← Back to US Funders Directory

Dane G Hansen Foundation

Annual Giving
$20.5M
Decision Time
1mo

Dane G Hansen Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $18-23 million (including scholarships)
  • Success Rate: Data not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Approximately 4 weeks from application deadline
  • Grant Range: Varies widely by project type
  • Geographic Focus: 26 counties in Northwest Kansas (may consider projects outside this area if they substantially benefit the primary service area)
  • Total Assets: Over $388 million (2015 data)
  • Annual Awards: Approximately 318 grants (2024)

Contact Details

Address: Logan, Kansas
Website: https://danehansenfoundation.org/
Grant Coordinator: Kyra L. Reese - kyra@danehansenfoundation.org
Phone: 785-689-4832
Scholarship Coordinator: Courtney D. States

Overview

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation was established in 1965 with a generous estate gift of $9-12 million from Dane G. Hansen, a Logan, Kansas oil businessman and philanthropist who lived his entire life in Northwest Kansas. Nearly 60 years later, the Foundation has grown to over $388 million in assets and distributes $18-23 million annually in grants and scholarships to benefit the 26 counties that make up the northwest quarter of Kansas. The Foundation's mission is "to provide opportunities for the people of Northwest Kansas to enjoy the highest possible quality of life" through three core goals: strengthening communities, creating growth environments, and increasing economic opportunities. The Foundation maintains a robust scholarship program awarding over $2.5 million annually to students in addition to its community grant programs. In recognition of its work, the Foundation received the Don and Chris Bickle Philanthropy Award from the Hays Medical Center Foundation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation accepts applications year-round with monthly grant award cycles. Applications must be submitted through the online portal - paper applications are not accepted. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis with monthly trustee meetings.

Primary Focus Areas:

  • Education: Promoting self-reliance, personal life skills, and capable workforce development
  • Health Care: Access to quality health care services and promotion of healthy life practices
  • Economic Development: Development of robust, sustainable economy with diverse businesses and quality job opportunities
  • Community Social Services & Security: Access to social services for individuals with special needs, crisis support, community disaster relief, and emergency response
  • Conservation & Environment: Environmental protection and conservation efforts
  • Arts & Culture: Supporting cultural enrichment and arts programming
  • Community Beautification: Projects that enhance community appearance and livability

Special Programs:

  • Summer Reading Grants: Specifically designed to address "summer slide" and must demonstrate how children will access books, have choice in age-appropriate titles, and opportunities for discussion
  • Community Grant Funds: Partnerships with Greater Salina Community Foundation and Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation to support all 26 counties

Scholarship Programs (for students from the 26-county service area):

  • Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarships: 7 scholarships at $10,000 annually, renewable for 3 additional years (requires ACT 23+, GPA 3.50+)
  • Hansen Scholar Scholarships: 35 scholarships at $6,500 annually, renewable for 3 additional years (requires ACT 23+, GPA 3.50+)
  • Hansen Student Scholarships: 70 scholarships at $4,000 annually, renewable for 1 additional year (requires ACT 23+, GPA 3.50+)
  • Hansen Career and Technical Education Scholarships: 100 scholarships at $4,000 annually, renewable for 1 additional year

Priority Areas

The Foundation gives preference to applications that:

  • Include community involvement and volunteerism
  • Are supported by funding partners
  • Reflect leadership and collaboration
  • Benefit multiple counties or communities
  • Appear to be sustainable or provide long-term benefit

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation explicitly will NOT fund:

  • Political projects or activities
  • Normal operating expenses
  • Degree programs
  • Organizations lacking 501(c)(3) status (or equivalent government/blanket exemption status)
  • Grants to individuals (except scholarships)
  • Discriminatory organizations
  • Projects outside Northwest Kansas that do not substantially benefit the primary service area

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

The Foundation is governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees representing communities throughout Northwest Kansas:

  • Doug Albin (WaKeeney)
  • Carol Bales (Logan)
  • Mike Erhart (Phillipsburg) - Joined November 2024
  • Warren Gfeller (Russell)
  • Rhonda Goddard (Penokee)
  • Robert Hartman (Hays)
  • Brien Stockman (Logan)

Important: The Foundation requests that trustees NOT be contacted directly regarding grant proposals. All questions should be directed to the grant coordinator.

Foundation Staff

Administrative & Financial:

  • Mickie A. McElroy - Financial Manager (with the Foundation since 1976)
  • Jesse L. Ware - Accountant
  • Theresa M. Shellito - Administrative Assistant

Programs & Grants:

  • Courtney D. States - Scholarship Programs Coordinator
  • Kyra L. Reese - Grant Coordinator
  • Betsy Wearing - Coordinator of Communications, Programs and New Initiatives
  • Erin Mathews - Public Relations Coordinator
  • Gennifer Golden House - Donor Support & Leadership Coordinator

Consulting:

  • Betty Johnson - Consulting Staff

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Online Application Only: All applications must be submitted through the Foundation's online portal at https://danehansenfoundation.org/. Paper applications will not be accepted.

  2. Monthly Deadline: Applications received and marked complete by 9:00 a.m. on the 25th of each month will be reviewed at the following trustee meeting.

  3. Early Submission Recommended: The Foundation encourages applicants to submit their grant application one week early to ensure completeness and allow time for any necessary corrections.

  4. Incomplete Applications: If an application is submitted before the 25th but is incomplete, applicants have until 9:00 a.m. on the 25th to make corrections and remain in that month's review cycle.

Required Documentation

All applications must include:

  • Proof of IRS 501(c)(3) status (or equivalent for government bodies/blanket exemption organizations)
  • Completed budget worksheet
  • Current income statement and balance sheet
  • List of board members
  • Written bids or quotes (required for all capital project requests or purchases)
  • Up to 3 letters of support (optional but may strengthen application)

Special Requirements:

  • University proposals require college president signatures
  • K-12 school proposals need principal approval
  • Supporting entities must submit financial statements for both applicant and beneficiary organizations

Note: State sales tax exemptions do NOT satisfy the 501(c)(3) requirement.

Decision Timeline

  • Application Deadline: 9:00 a.m. on the 25th of each month
  • Review Process: Applications are reviewed by Foundation staff, then all qualifying grants are reviewed by Foundation Trustees at monthly meetings
  • Notification: Applicants receive notification via email by the last day of the month in which the application was considered (approximately 4 weeks from deadline)
  • Grant Processing: Grants are processed within 10 days of signed agreement receipt

Success Rates

The Foundation awarded 318 grants in 2024, 315 grants in 2023, 288 grants in 2022, and 324 grants in 2021. Specific application-to-award ratios and success percentages are not publicly disclosed. Action on all grants is subject to the discretion of the trustees.

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation's website does not specify a formal reapplication policy for denied applications. Applicants with questions about reapplying after a denial should contact the grant coordinator at kyra@danehansenfoundation.org or 785-689-4832.

Important Note: Approval of a grant proposal is not a commitment to future financial support.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's guidance and requirements, successful applications demonstrate:

  1. Clear Community Benefit: Applications must articulate how the project benefits the people and communities of Northwest Kansas. The Foundation looks for projects that strengthen communities, create growth environments, and increase economic opportunities.

  2. Collaboration and Partnership: Preference is given to applications that include community involvement, volunteerism, funding partners, and demonstrate leadership collaboration across multiple entities.

  3. Sustainability and Long-term Impact: Projects that appear sustainable or provide long-term benefit are viewed more favorably than short-term initiatives.

  4. Multi-Community Impact: Applications that benefit multiple counties or communities within the 26-county service area receive preference.

  5. Complete and Timely Submission: Submit applications at least one week before the deadline to ensure all required documentation is complete. Incomplete applications may miss the review cycle.

  6. Proper Documentation: For capital projects, provide detailed written bids or quotes. Include financial statements, board lists, and all required documentation to avoid delays.

  7. Summer Reading Grant Specifics: For summer reading grants, successful applications must address three critical elements:

    • Access: How children will get to the books, or how books will get to the children
    • Choice: Allowing children to self-select from age-appropriate titles
    • Discussion: Providing opportunities to talk about texts with peers and/or adults

  8. Appropriate Scope: Ensure the project aligns with one or more of the Foundation's seven funding areas and does not fall into excluded categories (political projects, operating expenses, degree programs, etc.).

  9. Professional Communication: Direct all questions to the grant coordinator rather than contacting trustees directly. This demonstrates understanding of the Foundation's processes and respect for governance structure.

Recent Grant Examples

While specific grant amounts are not publicly detailed, examples of funded projects include:

  • Building Restoration: Foundation repair, block resetting, and mortar replacement for a 120+ year-old wall in Formoso
  • Infrastructure Improvements: New roof for Formoso Water Department building
  • Healthcare Equipment: Kinsa Thermometers for Rawlins County Health Center and Public Health Department
  • Technology/Software: Foundant Software for Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation's online grant application process (grants in April 2016 and April 2018)
  • Hospital Equipment: $100,000 grant to Rawlins County Health Center Foundation

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic Focus is Critical: Your project must clearly benefit residents of the 26 counties in Northwest Kansas. Organizations outside this area can apply only if substantial benefit to the primary service area is demonstrated.

  • Monthly Cycles Provide Flexibility: With rolling monthly deadlines, you can choose your submission timing strategically. Submit one week early to ensure your application is complete.

  • Collaboration Strengthens Applications: Projects involving multiple partners, community volunteers, and funding from other sources receive preference. Demonstrate broad community support.

  • Think Long-term: Sustainability and lasting impact matter more than short-term fixes. Show how your project will continue benefiting the community beyond the grant period.

  • Capital Projects Need Documentation: If requesting funds for equipment, construction, or purchases, obtain written bids or quotes before applying - this is a firm requirement, not optional.

  • Don't Contact Trustees: Direct all inquiries to the grant coordinator. The Foundation has explicitly requested that trustees not be contacted about proposals.

  • Fast Turnaround: With only 4 weeks from deadline to notification, the Foundation offers one of the quicker decision timelines among major funders. Plan your project timeline accordingly to take advantage of these monthly cycles.

References

← Back to US Funders Directory