Capitol Federal Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $4,010,554 (2024)
Total Assets: Over $100 million
Cumulative Giving: $100 million since 1999
Grant Range: $250 - $50,000
Geographic Focus: Kansas and Missouri (primarily northeast and central Kansas)
Application Method: Rolling basis, no strict deadlines

Contact Details

Mailing Address: 700 South Kansas Avenue, Suite 517, Topeka, KS 66603

Phone: 785-270-6041 or 785-270-6073

Executive Director: Tammy Dishman

Overview

The Capitol Federal Foundation was established in 1999 as part of Capitol Federal Savings Bank's reorganization from a mutual savings association to a stock savings bank. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated over $100 million to support communities where Capitol Federal operates. The Foundation serves as "A Community Cornerstone," committed to improving quality of life by investing in current and future citizens. With over $100 million in assets and annual giving of approximately $4 million, the Foundation focuses primarily on education, community development, affordable housing, and the United Way. Capitol Federal Savings Bank, founded in 1893, has over $9 billion in assets and is a leader in residential lending in Kansas and Missouri.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Grants: $250 - $50,000

General community grants awarded on a rolling basis
No specific application form required
No strict submission deadlines
Unsolicited applications accepted

Scholarship Programs:

Business student scholarships at Emporia State University, Johnson County Community College, Kansas City Kansas Community College, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University
Minimum 3.35 GPA requirement
For high school graduates from Capitol Federal market areas
Athletic scholarships at University of Kansas and Washburn University

Priority Areas

Education: Primary funding focus, particularly higher education business programs and scholarships

Community Development & Housing: Support for affordable housing initiatives and community development organizations

Health: Healthcare facilities and programs (e.g., cancer center expansions)

Human Services: Boys & Girls Clubs programs, Special Olympics Kansas, and other community service organizations

Performing Arts: Support for performing arts centers

United Way: Regular support for United Way organizations

Geographic Priorities

The Foundation focuses on communities where Capitol Federal operates, including:

Kansas: Andover, Derby, Emporia, Gardner, Kansas City, Lawrence, Leawood, Lenexa, Manhattan, Olathe, Overland Park, Prairie Village, Salina, Shawnee Mission, Topeka, and Wichita

Missouri: Kansas City

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation requires 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, effectively excluding:

Individuals (except through formal scholarship programs)
For-profit organizations
Organizations outside Kansas and Missouri service areas

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Tammy Dishman (also referred to as Foundation President in recent sources)

Former Foundation Chairman: The late John C. "Jack" Dicus, who passed away in June 2024 at age 91. Dicus joined Capitol Federal in 1959 and served as Chairman of the Bank for many years before his retirement in 2009. He was instrumental in establishing the Foundation's commitment to higher education, stating the Foundation's dedication to supporting business students in Kansas.

The Foundation operates as a private independent foundation (NTEE code T22) affiliated with Capitol Federal Savings Bank. Current board composition details are not publicly available in standard databases, though the Foundation maintains governance structures typical of corporate foundations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Capitol Federal Foundation is described as "an accessible funder that welcomes grantseeker contact and unsolicited inquiries." The application process is streamlined:

No Formal Application Form: The Foundation does not use a specific application form
Rolling Basis: Applications accepted year-round with no strict submission deadlines
Direct Contact: Tax-exempt organizations with 501(c)(3) status can request information about the grant process by calling or emailing the foundation team directly
Initial Inquiry: Contact foundation@capfed.com or call 785-270-6041 to discuss your organization's needs and the Foundation's potential fit

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Applicants should inquire directly about expected timeframes when making initial contact.

Success Rates

In 2021, the Foundation made 208 awards. With annual giving of approximately $3.5-4 million and grant sizes ranging from $250 to $50,000, the Foundation maintains an active grantmaking program. Specific application-to-award ratios are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly specified. Organizations should inquire directly with Foundation staff about reapplication guidelines.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's documented giving patterns and priorities, successful applicants typically demonstrate:

Geographic Alignment: Organizations located in Capitol Federal's service areas (communities where Capitol Federal branches operate) receive priority. The Foundation's grantmaking is centered on programs in major metropolitan areas of northeast and central Kansas.

Focus Area Match: Projects in education (especially higher education), affordable housing, community development, and human services align most closely with the Foundation's stated priorities.

Established Organizations: The Foundation supports recognized community organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs, United Way chapters, healthcare facilities like LMH Health, and accredited educational institutions.

Specific Examples of Funded Projects:

LMH Health: $300,000 grant for cancer center expansion project
Special Olympics Kansas: $10,000 donation
Community Housing of Wyandotte County: Past grantee
Black Women Empowered (Wichita): Past grantee
Heartland Therapeutic Riding: Past grantee
Kansas State University: Support for new College of Business Administration building
Multiple scholarship programs at Kansas universities

Foundation's Approach: As a corporate foundation affiliated with Capitol Federal Savings Bank, the Foundation invests in initiatives that strengthen the communities where the bank operates. The late Chairman Jack Dicus emphasized the Foundation's commitment to "investing in the citizens of today and tomorrow," particularly through educational support.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Accessible and Approachable: The Foundation welcomes unsolicited inquiries and direct contact, making it easier to discuss your project before submitting a formal request
Geographic Connection is Critical: Your organization must serve communities where Capitol Federal operates—check their branch locations to confirm eligibility
Education is the Priority: If your project relates to education, particularly higher education or business education, you align with the Foundation's strongest funding interest
Rolling Deadlines Offer Flexibility: With no strict submission deadlines, you can apply when your project is ready rather than waiting for a specific cycle
Wide Grant Range: The $250-$50,000 range suggests the Foundation supports both small community initiatives and larger capital projects—scale your request appropriately
Build the Relationship: Start with a phone call or email to foundation@capfed.com to discuss your project's fit before developing a full proposal
Demonstrate Community Impact: Emphasize how your project improves quality of life in Capitol Federal communities, aligning with their "Community Cornerstone" mission

References

Research conducted December 27, 2025