Philanthropy Today

We catch up with Rick Hernandez from Manhattan Free Clinic on a big year of growth, including a second location and thousands of patient visits. We also talk about what real healthcare access looks like, how new tech helps patients learn at home, and why Grow Green matters for funding patient care. 
• celebrating 20 years and honoring Dr Jim Reed’s foundational impact 
• opening a second clinic location near the hospital fo...

We sit down with Scott Voos from Be Able and hear from Gary, a program graduate who goes from jail and instability to recovery housing and a real plan for the future. Gary shares how basic needs, accountability, and community help him rebuild his health, reconnect with family, and aim for a traditional lease. 
• winter pressure points and why cold months are harder 
• what a Be Able program graduate means in practice 
•...

We share how GMCF’s new strategic plan responds to rapid growth and sets a 2035 vision for being the community’s trusted philanthropic partner. We walk through the three goals guiding our next decade and the practical steps we’re taking to strengthen staffing, grow resources, and deepen measurable impact.
• why reaching $400 million in assets changes expectations and operations 
• the 2035 vision to be the community’s phila...

We share how local dollars and volunteer time turn into rent relief, utility help, free clothing, hot lunches, and real casework that follows clients from court to hospital to home. The result is practical hope that stays in Riley and Geary counties and grows when neighbors step up.

• two staff running casework, meals and clothing support
• how vouchers provide free business and family clothing
• Angel Tree plannin...

Spring brings energy to Sunset Zoo as we welcome Kiatu, a four-month-old colobus monkey named through a community vote, and introduce our new director, Dr. Kaylee Reyes. We share expanded hours, family programs, membership perks, and a full slate of events that connect fun with conservation.

• Kiatu’s growth, behavior and striking color changes
• The community naming story and tribute to Scott Shoemaker
• Dr Kaylee...

We spotlight how the Manhattan Optimists turn a simple motto, Friend of Youth, into concrete programs that open doors for kids and strengthen the city. From a thriving instrument drive to free t‑ball and flexible meetings, the club shows how service scales when people show up.

• Purpose and history of the Manhattan Optimists since 1959
• Band and orchestra instrument drive for families who cannot afford rentals
• B...

We share how Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Kansas keeps families close to pediatric care, removes daily burdens, and plans upgrades and events to meet rising demand. We also outline simple ways Manhattan-area listeners can help, from rounding up at McDonald’s to sponsoring local fundraisers.

• mission to house families with children in treatment
• services including private rooms, meals, laundry, and tra...

We welcome Museum of Art and Light executive director Erin Dragado for a conversation about building a 21st century museum in Manhattan, Kansas and why audiences are responding. From Dean Mitchell’s moving showcase to a U.S.-exclusive Picasso immersive, we explore art, tech, and community impact.

• Origin story of the Museum of Art and Light
• Erin’s museum path from California and Chicago back to Kansas
• Blending...

We share how a grassroots directory grew into a regional network serving over 200 entrepreneurs a year and why the Yuma Street Cultural Center will unite culture, community, and commerce. We unpack leadership lessons, capital readiness, and partnerships that close access gaps across the Flint Hills.

• Founding story of Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills
• Journalism and marketing roots shaping social entrepreneursh...

We sit down with Dennis Mullen of SPS Companies to explore how faith, volunteerism, and focused giving can transform a community. From childcare and housing to the case for growth over cuts, we share practical ways to get involved and why small towns amplify impact.

• award recognition rooted in service, not credit
• faith as a daily habit that fuels giving
• volunteerism as leadership training and culture
• SP...

We trace how the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program builds servant leaders who think bigger than their zip code and act locally with speed and empathy. Alumni form deep networks, serve on boards, fuel civic conversations, and find purpose that anchors long-term community impact.

• origins in 1980s agricultural leadership and 1990s regional expansion
• 683 alumni to date with seven-county reach
• sharp rise in ...

We share how a joyful Valentine gala with big band music and a ballroom lesson funds urgent aid, food security, critical repairs, and long‑term homeownership. We also outline the repair program, ReStore impact, and new builds that move families toward lasting stability.

• new Monday 9am slot and show setup
• three nonprofits join for a Valentine benefit
• big band, dance lesson and community building
• short‑te...

We sit down with retiring K-State Police Chief Ronnie Grice to talk recovery, service, and why Manhattan became home far beyond his two-year plan. He shares how partnership with Cheryl fuels joyful volunteering and outlines what comes next after the badge.

• near-death health scare and community support
• Distinguished Volunteer Award and meaning of recognition
• 46-year law enforcement journey and leadership shift...

We share how Flint Hills Breadbasket transformed into a grocery-style space that welcomes 800–900 families each week and why demand continues to rise. We also spotlight the Super Bowl food drive, our Valentine collaboration with Habitat and Shepherd’s Crossing, and the role of Grow Green Match Day in stabilizing support.

• rising demand after relocation and during government shutdown
• grocery-style, dignified shopping...

We talk with WTC’s Jeff Sackrider about turning corporate philanthropy into everyday practice, from quarter‑million dollar grants to citywide public Wi‑Fi and rapid food security support. A 114‑year local story shows how structure, culture, and partnerships make impact stick.

• why time, talent and treasure all matter
• how formalizing giving speeds emergency response
• roots in 1912 and a community-first mission

We spotlight the Manhattan Polar Plunge and how one brave jump funds health screenings, Unified sports, and leadership for 10,000 Special Olympics Kansas athletes. Katelyn Andrist and Corporal Rachel Pate share how athletes and officers build real inclusion, one cheer and costume at a time.

• Polar Plunge purpose, date, location, and $100 fundraising minimum
• Healthy Athletes screenings and statewide impact
• Unif...

We showcase how Manhattan Area Technical College aligns new programs with real employer demand, turning education into high-wage jobs and community growth. From a community-driven campus to regional testing and NBAF-ready talent, we map the path from skill to paycheck.

• New plumbing, electrical, and cybersecurity-focused IT programs
• Community building as shared training and meeting space
• Employer connections t...

We share a candid talk with RCPD Director Brian Peete on preventing targeted violence by training first responders to recognize behavioral indicators and respond with empathy. The conversation spans homelessness, social media, political rhetoric, and the mission of Prevent the Aftermath to build standardized, research-based training and tools.

• community empathy versus criminalization of crisis
• differences between E...

We share how Center of Hope Ministry grew from a church basement to the Douglas School Annex to meet soaring demand for overnight warming shelter, and why local partnerships, volunteers, and small business fundraisers keep the doors open. A year-round shelter vision takes shape as we break down staffing, funding, and the rising need for cots, snacks, and safe space for families.

• mission to provide safe overnight shelter ...