Maxine Krenek Charitable Endowment Fund -Sunflower Cottage Expansion

Maxine Krenek passed away in 2010 at the age of 88. A retired music teacher, Maxine had a passion for youth and was remembered for her kindness, patience and the many students she taught piano.

In 2002, Maxine established a planned gift to the foundation to create the Maxine Krenek Charitable Endowment. She directed that distributions from the fund be divided equally between EmberHope (formerly Youthville) and Caldwell Regional Medical Center.

This year, Caldwell Regional Medical Center used its distribution to support the expansion of Sunflower Cottage. Through Maxine's generosity and thoughtful planning, her legacy of compassion continues to make a difference in the lives of others.

North Newton Community Foundation Match Month Starts August 2nd!

HCF Presents Community Awards

The Halstead Community Foundation concluded its 12 Days of Christmas in July with the Tinsel & Cheer Community Celebration on July 21, honoring Claire Clifford as the 2026 Volunteer of the Year and Myrla Haury as the 2026 Philanthropist of the Year.

These annual awards recognize individuals whose service, generosity and leadership have made a lasting impact on the Halstead community.


Read More about their generosity here!

2026 Valley Center School District Grant Cycle Opens August 1


The Valley Center School District Education Foundation, in partnership with Central Kansas Community Foundation, will open its 2026 Grant Cycle on August 1, 2026.

The grant opportunity supports Valley Center teachers and staff with classroom needs, innovative projects and educational initiatives that extend beyond the district's annual operating budget. Applications may be submitted individually or as a team for projects that benefit students.

Applications must be submitted online by 5 p.m. on September 30, 2026.

A Legacy of Music: Newton Treble Clef Scholarship

For the second consecutive year, Trek Wedel has received the Newton Treble Clef Scholarship through the Newton Community Foundation. With this year’s award, Trek has received $5,500 in scholarship support to continue his music education.

The merit-based scholarship provides financial assistance to graduating Newton High School seniors and previous recipients pursuing a degree in music at a college, university, vocational school, or trade school. Applicants are evaluated based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and their commitment to music.

The Treble Clef Club of Newton, organized in 1904, established its first music scholarship in 1981 after Norma Wiens proposed creating an opportunity to support Newton High School students pursuing music education. Following Norma’s illness, her husband, Dr. Wendell Wiens, established a fund through the Newton Community Foundation in her honor.

Through the Newton Treble Clef Scholarship Fund, Norma's passion for music continues to create opportunities for students like Trek, helping them pursue higher education while developing their musical talents.

Read Trek's Appreciation Letter Here!

Imagine the future.
Your community foundation helps bring your charitable goals to life.

Hello from the community foundation!

We’re halfway through 2026 already! For many people, summer offers a welcome opportunity to slow down, spend time with family, and reflect on what matters most. The community foundation is happy to share ideas to help you strengthen your charitable giving to make an even bigger difference—and make it more enjoyable for you.

Closer to home: Steps to move your donor-advised fund to the community foundation

If you have a donor-advised fund at a national charitable sponsor or commercial provider, you may be wondering whether there is a better fit for your charitable giving goals. We’re happy to share simple steps for moving your donor-advised fund to the community foundation where you can benefit from local knowledge, personalized support, and a deeper connection to the community you care about.

Charitable giving: Ten ways teens can get involved

Many parents and grandparents want to pass along values of generosity and community involvement, but they are not always sure how to begin. The community foundation offers ten ideas for helping teenagers explore causes they care about, learn from local nonprofits, and begin developing lifelong habits of charitable giving.

Checking in on your charitable plan

Life changes, families grow, and community needs evolve, which means your charitable plan may deserve an occasional review. Check out key questions to consider as you revisit your giving goals, beneficiary designations, family involvement, and opportunities to make your philanthropy easier and more meaningful.


As always, thank you for allowing the community foundation to be part of your charitable plans! We love working with you and we encourage you to reach out anytime.

Warmly,

Angie Tatro,

CEO