Hailey
The Flint Hills Community Fund is once again making a positive difference in local communities. This year, two important grants were awarded in Marion County, helping both education and historic preservation.
According to the Emporia Community Foundation, the funding will support young students learning to read and help protect valuable historical items for future generations.
These grants show how community support can create real change, especially in smaller towns where funding can make a big impact. From classrooms to museums, the Flint Hills Community Fund continues to invest in people, learning, and local history.
What Is the Flint Hills Community Fund?
The Flint Hills Community Fund was established in 2019 to support projects that improve community life across the Flint Hills region. Each year, the fund awards grants to programs focused on:
- Education
- Historic preservation
- Community development
The grants rotate among six counties:
Chase, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Butler, and Marion. When a county is part of the yearly cycle, local organizations can apply for funding.
This rotating system ensures that many communities across the region get a fair chance to benefit.
Literacy Grant Supports Marion Elementary School
Helping Students Learn to Read Better
This year’s Literacy Grant was awarded to Marion Elementary School, where it will help around 80 students improve their reading skills. The funding will be used to buy multisensory learning materials for a phonics-based reading program.
These materials follow the Science of Reading, a proven method that helps children understand how sounds and letters work together.
Why Multisensory Learning Matters
The program supports students by letting them:
- See letters and words
- Hear sounds
- Move and interact with materials
- Touch learning tools
This approach is especially helpful for students in Title I programs, as well as children with different learning styles, including those who learn faster or need extra support.
Marion Elementary School Principal Jenna Fanshier shared her excitement about the grant, explaining that these tools will help students build strong reading foundations that will support them throughout their education.
Museum Grant Preserves Marion’s History
Supporting the City of Marion Historical Museum
The second grant was awarded to the City of Marion Historical Museum. This funding focuses on preserving historical artifacts and making them easier for the public to access.
The museum plans to use the grant for:
- Training the curator in best preservation practices
- Buying archival software
- Purchasing proper storage supplies
- Improving storage for items not currently on display
Making History More Accessible
Museum Director and Curator Alecia Stuchlik explained that the grant will help solve long-standing challenges. One key improvement is digital archiving. The new software will allow photos of artifacts to be added to records and, in the future, shared online so more people can explore local history.
This means students, researchers, and residents will be able to learn about Marion’s past without needing to visit the museum in person.
Grant Impact at a Glance
| Grant Type | Organization | Purpose | Community Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Literacy Grant | Marion Elementary School | Multisensory reading materials | Stronger reading skills for students |
| Preservation Grant | City of Marion Historical Museum | Archiving and artifact care | Better access to local history |
Past Projects Supported by the Fund
Over the years, the Flint Hills Community Fund has supported many meaningful projects, including:
- Early literacy programs in Lyon County
- Large-print books at Council Grove Public Library
- A mural celebrating Hispanic history in Emporia
- Improvements to the Americus Splash Pad
- School greenhouse and dyslexia programs
- Preservation of the Strong City Opera House
These efforts show the fund’s long-term commitment to education, culture, and community growth.
How Organizations Can Apply
Community groups are encouraged to watch the grant rotation schedule to see when their county becomes eligible. Organizations can also contact the Emporia Community Foundation directly for guidance and application details.
The Flint Hills Community Fund grants awarded in Marion County highlight the power of local support. By investing in literacy education and historic preservation, the fund is helping students succeed in school while also protecting the stories of the past.
These grants do more than provide money—they strengthen communities, create opportunities, and ensure that both learning and history continue to thrive for future generations.