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Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.3M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.1M
Decision Time
3mo

Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $323,335 (approximate)
  • Foundation Assets: $62+ million
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Quarterly board meetings (approximately 3 months)
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $100,000+
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Hays and Ellis County, Kansas; secondary focus on communities where Schmidt family operated farms, ranches, and broadcasting/broadband businesses; broader Kansas consideration for merit-based projects

Contact Details

Address:
1011 W. 27th St.
P.O. Box 916
Hays, KS 67601

Phone: 785-625-1772

Website: https://schmidtfoundation.net

Overview

Founded in 1989 by Bob and Pat Schmidt, the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation is a community-focused private foundation supporting projects throughout Kansas and neighboring states. Bob Schmidt built his career in radio and communications, eventually leading Eagle Communications before selling it to employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan in 1998. With assets exceeding $62 million and annual giving of approximately $323,000, the foundation operates under the philosophy "Forward Ever. Backward Never," reflecting the founders' commitment to progress and community development. The foundation received recognition through the Don and Chris Bickle Philanthropy Award from Hays Medical Center Foundation for its significant community impact. Recent major initiatives include serving as lead contributor to the Schmidt Foundation Center for Art and Design at Fort Hays State University and establishing a competitive scholarship program awarding five full-ride scholarships annually to first-generation Kansas college students.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Project Grants: $10,000 - $100,000+
Rolling application basis with quarterly board review. Recent examples include $100,000 for Hays Public Library remodel (2020), $50,000 for Hays Public Library Kansas Room campaign, and $10,000 annual grants for library programs (2021-2022).

Schmidt Foundation Scholars (Education): $14,900 per student annually
Five full-ride scholarships awarded each year to Kansas high school seniors attending Fort Hays State University. Covers 30 credit hours of tuition and fees for fall and spring courses, books, and room and board. Renewable for four years.

Nursing Scholarships: Amount varies
Targeted scholarships for nursing students at NCK-Tech and Fort Hays State University.

Entrepreneurship Support: Amount varies
Sponsor of Entrepreneurial Series of Programs at Grow Hays.

Priority Areas

Education

  • K-12 educational programs and facilities
  • Higher education scholarships and infrastructure
  • First-generation college student support
  • Programs in healthcare, education, business, entrepreneurship, arts, and communications

Healthcare

  • Community health initiatives
  • Healthcare facility improvements
  • Food security programs (doubled giving during pandemic)
  • Healthcare professional education

The Arts

  • Arts education and facilities
  • Cultural programs and institutions
  • Performance and visual arts spaces

Economic Development

  • Community infrastructure projects (lead contributor to ARC Park and Splash Pad in Hays)
  • Entrepreneurship programs
  • Business development initiatives
  • Projects supporting economic vitality

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's geographic and programmatic focus suggests:

  • Projects outside their primary service area (unless in communities with Schmidt family business connections)
  • Individual needs unrelated to their scholarship programs
  • Projects not aligned with their four core funding areas
  • Organizations without 501(c)(3) status (first-time applicants must provide IRS determination letter)

Governance and Leadership

President: Gary Shorman

Board Structure: Board of Directors meets quarterly to review grant applications and make funding decisions.

The foundation maintains close ties to the Hays community and Fort Hays State University, where Bob Schmidt began his broadcasting career as a sportscaster and graduated in 1950 before becoming General Manager of KAYS Radio.

Foundation Philosophy: The Schmidts believed in the principle that "the rising tide lifts all boats" - that supporting communities creates a positive chain reaction of benefits throughout the region.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the foundation's online portal. Applicants must submit a single .zip file containing all required materials.

Required Materials:

  1. Proposal (6 pages maximum) including:

    • Organization's mission and programs
    • Detailed project description
    • Explanation of project alignment with foundation's mission
    • Grant goals (short-term, intermediate, and long-term)
    • Implementation plan with timeline
    • Expected community impact
    • Measurement and evaluation plan
    • Coordination with community partners
    • Future funding strategy/sustainability plan

  2. Staff Qualifications: List of key personnel involved in project

  3. Other Funding Sources: Documentation of other funders supporting this project

  4. Financial Documents:

    • Current operating budget
    • Project-specific budget
    • Recent income and expense statement
    • Recent balance sheet
    • Form 990 (online applications only)

  5. IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter (first-time applicants only)

Alternative Application Method: Applications may also be submitted as a letter outlining the request with supporting materials.

Decision Timeline

The Board of Directors meets quarterly to review applications. Organizations should expect approximately 3 months from submission to decision, depending on which quarter their application is received.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation has demonstrated multi-year support for organizations (e.g., annual library program grants of $10,000 in both 2021 and 2022). Reapplication policy for declined applications is not publicly stated; contact the foundation directly to inquire.

Application Success Factors

Strong Community Impact: The foundation prioritizes projects that create lasting positive change in Hays and Ellis County. Successful applications demonstrate how the project will improve quality of life for community members.

Alignment with Core Areas: Projects falling clearly within education, healthcare, the arts, or economic development have the strongest success potential. The foundation has shown willingness to make substantial investments in projects strongly aligned with these priorities.

Sustainability Planning: The application specifically requests a future funding strategy, indicating the foundation values projects with long-term viability beyond their grant support.

First-Generation Student Focus: For educational programs, demonstrating support for first-generation college students from Kansas aligns with the foundation's scholarship priorities. Preference is given to students pursuing healthcare, education, business, entrepreneurship, arts, or communications.

Measurable Outcomes: Applications must include a measurement and evaluation plan. Successful applicants clearly articulate how they will track and report project success.

Community Partnerships: The foundation asks about coordination with community partners, suggesting they value collaborative approaches that leverage multiple organizations' strengths.

Capital Projects: The foundation has demonstrated willingness to serve as "lead contributor" for major capital campaigns (Center for Art and Design, ARC Park and Splash Pad), indicating receptivity to larger transformational projects that may anchor broader fundraising efforts.

Geographic Connection: Projects in Hays and Ellis County receive highest priority, followed by communities with Schmidt family business connections (broadcasting and broadband operations in Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri).

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Apply Early in the Quarter: With quarterly board meetings, timing your submission to allow full review before the next scheduled meeting is strategic.

  • Emphasize Local Impact: The foundation's commitment to Hays and Ellis County is paramount. Clearly articulate how your project serves these communities.

  • Think Big for Capital Projects: The foundation has demonstrated capacity for six-figure gifts on major initiatives. Don't hesitate to request substantial support for transformational projects.

  • Show Sustainability: Address how the project will continue beyond the grant period. Multi-year support is possible, as evidenced by annual library program grants.

  • Connect to Legacy: The Schmidts built their wealth through broadcasting and employee ownership. Projects related to these sectors or demonstrating employee/community empowerment may resonate.

  • First-Generation Focus: Educational programs supporting first-generation college students, particularly in healthcare, education, business, entrepreneurship, arts, or communications, align with established priorities.

  • Complete Documentation: The detailed application requirements indicate the foundation conducts thorough due diligence. Providing comprehensive financial documentation demonstrates organizational capacity.

References

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