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Manhattan, Kansas — September, 25, 2026 — The Greater Manhattan Community Foundation (GMCF) has been identified as the fastest-growing community foundation in the nation among foundations with more than $100 million in assets, according to newly released data from the Community Foundation Research and Training Institute (CFRTI).
The recognition is based on asset growth from 2018 through 2024 and was included in CFRTI's 2024 Community Foundation Census, released in September 2026. The report examines the U.S. community foundation field, which includes 909 community foundations nationwide. GMCF was also identified as the 83rd largest community foundation in the country by assets.
For GMCF, the rankings represent more than organizational growth. They reflect the growing charitable resources donors, families, nonprofits and communities have established to support the causes and places important to them.
“Our work at GMCF is guided by our mission: To build relationships between donors and community needs,” said Vern Henricks, President and CEO of GMCF. “This recognition belongs to the people and communities who have chosen generosity again and again. Our role is simply to provide the vehicle to connect people with opportunities, steward those charitable resources responsibly, and help their generosity accomplish what they want it to accomplish.”
That growth can be seen throughout the network of funds and organizations served by GMCF. Match Day programs in Manhattan and affiliate communities have continued to reach new levels of participation and giving, creating additional resources for local nonprofit organizations. Supporting organizations have also demonstrated the potential of long-term charitable stewardship, including the Goldstein Foundation, GMCF's first supporting organization.
Just as important as the growth of charitable assets is what those resources have made possible. During the same five-year period, more than $83.1 million was distributed through grants and fiscal sponsorships supporting charitable work in our communities, along with nearly $2.7 million in scholarships. Together, more than $85.8 million was put to work supporting organizations, students and community needs.
Each fund represents a different charitable purpose. Some support a specific nonprofit or scholarship. Others allow donors to respond to changing community needs, involve future generations in giving or establish permanent resources for the places they call home. Together, their growth expands what is possible for communities across the region.
“The number is exciting, but what matters is what those resources can do,” Henricks said. “As funds grow, so does their potential to provide scholarships, strengthen nonprofits, respond to community needs and create opportunities we may not even know about today. That's the real story behind this recognition.”
Since 2014, CFRTI has conducted a census of U.S.-based community foundations to examine the size and growth of the field. Its latest report includes data through 2024.
For GMCF, the national recognition reinforces a commitment that remains unchanged: building trusted relationships, providing flexible charitable solutions, and helping individuals and organizations turn generosity into meaningful community impact.
Inspired by what generosity can make possible? GMCF welcomes conversations with individuals, families and organizations interested in exploring ways to make a meaningful impact in the communities they care about.
Foundation@mcfks.org | 785-587-9885
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