Philanthropy Today

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...

Good Shepherd Home Care and Hospice hosts their 19th annual Promenade on Points fundraiser this Thursday, allowing participants to visit nine downtown Manhattan businesses for food and beverage tastings while supporting end-of-life care for those regardless of ability to pay.

• Two and a half hour event features nine participating businesses offering food and drink samples
• New check-in location at Union Hall, where g...

Lori Feldkamp reflects on her 30-year career at Big Lakes Developmental Center as she prepares to retire, while introducing her successor, Liz Hawley, who brings 18 years of experience with the organization.

·         Big Lakes has grown from 100 to over 200 employees during Lori's tenure

·         The organization faces a statewide waiting list of 4,500 people needing developmental disability services

·         Around 100 people...

Emily Wagner, Executive Director of Manhattan Emergency Shelter, discusses their fundraising initiatives and the challenges of securing consistent funding for homeless services in Kansas.

• Manhattan Emergency Shelter collaborated with the Center of Hope Ministries to provide a warming shelter during the difficult winter
• The 21st Annual Bids for Bags Benefit takes place May 2nd at St. Thomas More Church with Derby ch...

The Manhattan Free Clinic has been providing free primary care for 20 years to uninsured residents living within 200% of the poverty level in Riley County, which has one of the highest poverty rates in Kansas. They're celebrating this milestone while expanding services to the new Community Accelerator facility on Kimball Avenue, which will improve accessibility for patients on Manhattan's west side.
 
 • All servi...

Kansas climbs 29 ranks in mental health ratings, while Pawnee Mental Health provides innovative solutions for community needs despite ongoing challenges from the lack of Medicaid expansion. CEO Mike Rezkalla discusses the organization's progress, rural outreach programs, and upcoming initiatives to improve access to critical mental health services.

·         Kansas jumped from 51st to 22nd place in Mental Health America's ...

The Flint Hills Volunteer Center coordinates over 925 volunteers serving in 85 different opportunities across Riley County. It helps seniors age with dignity in their homes while creating meaningful service roles for community members.
• Operates the medical transportation program with volunteers driving 57 clients to medical appointments in Manhattan
• Facilitates the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program, providing leaf removal, s...

The Flint Hills Breadbasket is transforming food assistance in Manhattan with its upcoming move to a spacious new facility on Skyview Drive, which will open in early May. Executive Director Karla Hagemeister shares how this expansion will create a dignified shopping experience while nearly doubling its weekly service hours.

• New location will feature a grocery store-like environment with polished concrete floors and tall ...

The Boys and Girls Club of Manhattan prepares for its 26th annual Casino Night fundraiser on April 4th at the K-State Alumni Center, featuring a prom theme and introducing their first-ever dance floor to the event.

• Now operating in 13 locations across Ogden, Manhattan, and Wamego
• Early Learning Center serves over 80 infants and toddlers with room to grow
• New dedicated Teen Center fulfills 30-year dream, servi...

Doncha McDonald shares how Morningstar's unique peer-led approach transforms lives by creating power balance among those with mental illness. Through her personal journey with schizoaffective disorder, she reveals how finding purpose through community support was more healing than medication alone.

• Morningstar's "secret sauce" is that everyone who works there has lived experience with mental illness

Jim Gordon sits down to discuss his 26 years of community impact through the Community Foundation and the Community Foundation Awards, which honor those who give their time, talent, and treasure.

• Jim Gordon, co-founder of GMCF and title sponsor of the CFAs, shares how the awards began
• The CFAs focus on celebrating volunteers who contribute time and talent alongside those who give financially
• Starting with fou...

Leslie White, Director of the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation, shares her passion for supporting the Discovery Center through fundraising for exhibits, educational programs, and community events while making learning accessible to everyone in the region.

• The annual Friend of the Flint Hills award will honor Carl and Mary Ice on April 11th for their contributions to protecting the Flint Hills ecosystem
• This ...

The Kansas Honor Flight pairs area veterans with high school students for life-changing journeys to Washington D.C. memorials, creating powerful connections between generations and providing long-overdue recognition for those who served.
• Created in 2012 as one of five national hubs pairing veterans with student guardians
• 309 veterans have participated across 13 completed flights at no cost to them
• Student guardian...

Greater Manhattan Community Foundation founder Mark Knackendoffel shares how recognizing philanthropy drives more charitable giving and strengthens the community. The GMCF has exceeded all expectations in its 25-year journey, providing structure, discipline, and support to local organizations while avoiding direct competition in fundraising.

• Community Foundation Awards bring visibility to worthy causes and inspire others...

Heather Peterson, Jim Franke, and Greg McCune from the Manhattan Optimist Club share their initiatives to uplift the community's youth through various fundraisers and programs. Driven by a shared mission, the club highlights its upcoming events and its vital role in fostering a positive atmosphere.

• Discussing the Optimist Club's efforts to engage the community 
• Highlights of their annual fundraising event...

We explore the dynamic partnership between MATC and GMCF, focusing on workforce development and community engagement. Jim Jeanette shares insights into how local philanthropy creates a ripple effect that lifts everyone.

• Conversations around the role of philanthropy in education 
• The impact of MATC and GMCF collaboration in workforce training 
• Stories of individuals benefiting from local scholarships and suppo...

This segment of the Community Hour delves into GMCF's strategic planning process and its implications for the community. Board Chair Matt Crocker and Chair Elect Beth Smoller, discuss the importance of clarity, stakeholder engagement, and purposeful abandonment in shaping GMCF's future efforts.

• The transition of GMCF from a funding conduit to a community leader 
• Engaging with stakeholders for collaborativ...

On this episode of the Community Hour Show we  highlight the transformative work of the Armed Forces Community Foundation, which aims to enhance the lives of military families through community support. Kevin West shares insights on fundraising successes and future initiatives.

• Overview of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation's role 
• The mission and achievements of the Armed Forces Community Foundation <...