The Emporia Community Foundation (ECF) has commenced the new year by distributing more than $22,000 in grants to nine nonprofit organizations across the region. These grants aim to support projects that address community needs in cultural affairs, education, health, recreation, and social services.
Grant Recipients and Allocations
The ECF Grants Committee has allocated funds to the following organizations:
| Organization | Grant Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Boys & Girls Clubs of South-Central Kansas | $3,000 | Scholarships for youth programs. |
| Dwight Community Development Corporation | $3,000 | Window replacements to enhance community facilities. |
| Greenwood County Health Department | $2,500 | Establishment of a Peek-A-Boo Pantry to support local families. |
| Hamilton City Library | $3,000 | Purchase of computers to improve public access to technology. |
| Imaginarium | $3,000 | Expansion efforts to broaden educational outreach. |
| Integrated Behavioral Technologies | $2,400 | ABA Start-Up Sets for each child served, supporting behavioral therapy initiatives. |
| Southern Lyon County Unified School District 252 | $900 | Acquisition of Slumberkins animals and books to aid in social-emotional learning. |
| Southwick House | $3,000 | Support for the capital campaign aimed at developing transitional housing. |
| St. Mark’s Lutheran Church | $1,500 | Creation of handicap parking spaces to improve accessibility. |
Purpose of the Grants
These grants are designed to empower nonprofits to execute projects that might otherwise be unfeasible due to financial constraints. By focusing on areas such as cultural affairs, education, health, recreation, and social services, the ECF aims to enhance the quality of life within the community.
About the Emporia Community Foundation
The Emporia Community Foundation is dedicated to being a responsive and proactive community partner, working strategically to address existing and emerging community issues. Since its inception, the ECF has awarded over $13.8 million in grants, supporting a wide range of projects and programs that benefit the community.
Grant Application Process
The ECF conducts a structured grant application process to ensure that funds are allocated effectively to meet community needs. The general timeline for grant applications is as follows:
- September: Grant applications accepted from September 1st to 30th.
- December: Awards announced.
- January: Funds disbursed to recipients.
This process allows organizations to plan and implement their projects in a timely manner.
Diverse Grant Opportunities
In addition to the general grants, the ECF manages several specialized funds to address specific community needs:
- 79 Fund: Focuses on long-term improvements to the quality of life for children in Emporia. Application deadlines are February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15.
- Chase County Community Fund (CCCF): Aims to improve the quality of life for residents of Chase County, with application deadlines on March 15 and September 16.
- Cleve Cook / Emporia Lions Club Fund: Provides grants for projects designed to make a positive, long-term impact in Lyon County, Kansas. Application deadline is April 26.
- Sadie Jones Fund: Offers grants for vision, hearing, health, and safety projects for children in Lyon and Chase counties, with application deadlines on June 3 and October 1.
These targeted funds enable the ECF to address specific areas of need within the community effectively.
Impact on the Community
The grants awarded by the ECF have a significant impact on the community by:
- Enhancing Educational Opportunities: Funding scholarships and educational materials to support learning and development.
- Improving Health Services: Supporting health departments and behavioral therapy initiatives to promote well-being.
- Advancing Social Services: Assisting organizations that provide essential services to vulnerable populations.
- Promoting Cultural Affairs: Funding projects that enrich the cultural landscape of the community.
- Developing Recreational Facilities: Supporting the development of facilities that promote physical activity and community engagement.
Through these efforts, the ECF plays a vital role in fostering a vibrant and supportive community environment.
Looking Forward
As the ECF continues its mission to support and enhance the community, it encourages local organizations to apply for grants and participate in initiatives that address community needs. By working together, the foundation and the community can achieve sustainable growth and improvement in the quality of life for all residents.
FAQs
What is the Emporia Community Foundation (ECF)?
The ECF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing community needs in areas such as health, education, cultural affairs, recreation, and social services through grant funding and strategic partnerships.
How can a nonprofit organization apply for a grant from the ECF?
Nonprofits can apply for grants by submitting an application during the designated application periods. Specific guidelines and application forms are available on the ECF’s official website.
What types of projects does the ECF fund?
The ECF funds a wide range of projects, including those related to health, social services, education, recreation, and cultural affairs. Preference is given to innovative and creative projects that respond to changing community needs.
