Western Kansas Community Foundation recently announced more than $177,000 will be awarded through two community-focused grant opportunities: the “Our Community, Our Future (OCOF)” Benchmark Grants, and the November Community Grants across the region.
WKCF is awarding four $15,000 OCOF Benchmarking grants, one for each community participating in the Foundation’s benchmarking initiative, for high-impact projects designed to support long-term community vitality. Recipients include:
- Linger Gig Lab (Cimarron) – “A New Space for Community & Learning”
- Hugoton Lions Club (Hugoton) – “Inclusive Sensory Park”
- Lakin Community Empowerment Group (Lakin) – “Sidewalk Solutions”
- Family Destiny / Youth Hangout (Liberal) – “Paintball Field Clean Up”
The WKCF Board also approved 24 Community grants totaling $117,288.10, supporting nonprofits across the region. Funded organizations and award amounts include:
- Cimarron Animal Action Team – “Cimarron TNR” $2,425.41
- City of Cimarron – “Mommy & Me Toddler Playground” $9,934
- City of Leoti – “SCBA Replacement” $5,000
- Finney County Humane Society – “Pet Responsibilities Materials” $3,500
- Great Plains MakerSpace – “Building the Future of GPMS” $5,000
- Greeley County Health Services – “Little Docs Daycare Outdoor Play” $5,000
- Grow & Learn Childcare Center – “Sustaining Rural Childcare” $8,000
- Hickok/HPEC Playgroup – “Hickok/HPEC Playgroup” $3,000
- HirePaths – “Garden City Career Hunt” $2,500
- Kearny County Historical Society – “Operational Funding” $5,000
- Meade County Community Foundation – “Foundant Startup Costs” $4,337.33
- Miles of Smiles – “Welder-Generator” $5,000
- Mosaic – “Travel Without Lifting” $2,800
- Red Dog Children’s Museum – “Foundation Exhibit” $9,848.36
- Satanta Area Arts Council – “Creative Tribe” $2,421
- Scott County Historical Society – “Fossil Lab Equipment” $2,500
- Special Olympics Kansas – “Unified Champion Schools” $2,400
- Stevens County Housing Authority – “Inspection Repairs” $4,022
- Syracuse Christian Academy – “Project Mini-Splits” $5,000
- The Stepping Stone Shelter – “Kitchen Expansion” $4,100
- Turning Point Church of the Nazarene – “Community Cultural Day 2026” $3,000
- United School Administrators Leaders KS – “Western Kansas Career Showcases” $2,500
- Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center – “Smart Boards in Interviews” $10,000
- YMCA of Southwest Kansas – “Pool Equipment Upgrade” $10,000
WKCF serves a 15-county region, supporting nonprofits, and students through grants and scholarships, and working to strengthen southwest Kansas by connecting generosity with local impact.
WKCF staff welcomes talking to donors or those interested in contributing to the unrestricted funds that provide funding for community projects and programs.
The next grant deadline is March 1, 2026, and will open early next year.
To learn more about the application process and grant guidelines visit the WKCF website at www.wkcf.org, call at 620-271-9484 or stop by the office at 402 N. Main Street in downtown Garden City.
