts and photos: Budget time for post-grant documentation including financial receipts and project photos.

• Umbrella structure means local focus: GNWKCF provides the legal and administrative framework, but each county affiliate operates with its own board and priorities. Research the specific affiliate foundation for your county to understand local giving patterns.

References

• Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation official website: https://gnwkcf.org/ (Accessed January 2026)
• GNWKCF Grants page: https://gnwkcf.org/grants/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Cheyenne County Kansas Community Foundation Grants page: https://www.cckcf.org/grants/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Dane G. Hansen Foundation Community Foundation Grants page: https://danehansenfoundation.org/grants/community-foundation-grants/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Kansas Association of Community Foundations - GNWKCF Member Profile: http://kansascfs.org/members/greater-northwest-kansas-community-foundation (Accessed January 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report for Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/greater-northwest-kansas-community-foundation (Accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation (EIN 48-1025832): https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/481025832 (Accessed January 2026)
• Bird City, KS - GNWKCF Information: https://www.birdcity.com/gnwkcf (Accessed January 2026)
• GROW Decatur County Foundation Fund Grant page: https://www.gnwkcf.org/grant/grow-grant (Accessed January 2026)
• Bird City Century II Development Foundation Community Initiative Fund: https://www.gnwkcf.org/grant/bccii-grant (Accessed January 2026)