Philanthropy Today

Karla Hagemeister of the Flint Hills Breadbasket shares remarkable statistics about their new facility and the rising need for food support in Manhattan. After moving to a larger location in May, they're now serving record numbers.  With over 2,000 family visits in June alone, Karla reflects on both the community's generosity and growing economic challenges.

• The Breadbasket moved to a new, larger facility in la...

The Art Press Fund is transforming Manhattan's cultural landscape by bringing diverse events to the community while renovating a historic Art Deco building into a 400-person indoor venue to complement their successful outdoor space.

• Eric Kleiner, musician with Headlight Rivals, leads the organization alongside Derek Richards and his sister
• The fund's three main goals include providing affordable/free ente...

The Salvation Army's 360 Life Center in Manhattan, Kansas, represents a groundbreaking approach to community service as the first rural pilot program of its kind in the United States. Director Susan Evans and volunteer Carla Johnson share how they've expanded from helping 25-30 people monthly to over 1,000 by identifying and filling service gaps through collaborative partnerships.

• The 360 Life Center approach a...

Rich Jankovich, Chapter President of the Fort Riley-Central Kansas AUSA chapter, explains the organization's mission to serve America's Army, veterans, National Guard, Reserves, and their families through education, professional development, and advocacy.

• AUSA's Fort Riley-Central Kansas chapter covers from east of Topeka to the western Kansas border, making it one of the largest chapters geographically

Michael Stubbs, president of Mount Mitchell Prairie Guards, shares the inspiring 20-year journey of preserving a historically and ecologically significant 165-acre park. From rescuing the land from potential development to creating accessible trails where visitors can experience wagon ruts from the 1840s and diverse prairie ecosystems, this volunteer-led effort showcases grassroots conservation at its finest.

• Original 30...

Kitty Pursley joins us to discuss the third annual Little Apple Splash, the world's premier canine aquatics competition coming to Blue Earth Plaza this weekend, featuring dogs jumping from a dock into a pool competing in three disciplines. 

• Manhattan hosts the national competition as a qualifier for the world championship in Dubuque, Iowa
• Competition includes big air (long jump), extreme vertical (high jump), ...

Manhattan Area Technical College has transformed from a vocational technical school into an enterprise center for workforce training, offering both traditional college pathways and flexible skills-based education through their Tech Plus program. The college boasts an impressive 98-99% job placement rate with graduates earning $50-70K+ right out of school, demonstrating the critical need for technical education in today's workf...

The Flint Hills Summer Fun Camp offers inclusive summer camp experiences for all children regardless of their abilities. Founded in 2010 by mothers of children with autism, the camp has grown to serve approximately 40 children from three school districts with professional staff and community support.

• Started in 2010 by mothers who wanted camp experiences for their children with autism
• Serves children ages 5 through...

Thrive, a relatively new nonprofit organization, works to break cycles of poverty by building community support systems, increasing financial stability, and teaching essential parenting skills to families who would otherwise feel isolated and overwhelmed.

• Founded by Jamie Morris Hardeman in response to patterns observed at CASA, where families in the foster care system often lacked financial stability, support networks, ...

Matt reflects on his journey with the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, sharing insights from his time as Board Chair and the innovative initiatives that have positioned the foundation for future success.

• Joined GMCF after moving to Manhattan in 2005, serving first on the grants committee before joining the Executive Board
• Spearheaded an innovative childcare solution that functions as a business incubator for...

The Manhattan Optimist Club is launching an instrument drive to collect gently used band and orchestra instruments for students whose families can't afford them. This initiative brings together the Optimist Club, K-State's instrument repair specialist, and local school music directors to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in music education regardless of financial circumstances.

• Instrument co...

Tara Clausen, CEO of Kansa United Way, discusses their upcoming Community Investment Day where volunteers help decide how donor funds are allocated to programs supporting ALICE families (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).

• Community Investment Day on July 23rd is a full-day event where volunteers review grant applications and hear from nonprofit partners
• Dollars raised through United Way campaigns are inv...

The Symphony in the Flint Hills prepares for its final concert on June 14th after 20 remarkable years of bringing music to the Kansas prairie. This signature event has faced growing challenges, including weather disruptions and rising costs, but remains committed to celebrating and raising awareness about one of the last tallgrass prairies in the world.

• Started when Jane Coger hosted the Kansas City Symphony on her prope...

The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce's HYPE program creates a community for young professionals through social events, professional development, and nonprofit engagement. Rebranded five years ago, HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Emerge) focuses on building connections and making Manhattan a place where 18-40 year olds want to live, work, and play.

• Program operates through five pillars: play, engage, develop, con...

Manhattan Area Technical College receives prestigious Carnegie Foundation classifications, positioning it among an elite 8% of institutions nationwide with outstanding student outcomes including 97% job placement rates and 86% of graduates remaining in Kansas.

• Carnegie Foundation classifications include Applied and Career Studies (top 8% of institutions) and Opportunity College and University (top 16%)
• New campus b...

ECM at K-State creates an inclusive campus community through student-driven programming and a mission of "all humans welcome, no strings attached." The organization fosters belonging while addressing important topics like sustainability, community building, and inclusive dining.

• Friday Real Food Lunches provide vegan, gluten-free meals for 20-30 students weekly
• Student-driven programming allows participan...

No Stone Unturned Foundation has moved into their new facility on Tuttle Creek Boulevard in Manhattan, allowing them to start pulling children off waiting lists and expand their pediatric therapy services. Their holistic care model has gained such recognition that therapy organizations from across Kansas are visiting to learn about their approach.

• Topped the Grow Green Match Day leaderboard with over $133,000 from 122 gi...

The Center of Hope Ministry serves Manhattan's homeless population as a warming shelter, providing dignity and safety during the harshest winter months. This volunteer-run organization now offers nightly cots, meals, and life-changing support to up to 30 guests.

• 100% volunteer-operated with working board members covering overnight shifts

• Recently moved from Vineyard Church to First Congregational Church downtown for better a...

Be Able Community Center provides life-changing support to Manhattan residents facing adversity, offering essential services and a compassionate community. The center is celebrating its fifth year of operation while preparing to launch a crucial supportive housing program to bridge a significant gap in local resources.

• Located at 431 South Fifth Street, Be Able functions as a daytime community resource center open 8 am-4...