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The Foundation Connection

FOUNDATION CONNECTION ZOOM AUG.1

FOUNDATION CONNECTION

Join us at NOON the First Friday of each Month during 2025 for "Foundation Connection."

Each month we will host these zoom meetings on a variety of topics. The August 1st topic will be about Assessing Spendable Balances while preparing for the November 1st deadline.

This is a great time for Q & A so please join us to learn more and to ask questions!

Other upcoming dates and topics include:

September 5th - 2026 Budget Planning and Other Reporting
October 3rd - KACF Conference Session preparation

JOIN ZOOM MEETING

VALLEY CENTER COMMUNITY IMPACT

Valley Center Community Impact Grows Through Local Giving

The Valley Center Community Foundation is proud to foster local philanthropy through a variety of grant opportunities that create meaningful impact across the community. With the generosity of donors and the leadership of committed volunteers, these efforts support educators, students, charitable programs, and community initiatives. Together, donors, advisors, and the Foundation are addressing real needs and creating lasting impact to strengthen Valley Center through strategic, local giving.

Grant Opening Dates

July 31 Valley Center School District Education Foundation

September 10 Valley Center Community Foundation

November 28 Menocause: Ignite Valley Center

LEARN MORE ON OUR GRANTS PAGE

SCHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

KARTER GONZALEZ

Recipient of the Kris Roth Memorial Scholarship

We’re always honored to support students in their educational journeys, and it’s especially meaningful when we hear how these opportunities have made a difference. Below, we're pleased to share a heartfelt message of thanks from one of this year’s scholarship recipients—a reminder of the real impact your support helps make possible.

"Thank you so much for considering me to be one of the scholarship recipients for the Kris Roth Memorial Scholarship. Kris was an amazing mother and Swather supporter. Whether she was working concessions at my games or substitute teaching in my classrooms, she made me feel like I was one of her own children. I feel honored to represent her memory and will do my best to also in the classroom and on the football field. I truly appreciate all the support your family has shown me over the years and hope I can continue to make you all proud."

Sincerely,

Karter Gonzalez

WOMEN'S COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF HARVEY COUNTY

WOMEN'S COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF HARVEY COUNTY - CELEBRATING 25 YEARS!

Can you believe it? Women’s Community Foundation of Harvey County has been giving grants to non-profit groups for 25 years! We are planning a grand 25th anniversary celebration on Thursday October 9, 2025 @ 4:30-6:00 p.m. located at the CKCF offices (400 S Main St, Ste 100, Newton).

All are welcome to attend. The grants will be handed out to the Harvey County recipients.

Would you join in and consider a donation to help support our Harvey County needs? Donate ONLINE today!

For more information on upcoming events or how to get involved, visit the Women's Community Foundation of Harvey County WEBSITE or Facebook page!

PFF MATCH CAMPAIGNS

CKCF and ten of its affiliates have been awarded the opportunity to raise up to $100,000 each in matching fund grants through the Patterson Family Foundation (PFF) during 2025, this is a $30,000 increase from the previous years. Fredonia Area Community Foundation and Elk County Community Foundation have both hosted their match events and have exceeded their $100,000 goal!

UPCOMING MATCH CAMPAIGNS....

Halstead Community Foundation

July 11 - Aug 11

North Newton Community Foundation

Aug 1 - 30

Newton Community Foundation

Sept 1 - 30

Florence Community Foundation

Sept 1 - 30

Hesston Community Foundation

Sept 1 - 30

Hillsboro Community Foundation

Oct 1 - 31

Central Kansas Community Foundation

Nov 3 - Dec 3

Peabody Community Foundation

Nov 25 - Dec 25

Goessel Community Foundation

Dec 2 - 31

LEGACY GIVING FEATURE / MELVINA KILLION

MELVINA KILLION

A Gracious Philanthropist Throughout

Her Life

Melvina Killion of Phoenix, AZ made the largest single gift in the history of the Central Kansas Community Foundation. Melvina, left a bequest from her estate totaling $1.6 million. She and her husband Lyle owned gas stations throughout Wichita in the 1950’s. Her gift created the Melvina C. Killion Charitable Endowment.

Since establishment this fund has granted a total of $1,135,393.44!

Four nonprofit organizations share the annual income distributions from the permanent endowment, including Kansas Christian Home in Newton. Other recipients include the Arizona State University Foundation for the benefit of its public television station; The Tennyson Center for Children at Colorado Christian Home; and Family Time Training Inc. in Littleton, Colo.

Mrs. Killion was a generous and compassionate philanthropist throughout her life. Her gift is a true blessing that will positively impact many for years to come.

CONTACT CKCF TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LEGACY GIFTS!

DONOR CONNECTION - AUGUST

Imagine the future.

Your community foundation helps bring your charitable goals to life.

Hello from the community foundation!

Thank you for the opportunity to work together! Even in a year like 2025, we’re honored to help philanthropy in our community celebrate big and little victories as we all work together to improve the quality of life in the community we love.

A bright spot in the world of charitable giving is that philanthropy in the United States reached a significant milestone in 2024, with individuals, bequests, foundations, and corporations contributing an estimated $592.50 billion to charitable causes. That’s according to the recently-released Giving USA report, citing a 6.3% increase in current dollars from the previous year, or a 3.3% increase when adjusted for inflation.

As always, we’re happy to offer insights into trends and issues that shape the way you carry out your charitable giving priorities:

-Many philanthropic individuals serve on the board of directors of a charity–and in many cases more than one! Learn about the factors you may want to consider before you say yes to a board invitation. As always, the community foundation is here as a resource and sounding board.

–Finding purpose is often a top priority for retirees. Carrying out your purpose requires not only planning your time, but also thoughtfully considering how to allocate financial resources, including how you might leave a legacy. The community foundation can help.

–Tax laws remain a topic of conversation, including in conversations about charitable giving. Check out the latest updates and learn how changes might impact the way you approach philanthropy. Our team is here to help!

Whether you’ve established a fund at the community foundation, given to an existing fund, or are just beginning to get involved, thank you for all you do to help charitable giving in our region stay strong!

With gratitude,

Angie Tatro,

CKCF CEO

READ THE FULL ISSUE: AUGUST 2025