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Baughman Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.2M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.4M
Decision Time
2mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $975,599 - $1,241,226
  • Assets: $18.7 million
  • Decision Time: Board meets monthly
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $400,000
  • Number of Grants: 24 (2023)
  • Geographic Focus: Southwestern Kansas (primarily), also Colorado and Oklahoma

Contact Details

Mailing Address: PO Box 1356, Liberal, KS 67905-1356
Phone: 620-624-1371
Contact Person: Carol Feather-Francis, President

Note: The Baughman Foundation does not have a website. Direct contact is recommended.

Overview

The Baughman Foundation was established in 1958 by John and Ella Baughman, who built a substantial agricultural empire in the southwestern United States. John W. Baughman settled in Seward County, Kansas in 1872 and gradually became one of the larger holders of farmland in Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma, with the J.W. Baughman Farms Company growing from 31,868 acres in 1916 to 320,000 acres by 1954. The foundation's major donors are Robert W. Baughman (John and Ella's son) and the John W. Baughman Farms Co. Today, the foundation holds assets of approximately $18.7 million and distributes between $975,000 and $1.2 million in grants annually to nonprofit organizations primarily serving southwestern Kansas, with particular emphasis on Liberal and Seward County. The foundation's strategic approach focuses on locally-driven community development, education, youth programs, and essential services.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Baughman Foundation does not operate named grant programs but provides support through a general grant program. Applications are accepted by mail on a rolling basis and reviewed by the Board of Directors at monthly meetings.

  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $400,000
  • Application Method: Mail-in proposals, reviewed monthly
  • Annual Grants: Approximately 24-30 grants per year

Priority Areas

The Baughman Foundation supports a wide variety of local causes, including:

  • Education: Scholarships, children's TV programming, educational facilities
  • Children and Youth: Head Start programs, 4-H building projects, pediatric services
  • Arts and Culture: Art museum programs and cultural initiatives
  • Community Development: Building remodeling and repairs, capital campaigns, local events
  • Human Services: Senior centers, therapeutic riding programs, HVAC systems for community facilities
  • Equipment and Infrastructure: Tanker trucks, specialized equipment for community services

The foundation has funded specific projects including the Seward County 4-H building, therapeutic riding expenses, senior center HVAC systems, and various capital campaigns.

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, as a foundation focused on southwestern Kansas, the Baughman Foundation likely does not fund:

  • Organizations outside their geographic focus (southwestern Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma)
  • National or international programs without local benefit
  • Projects that don't meet criteria specified in the original Trust

Governance and Leadership

Board Leadership

  • Carol Feather-Francis: President ($54,000 compensation)
  • Richard R. Yoxall: Vice President ($18,000 compensation)
  • Nathan Foreman: Secretary/Treasurer ($18,000 compensation)

The foundation is governed by a Board of Directors that meets monthly to consider applications. The foundation operates with investment income from its $18.7 million in assets, generating revenue primarily through dividends (47.3%), sales of assets (21.2%), and interest income (3.3%).

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Baughman Foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. The foundation does not have a website or online application portal.

Application Requirements: Submit a proposal by mail that includes:

  • Description of the need your project addresses
  • Information about availability of other funding sources
  • Amount requested
  • How the project meets criteria specified in the original Trust

Submission Address:
Baughman Foundation
PO Box 1356
Liberal, KS 67905-1356

Important Note: Given the foundation's lack of online presence and specific application guidelines, it is strongly recommended to call Carol Feather-Francis at 620-624-1371 before submitting a full proposal to:

  • Confirm current application procedures
  • Verify that your project aligns with their funding priorities
  • Clarify any specific requirements or preferred format

Decision Timeline

  • Board Meetings: Monthly
  • Review Process: Applications are reviewed by the Board of Directors at their monthly meetings
  • Decision Time: Likely 1-2 months from submission to decision, depending on when in the monthly cycle your application is received

Success Rates

  • Grants Awarded: 24 grants in 2023, 30 grants in 2022
  • Total Applied: Not publicly disclosed
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed

With approximately 24-30 grants awarded annually and total giving of approximately $1 million, the foundation demonstrates selective but consistent grantmaking focused on meaningful community impact.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation's reapplication policy is not publicly stated. Contact the foundation directly to inquire about reapplication after an unsuccessful submission.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's history and funding patterns, successful applications likely demonstrate:

  1. Strong Local Connection: The foundation's roots are deep in southwestern Kansas, particularly Liberal and Seward County. Projects with clear local impact and community support are favored.

  2. Capital Projects and Infrastructure: Past grants show significant support for building projects, equipment purchases, and facility improvements (4-H building, HVAC systems, tanker trucks).

  3. Youth Development: The foundation's support for 4-H, Head Start programs, scholarships, and children's programming demonstrates a commitment to investing in the next generation.

  4. Community Services: Projects supporting seniors, therapeutic programs, and essential community services align with the foundation's mission.

  5. Clear Need and Budget: Applications should clearly articulate the need, demonstrate other funding efforts, and present a specific, justified budget request.

  6. Alignment with Original Trust: Proposals must meet criteria specified in the original Trust established by John and Ella Baughman. Understanding the foundation's agricultural heritage and commitment to rural community development may provide insight into these criteria.

  7. Realistic Funding Requests: With grant ranges from $5,000 to $400,000, applicants should request amounts proportional to their project scope and organizational capacity.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Call first: Without a website or formal guidelines, direct contact with Carol Feather-Francis (620-624-1371) is essential before submitting a proposal. This conversation can save time and increase your chances of success.

  • Local focus matters: The foundation strongly favors southwestern Kansas, with particular emphasis on Liberal and Seward County. Organizations outside this area should have compelling reasons for why their work benefits this community.

  • Capital projects are welcome: Unlike some foundations that shy away from infrastructure, Baughman Foundation has demonstrated willingness to fund building projects, equipment, and facility improvements.

  • Monthly decisions: With monthly board meetings, there's regular opportunity for consideration. Time your application to allow adequate review before your funding is needed.

  • Show other funding efforts: The application specifically asks about availability of other funding, suggesting the foundation values organizations that leverage multiple revenue sources.

  • Youth and education resonate: Given the foundation's consistent support for youth programs, educational initiatives, and scholarships, projects serving young people appear particularly aligned with their values.

  • Be specific about impact: With only 24-30 grants made annually from their substantial asset base, the foundation is selective. Demonstrate clear, measurable community impact.

References

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