|
February 12, 2026
The Kansas Sampler Foundation is a 501(c)(3) 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.
Follow us on Facebook.
Share with this link:
| | |
Everyday Intentionality
Small, everyday choices shape communities more than we often realize. Paying attention to where things come from and where they go can subtly change how connected we feel to the places we live. Choosing what already exists slows the pace. A stop at a local antique store, an object with character, and a brief conversation with the owner turns a simple purchase into something more human. The quality is better, the item is unique, and it carries a story. Over time, those moments add up. Dollars stay local, less is treated as disposable, and community and sustainability begin to feel like the natural result of everyday choices made with care.
-Karly Frederick (karly.frederick@kansassampler.org)
| |
|
Register for the We Kan Conference! Thursday, April 2 - Meridian Center, Newton. The theme is Creating the Choir. Join as we explore ways to create "the choir" in our communities - singing the praises of what is good where we live. Learn about how we can invite future community members to be rural by choice, and expand the ways we invest in the places we love. More details and info here.
Registration opened last week and as of 2.11.2026, there are 95 seats left for the We Kan Conference on April 2 and 9 seats left for the Pre-Conference on April 1!
| |
|
Postcard Party to Advocate for the Programs We Love: We’re flooding Topeka with good news from rural Kansas!
This postcard project makes it easy to share a quick win from your community and remind legislators why rural funding matters. If you’ve seen impact from Office of Rural Prosperity, Kansas Arts Commission, Quality Places Division, Kansas Tourism, or a similar program, tell that story. We’ll mail you a postcard so you can write a short, personal note to your state legislator urging them to keep rural funding front and center in budget decisions.
Want in? Fill out this form to receive a postcard in the mail. Hurry, postcards will go fast.
Find your legislators here.
| | |
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman:
A hands-on outdoor skills workshop for women 18+ focused on hunting, fishing, camping, navigation, and other practical outdoor skills for beginners and beyond. April 24-26 at Rock Springs Ranch.
| |
Rural Policy Symposium:
Hear from speakers on Friday, February 20 in Lawrence about the issues of agricultural regulation, access to justice, rural healthcare, and the governance of land, water and energy resources. The symposium seeks to illuminate the policy disparities that shape rural life and to advance equitable, sustainable solutions for America’s rural future. Learn more here.
| |
Congratulations to Governor's Arts Awards winners!
Artists, organizations, and communities from across Kansas were honored for their creativity and lasting impact! Thank you for bringing art to communities across Kansas!
See all of the award winners.
| |
Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge: Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge wildcard competition will take place at Fort Hays State University for high school students in Central and Western Kansas to pitch their business ideas, compete for cash and scholarships, and earn one of five spots at the 2026 Kansas YEC State Competition.
Look for a YEC competition for students in your area here.
| |
Kansas Folklife: Celebrating Kansas Traditions: Kansas Folklife - a Humanities Kansas program that helps nonprofits bring engaging presentations to their communities that celebrate Kansas traditions through storytelling, music, food, craft, and dance.
| | |
Apprenticeship Program:
Build A Pro is a Salina nonprofit apprenticeship intermediary that helps people get real world job training by connecting them with paid apprenticeships so they can learn skills on the job while earning a paycheck. Curious? Learn more.
| |
U.S. 250 Resources: Celebrating 250 years of the United States means we have a lot to celebrate! The Kansas Museums Association has gathered the resources in one place. Check out the resources.
| | |
Take Rural Healthcare Transportation Access Survey: Three phenomenal Wichita students are taking on a research and advocacy project for rural healthcare transportation access. Help them out to gather more data and understand rural needs. Take the survey.
| | |
Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leaders program recruiting next class: The KARL Program is a two-year leadership development program that identifies, trains, and connects emerging leaders dedicated to strengthening Kansas agriculture and rural communities. They are recruiting their next class now! Learn more here.
| |
|
Charting Your Course: A Nonprofit Strategy Conference: Head to Kingman on March 3 for a day designed to help nonprofits take off through practical training, expert guidance and meaningful connections. Whether you are forming a new organization, serving on a board or expanding your community impact, this conference will equip you with tools, ideas and inspiration needed to strengthen your mission and achieve success. Check it out here.
| |
|
Kansas Department of Commerce Grants:
-
Office of Rural Prosperity's Rural Champions program supports grassroots leaders with training, compensation, and resources to respond quickly to community needs. Applications are open until February 20.
-
Kansas Arts Commission's Grants open: Arts Everywhere, General Operating Support, Visiting Artist, and Public Arts and Murals.
- Quality Places Division's SIGNS grants help communities improve downtown commercial districts by designing, purchasing, lighting, and installing high-quality storefront signs.
-
Downtown Revive and Thrive Grant: Helps small communities rehabilitate vacant or historic downtown buildings into modern, functional spaces for business incubation or temporary retail and restaurant use.
-
Housing Redevelopment Initiative: Helps communities identify vacant, abandoned, or underused buildings and sites that could be redeveloped into housing. Submitted properties are compiled into a statewide list shared with developers and housing partners to attract investment, create homes faster, preserve historic character, and support local housing needs.
-
Kansas Public Broadcasting Content Grant: Provides public broadcasting stations funding to produce original, educational content highlighting rural workforce opportunities, remote work readiness, and emerging technologies that can transform how Kansans live and work in rural communities.
| | |
Patterson Grants Open for Letters of Intent: Registration for Patterson Family Foundation grants are open now, with awards made in two rounds. The foundation is currently accepting letters of intent for projects focused on economic opportunity, education, healthcare, and community engagement. The first deadline for Letters of Intent is February 18.
| |
Sunflower Trails Grant: The Sunflower Foundation has launched Sunflower Trails: Paving the Way – From Blazing Trails to Building Community, a new funding initiative that helps Kansas communities turn paths into places, creating trail systems that elevate health, connection, and quality of life. Explore the RFP from Sunflower Foundation to see if this is a good fit for your community.
| |
Kansas Healthy Food Initiative: Provides early-stage grants to help organizations and businesses plan projects that expand access to healthy food through retail. Learn more here.
| |
Guest Chef Dinners: Checkout this cool experience in Atwood! Guest chef dinners to highlight local and regional chefs and grow community at Grass Roots Institute & Community Kitchen. Learn more here.
| | |
AARP Community Challenge: Quick-action grants for small, local projects that make communities more livable for people of all ages. Funding supports visible improvements like public spaces, transportation, housing, and digital access that can spark long-term change. Learn more here.
| |
The Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution: Helps communities, organizations, families, and schools navigate conflict and build stronger relationships through mediation, facilitation, training, and restorative practices. Learn more here.
| | New addresses: The general Kansas Sampler Foundation address remains: 978 Arapaho Road, Inman, KS 67546 but if you want to send something directly to the new executive director Simone Elder, send to 2504 Road Q, Tribune, KS 67879. Her phone is 785.626.0666. | |
| See previous Tidbits: The January We Kan! Tidbits was full of excellent information. | | |
Sign up for We Kan! Tidbits: If this Tidbits is forwarded to you, sign up here for this monthly blast. Find the KSF Facebook page here.
| | |
Kansas Sampler Foundation Board of Directors: Lea Ann Seiler, Hanston, president; Stacy Barnes, Greensburg; Luke Mahin, Courtland; Dave Procter, Manhattan; and Lissa Sexson, Weskan.
Staff: Simone Elder, Leoti; Karly Frederick, Lyons; Monica Frye, McPherson; Penner and WenDee Rowe, Inman; Amy Sallee, Hutchinson.
| | | | |
