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March 31, 2025
The Kansas Sampler Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit located near Inman.
Our mission is to preserve and sustain rural culture. We do this by educating Kansans about Kansas and networking and support rural communities.
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TIPS FROM THE KSF PowerUp MANAGER
The power of lifting others: Even as a PowerUp, I’ve noticed I sometimes hold on to positions or stay involved longer than I should. For example, I had been on our local Ag CTE Advisory Committee for nearly a decade. The list of my contributions there were few, but I felt my presence as a younger person with some FFA experience I was contributing enough. Until last year when during a conversation with another young woman with more FFA experience, I had an internal nudge to get out of the way. I recommended that she fill the role instead (something she didn’t even know was available). This PowerUp is now on the committee and actively supporting the advisor and contributing to the program in much more meaningful ways. This podcast from Simon Sinek reminded me the value of humility and that great leadership often looks like not having to be the best of everything.
As a follow up to the last tip, sometimes the on-ramp is an intentional ask by someone who is in the know. If you have others ideas for community involvement on ramps send them to Simone (simone.elder@kansassampler.org) KSF PowerUp & Engagement Manager
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The season's first BKRT Pop Up!
Morton County May 2-3
Creating a thoughtful audience is one of the purposes of the Big Kansas Road Trip series. Designed for Kansas Explorer Club members, anyone is welcome to come get to know Elkhart, Rolla and Richfield. Activities are scheduled but each person is encouraged to create their own adventure. Come experience the Point of Rocks in the Cimarron National Grassland, tri-state marker at Eight Mile Corner, and an ice cream social at the Richfield Church (pop. 26), and more!
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BOOK MURAL: What a wonderful new mural at the Lindsborg Community Library! Artist was Meghan Klaassen.
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NEW RURAL GRANTS: If your community is moving forward, you'll likely fit into one of these grant categories. Be innovative when you think about possibilities to address your community needs and opportunities. Learn more and follow their process.
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FOOD PANTRY: Edna Cross Timbers Food Pantry & Outreach Center can now service 200 families in the lower half of Labette County. The center will operate as 1) a regional food distribution warehouse, 2) a client-choice food pantry where guests select their own food, 3) a commercial kitchen for classes and entrepreneurship, 4) a community meeting room/tornado shelter and 5) an Outreach Center with seating for 130.
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HEALING HOOVES: Healing Hooves, located between Lindsborg and Salina, is a farm that believes that true wellness comes from connecting with nature and the animals around us. They invite the public to their farm for a unique opportunity to interact with cattle in a safe, peaceful environment.
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FARM DREAMS: Are you a beginning farmer or deciding if owning your own farm is right for you? Plan your farm dreams with online sessions brought to you by the Kansas Rural Center on April 10, 17, and 24. Learn more here about these sessions. $15.
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CONNECTING ENTREPRENEURIAL COMMUNITIES CONFERENCE: June 26 and 27, Kingman (with a pre-conference concert on the 25th evening). Entrepreneurial communities are those cities, neighborhoods, or townships that are continuously working to develop an environment that fosters entrepreneurship to promote community economic development. Come learn tips and resources! Learn more about the conference.
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RURAL HEALTH & PROSPERITY GRANT WORKSHOP: April 8-9, Emporia. At this grants 101 workshop, state agencies will share valuable information on grant opportunities to support your community and organization. Learn more and register here.
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NORTHWEST KANSAS TODAY: The Dane Hansen Foundation does a great job with their publication that highlights activities, people, innovation and progress in northwest Kansas. Read this latest issue, which includes profiles of several Northwest PowerUps!
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HISTORICAL RESEARCH GRANTS: The Kansas Historical Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the Kansas Historical Society (KSHS), encourages individual achievement in Kansas history through several grants.
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GET YOUR OWN: Order a free Kansas Travel Guide today from the Kansas Tourism office!
| | REVITALZIE OR DIE: Quote from Jeff Siegler of Revitalize or Die: Please stop ruining potential volunteers by asking them to sit on committees, listen to reports, and rehash the same conversations month after month. | | SHOP KANSAS FARM MAP: Want to buy product directly from the farm? Find out where you can do that across the state. | |
KFB APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
Through Kansas Farm Bureau’s Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program (RKAP), agriculturists and Kansas business owners can train and retain qualified labor.
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HEALTHY FOOD HELP: Kansas Healthy Food Initiative is offering a new grant opportunity to organizations and businesses that are planning projects to expand healthy food access at retail outlets. Project activities include but are not limited to: market or feasibility research, architectural design assistance or site planning, community assessments and engagement, business planning, legal counsel, etc.
The deadline for the first round is April 27.
| | TWO LIGHTS: Two Lights for Tomorrow is a nationwide initiative to commence the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States of America in 2026. The famous ride of Paul Revere occurred on the overnight of April 18 – 19, 1775. On April 18, 2025, America 250 is calling for two lights to be displayed in every statehouse in the nation. Communities and individuals can also participate. Find out how here. | | KANSAS HOUSING CORPORATION: Ryan Vincent, great video explaining the role of KHC in bringing affordable housing to Kansas communities! | |
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ARTS AWARDS: March 13 was a grand day when the Kansas arts were celebrated. Read more. Here is a list of those receiving special recognition.
- Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Media Arts: Kiki Bush, Gypsum
- Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Music: Bob McWilliams, Lawrence
- Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Visual Arts: Shin-hee Chin, McPherson
- Arts Advocacy: Brenda Meder, Hays
- Arts Patron of the Year: Paul Dorrell, Roeland Park
- Excellence in Arts Education: Tyler Dallis, Pratt
- Excellence in the Arts in Business: The Artificers, Fort Scott
- Emerging Arts Leader of the Year: Lacey Connell, Overland Park
- Emerging Arts Organization of the Year: LV Arts, Leavenworth
- Rural Arts Community of the Year: Clay Center
- Urban Arts Community of the Year: NOTO Arts & Entertainment District, Topeka
- Arts Leader of the Year: Katy Guthrie, Garden City
- Arts Organization of the Year: Theatre in the Park, Overland Park
- Arts Legacy Award: Constance “Connie” Bonfy, Wichita
- Arts Legacy Award: Dr. Cecil Riney, Wichita
- Arts Legacy Award: NedRa Bonds, Kansas City
- The Governor’s Award: Melissa Etheridge, Leavenworth
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JUST OLD ENOUGH: Every Friday, Connie Michaelis writes a blog post about hints for growing older and for those who care for older folks. Here is one example. Sign up for the weekly blog here.
| | CHILD CARE HEALTH & SAFETY GRANTS: KDHE is now providing grants for licensed facilities with regulatory or statutory violations, to assist in correcting these violations with minor renovations, repairs, or other safety-related expenses. Application is open until June 30. Check your eligibility and apply for funding at KDHE. | | |
CONCRETE RESTORATION: Is your building's concrete showing signs of wear? Read some tips.
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FIRST FRIDAY E-CALL: Deb Brown, co-founder of SaveYour.Town, is the author of a new book. Deb will present on “Uniquely Do-able Ideas” April 4, 9:30-10:30a. Register here.
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URBAN AG WORKSHOP: April 8, Lawrence. Conservation districts across Kansas are teaming up with urban and specialty crop producers to support thriving farms and communities—no matter the size or setting. Whether you're farming a few acres, tending a community garden, or simply exploring the world of urban agriculture, this hands-on workshop is for you!
| | GRANTS FROM STATE PROGRAMS: Kansas Department of Commerce grants calendar includes grants for tourism, art, Office of Rural Prosperity programs, and more. | | BROWNFIELD SUPPORT: A Brownfield is previously-developed land that has been abandoned or underused, and which may carry pollution, or a risk of pollution, from industrial use. Learn lan for a successful fall EPA Brownfield grant application. Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) is a free service out of K-State. | | ACTIVATE RURAL: A workshop, facilitated by the Department of Public Transformation, is about creating safe, accessible, and inclusive creative places. It will take place online April 16 from 12-1:30p. Free, but must register here. | | |
SIGN UP FOR THIS NEWSLETTER: If you get this Tidbits through a forward, go here to sign up for We Kan! Tidbits. Find the KSF Facebook page here.
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SUPPORT THE NETWORK. Support our work with a donation and choose PayPal, Venmo, credit card or just ask Simone to invoice you.
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