THRIVING ORGANIZATIONS CREATE A VIBRANT FUTURE

From creating work opportunities to spurring economic activity and fostering civic engagement, nonprofits strengthen the fabric of our community. Every Wichitan benefits from the work of these charitable organizations.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Community foundations strive to enhance the lives of people. By amplifying our nonprofit sector, we’re helping advance essential services that make a positive impact for every Wichitan.

Our Approach

Exposure to new horizons

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Development opportunities

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Efficient operations

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A positive impact for every Wichitan

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What We're Learning

•  Cultivate a learning environment
•  Look through multiple lenses
•  Explore different ways of collaborating
•  Look to long-term impact

GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT

Destination Innovation

One of four regional organizations working to address systemic policies affecting Black, Hispanic/Latino, Indigenous, immigrant and refugee populations in Kansas. The cohort is in partnership with WF and the Kansas Health Foundation.

Explore Our Investments

Exposure

Connected 87 nonprofits to a fireside chat between our President & CEO and Center for Effective Philanthropy’s Phil Buchanan about post-pandemic challenges and solutions

Opened the opportunity for 62 organizations to attend 40 conferences

Development

Educated 70 Wichita nonprofit employees at The Fund Raising School for two years (Partnership with the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy)

Hosted Boomer Consulting Inc. for 80 regional nonprofit employees to learn about succession planning (Partnership with McPherson County Community Foundation)

Unveiled Elevate, a community lab designed to promote collaboration for nonprofits, community groups and businesses

Efficiency

Mobilized emergency gifts to provide immediate relief to 15 nonprofits who faced unexpected circumstances in 2021

Unified nonprofits with matching missions for greater community impact; in 2021, the Women’s Initiative Network and Dress for Success merged to become The Women’s Network
 

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is the Foundation investing in nonprofit elevation?

We recognize the value of the nonprofit sector and how it has a large economic impact for our city. From supporting breakthrough services to unlocking professional development opportunities, we’re maximizing the impact of local organizations to create a strong and thriving community.

How else does the Foundation help local organizations?

We invest in our city’s vital nonprofits through competitive grant cycles, fund holder grantmaking, emergency gifts and Fund for Wichita grants.

Explore Grant Opportunities

How you can take action

Have ideas to advance nonprofit services? Reach out.

Courtney Bengtson

Courtney Bengtson

Chief Strategy Officer

Email Courtney
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