The mission of A Ride for the Wounded is to provide financial support to local charities serving our members of the Armed Forces and their families.  For more information go to www.arideforthewounded.org.  To contribute to the A Ride for the Wounded fund, click here.

The Admire Community PRIDE Fund was established in December 2008 to provide funds to enhance the quality of life in the Admire, KS, community. To contribute to the Admire Community PRIDE fund, click here.

The Ag Partners Cooperative Fund has established a fund to assist with community projects and hunger programs.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Anderson County Emergency Services Fund was established to support emergency services in Anderson County.  Current projects include the construction of a fire station, development of firefighter training grounds and purchasing new materials for emergency services.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Backroad Gals Major Medical Fund has been established to assist Wabaunsee County residents with major medical expenses.  To contribute, click here.

The Baldwin Bulldog Clays Fund has been established to make the cost of participating in the Baldwin High and Junior High Schools Clay Target Club more affordable for the youth participants.  Funds will be used to purchase equipment, help cover team event fees, and other team expenses that may arise.  The Club is affiliated with the Kansas State High School Clay Target League. To contribute to the Baldwin Bulldog Clays Fund, click here.

The mission of the Bonner Springs Arts Alliance is to provide creative and artistic opportunities and education for all ages in the literary, performing and visual arts and to promote art appreciation and participation in the Bonner Springs community and surrounding area.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The BP Royalty Scholarship Fund was established by the class action settlement in the case of Eatinger v. BP America Production Company.  The BP Royalty Scholarship will fund or pay one or more scholarships to one or more colleges, universities, or community colleges for a person having a parent, grandparent, uncle or aunt who was a member of the Class, or if none, of a Kansas royalty owner in a Southwest Kansas well producing some gas.

The Caring Neighbors Fund has been created by individuals in the Wamego community to help people needing financial support after a cancer diagnosis.  Caring Neighbors was created in 2015 to help a husband and wife in the Wamego community who were diagnosed with cancer within a month of each other.  Funds will be raised to help those in the Unified School District 320 area as they fight their cancer battle.  Recipients may use funds to defray medical insurance deductibles and/or travel expenses associated with a cancer diagnosis.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Citizens for (Pottawatomie County) Courthouse Conservation Fund has been created to provide public education on the value of saving the historic Pottawatomie County Courthouse, property owned and operated by the County of Pottawatomie in Westmoreland, Kansas.  The fund will support potential conservation and restoration costs.  In the event the Courthouse is demolished, funds raised will be equally disbursed to historical societies in Pottawatomie County.  More information can be found at https://www.historicpottawatomiecountycourthouse.org/  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Community CORE Foundation Fund was established in July 2013 for the Betterment of the communities of Soldier Township and the city of Soldier, Kansas.  The communityCORE organization was formed to cultivate community through local strenghts, structures and passions.  More information about the project can be found at http://communitycoreorg.wordpress.com.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

David J. Karnowski established this donor advised fund for the purpose of maintenance and restoration of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Flush, Kansas and the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Emmett, Kansas.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Delia Community PRIDE fund has been established to provide an avenue for donors of all types to be able to make charitable contributions which will be used by the Delia Community PRIDE (DCP) organization for the betterment of Delia, Kansas.  The DCP’s overall goals are to encourage community involvement, to promote community improvement and to make Delia a better place to live and raise a family.  Past and current projects can be viewed on the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DeliaCommunityPRIDE.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Delia Rossville Czech Moravian Heritage Center fund has been established to create and assist the historic Bohemian Hall and Moravian Lodge #128 to maintain the history and records of the Czechs and Moravians who immigrated to the Delia and Rossville area. To contribute to the fund, click here.

The De Soto Arts Council Fund was established in December 2010 to promote the arts in the City of De Soto and surrounding areas. To contribute to the fund, click here.

The De Soto Days Festival Fund was established in April 2011 to raise funds for the Annual De Soto Days Festival. To contribute to the fund, click here.

The De Soto High School Band Boosters has been organized to help support the De Soto High School band.  The band continues to grow each year and as it does there are needs for items that are not budgeted through the school district.  The De Soto High School Band Boosters will be doing fundraising in order to fill those gaps.  Funds will be raised for a trailer to haul equipment, feeding the students during band camp and marching competitions, new coolers, repairs to equipment and instruments.  This is just a small sample of the needs that the De Soto High School Band Boosters will try to fulfill.  To make a tax deductible contribution to the fund, click here.

In August, 2013 the De Soto Kansas Parks Foundation fund was established for expansion and improvement of parks owned or leased by De Soto, Kansas. To contribute to the fund, click here.

The De Soto Rotary Club is a service organization that is part of a worldwide organization that has been instrumental in the eradication of Polio worldwide. The De Soto Rotary Club assists in community projects in and around the De Soto area and contributes to Rotary International Projects. Some of the local projects have been a bench in Riverfest Park, Rotary Youth Leadership Program, TLC for children and youth, The Barn at Kill Creek Farm project, books for kids and kitchen facilities for the County’s senior citizen meals program. International projects supported are Polio Eradication, water projects for Guatemala, tents for Haiti hurricane victims and cooking stoves for Africa villages. To contribute to the fund, click here.

The De Soto Quarterback Club has been established to provide support to the De Soto High School football program.  The goal is to raise funds to supply De Soto football with the equipment necessary to establish a successful program.  Funds will be used to purchase equipment such as sleds for player skill development, headsets to supply all coaches, headset insurance, website fees, protective gear and uniforms for players, funds for additional coaches and other items as needed to develop De Soto’s football program into a competitive and successful organization. To contribute to the fund, click here.

The De Soto’s Summer Bash & Harvest Fest Fund has been established to create and encourage community activities in and around De Soto, Kansas. De Soto, a small town just outside the Kansas City metro, is lacking activities for families throughout the year. These festivals are designed to give back to the community and offer De Soto additional outlets for locals. The festivals are promoted all across the Kansas City metro area, thus bringing in traffic from out of town. Local organizations such as the Girl Scouts, De Soto High School Marching Band, and others are involved to provide them with resources for fundraising. A MS Harvest Scholarship Pageant is planned for 2018.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Dwight Community Enhancement Fund was set up in August, 2013 for the purpose of empowering enabling and supporting community members in their efforts to revitalize the City of Dwight and the Greater Dwight Community.  The Fund serves as a vehicle through which residents and businesses can work together to solve problems and improve life in their community.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Education for Kansas Fund was established in August 2008 by a group from Shawnee Mission, Kansas, to provide educational funding for Kansans in academic and extracurricular activities, including gifts to students, teachers, and programs in middle school, high school, and college. To contribute to the fund, click here.

This scholarship for non-traditional students will be awarded in memory of Ed Phillips (1953-2013). Ed grew up as one of 13 children on a farm in Valley Falls, Kansas. In the Phillips family, education was revered for each child; its importance was one of the core values of their family. Ed earned a Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University in Agricultural Education, thus combining two of his loves. Shortly after he began teaching at St. George High School he was diagnosed with a large benign spinal cord tumor, removal of which left him an incomplete quadriplegic. His personal bravery and determination didn’t let paralysis stop him. Because this was prior to the Americans With Disabilities Act, he was not allowed to teach agriculture as a disabled person. Undaunted, he went back to graduate school at Kansas State University and began working at the Kaw Valley State Bank in Wamego, Kansas. He eventually served on their Board of Directors and retired as the Senior Vice President and Chairman of the Mortgage Loan Department. His wife, Mary Alice, and eleven children carry on Ed’s perseverance and devotion to education. Ed began his college education sure that the traditional student path would be his. Life changed that! His family and friends would like this scholarship to assist someone facing a challenge in life to study something new and change the trajectory of their own life as Ed did.  Access the application:  Edward Phillips Memorial Scholarship Application  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Endow Waterville Fund was established in 2012 to provide donated dollars for Waterville’s economic development and beautification; to enhance family life, recreational opportunities and economic/environmental improvements. 

Their current project is LAKE IDLEWILD:  Created under the WPA Act in 1934, Waterville’s scenic Lake Idlewild has provided respite and recreation to many over the years.  Unfortunately, the shores have eroded over time and the trails have gone unmaintained.  Is it possible that this local gem can be restored? YES!  We recognize the possibilities of a local, natural area for citizens and families to once again enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities that Lake Idlewild can provide.  The city has applied for grants to assist in the project, but matching funds are required.  Tax-deductible gifts are critical to the success of this community project.  Please consider supporting us with your pledge or donation.  Lake Idlewild Brochure   To contribute to the fund, click here.

Since its creation in 1903, the Eskridge Park has hosted many social and cultural events in the community. In 1909, over 5,000 people including the Governor attended the Eskridge Home Coming. Almost a century later, in 2007 over 5,000 people including the Governor attended the Symphony in the Flint Hills just south of town. The Park played a prominent role in both celebrations. 

In 2016, the Eskridge Park Board was formed in order to improve, restore, maintain and preserve the rich history of the Park, as well as provide a beautiful recreational area for current and future generations to continue to build fond memories. The park and historic bandstand were placed on the National Historic Registry. Since then, the Board has continued to fundraise and proudly make improvements to the Park, including a full new sidewalk, playground, stone entry sign, and restoration of a 110 year old bandstand.

They have made so much progress, but still have so far to go. The Master Design plan, past & future events, news, and more can be found on the website: www.eskridgepark.org or find and follow Eskridge Park Foundation on Facebook. 

To contribute to the fund, click here.

Flint Hills NEST is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing cultural heritage and outdoor experiences of the Flint Hills for people of all ages. NEST stands for Nature Experience Station and Training Center. NEST will provide outdoor opportunities related to: Outdoor environmental and nature experiences based on the cultural heritage of the Flint HIlls – from Native American heritage to cowboys, cattle and farming, including the native prairie and Native Stone Scenic Byway; water, wildflowers, native grasses, pollinators, fossils, native stone fences, western music and poetry, wildlife of the Flint Hills, arts and crafts, and the people of the Flint Hills. To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Friends of the Flint Hills Fund was established in 2008 to build a community of Flint Hills enthusiasts in order to promote the Flint Hills as a top destination spot for travelers and tourists.  One of the objectives is to help residents of the Flint Hills recognize the treasure in their own back yards.  The fund also promotes conservation of and appreciation for the Flint Hills as well as economic growth and tourism in the 22-county area. To contribute to the fund, click here.

In March 2009, Mill Creek Valley USD 329 (Alma, KS) in Wabaunsee County established the Friends of USD 329 fund to support and enhance quality education for students, faculty, and staff of USD 329, including but not limited to scholarships, teacher grants, classroom materials and supplies, facility maintenance and improvement, athletics, academic programming, extracurricular activities, technology, professional development, and other educational needs. For more information about USD 329, click here. To contribute to the fund, click here.

The George J Perry Memorial Armory Fund was created to provide continued improvements to the Armory facility located in St Marys, KS.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Harveyville Park Fund was established in December 2012 by a group of citizens from Harveyville to help build a new playground. To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Herington Annual Fireworks Fund has been established to encourage residents of Herington and the surrounding tri-county area to contribute to a celebration that touches so many hearts with our independence and the sacrifices of our Armed Forces. The fund is a community effort, with everyone working together to bring back and keep Herington’s annual fireworks show going for years to come. It takes volunteers, groups and organizations to organize the fireworks show, but it takes a community effort to fund the show. All proceeds will be used strictly for the fireworks show for families to enjoy and celebrate the meaning of the fireworks show. To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Herington Volunteer Fire Company Fund has been established to purchase equipment and training materials to support the volunteer fire department in Herington, KS.   To contribute to the fund, click here.

HirePaths, a public-private coalition, has been organized to develop, implement and fund a multi-year marketing campaign to broaden parents’ perceptions about their children’s future opportunities.  New Boston Creative Group, and integrated marketing communications firm based in Manhattan, Kansas, proposed the original idea and formed the coalition with partnering agencies.  The coalition includes members from state agencies, nonprofits, technical schools, educators and marketing professionals, pooling their joint experiences and insights to create the campaign.  The goal of HirePaths is to inform and excite parents/guardians about options their child can pursue after high school to quickly and affordably launch a successful, well-paying career.  This campaign comes at a critical time in the future of Kansas and its workforce.  As of fall 2018, Kansas had nearly 56,000 open jobs, a number that has been steadily increasing for several years.  To contribute to the fund, click here

The Joining Amazing Kids Enrichment (J.A.K.E.) Fund was established in honor of Jake Springer and his twin sister Sara Springer as they tackle life with Jake’s extraordinary gifts and unique challenges as it relates to his condition of Williams Syndrome. The fund was established with memorial funds from Jake and Sara’s great grandfather, R.M. Baril, who was an avid supporter of youth with a passion for helping others find their own success. The fund looks to enhance the quality of life for all families with special needs children through general awareness, networking opportunities, and eventually financial assistance not only for families in need but also service providers looking to increase their knowledge and skills to better serve our special family members. To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Joseph Flerlage, Paxico Knights of Columbus Scholarship Fund was created to assist Sacred Heart Catholic Church and/or Holy Family Catholic Church member students with successfully completing post-graduate education. This scholarship is offered to a Wabaunsee High School student who is a member of one of these churches and is pursuing their post-high school education.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

Established in 2014, the Junction City First (1st) Foundation fund will be a resource of providing funds to enhance economic development and quality of life for the citizens of Geary County.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Kansas Agent Association Foundation Fund was formed by Farm Bureau agents from across Kansas to further expand their charitable giving.  What started out as just some donations from agents to give to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has turned into an annual silent/live auction at the Kansas Farm Bureau award banquet held in February.  Since 2013 nearly $70,000 has been raised and given to charities such as:  JDRF, Kansas 4H Foundation, Multiple Sclerosis Society-Mid America Chapter, Kansas Special Olympics, Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, Katie’s Way, Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, Russell Child Development Center.  The 2017 recipient will be CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocates for neglected or abused children.  Charitable contribution are made to organizations in Kansas that have low administration costs so the majority of the money goes to the people in need.   To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Kansas Aqueduct Coalition was established in 2014 to facilitate Kansas study, evaluation, and promotion of a state wide multipurpose water transportation project to conserve and manage Kansas Missouri River high flows and other Kansas water sources transferred across the state to grow and sustain Kansas communities and economy.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Kansas Cowboy Poetry Contest Fund has been established to support the art of cowboy poetry in Kansas.  The organizers host the Kansas Cowboy Poetry Contest annually in June.  To contribute to the fund, click here

The Kansas Culture Change Coaliation is a group that provides support to long-term care organizations striving to develop systems that value the dignity of each individual who lives and works within their setting. It is an organization of diverse interest groups that combine their talents to effect change that is hard to do as individuals. The Coalition promotes a culture that supports autonomy, dignity and diversity for Kansans as they age. To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Kansas Flint Hills Quilt Trail is formed to celebrate agricultural heritage, preserve agricultural history and culture, as well as promote agritourism and rural pride.  The Kansas Flint Hills Quilt Trail, as part of the Kansas Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, promotes the quilt art through the Kansas Flint Hills 22 counties, as well as promoting the beauty and the agricultural history of the Flint Hills. The Kansas Flint Hills Quilt Trail partners with the American Quilt Trail, joining the art form nationwide, offering the quilt art for public viewing.   More information can be found at Kansas Flint Hills Quilt Trail.  To contribute to the fund, click here.   

The Kansas Independent Telecommunications Fund was established in May 2010 to preserve the rich history of independent telephony and to benefit communities served by rural independent telephone companies by helping to create and sustain projects, programs, or activities that best support initiatives of rural independent telephone companies. To contribute to the fund, click here.

The employees of the Kaw Valley State Bank in Wamego, Kansas have established a fund to award scholarships to area high school seniors.  Three $100 scholarships will be awarded to students attending a high school in Pottawatomie or Wabaunsee counties. The recipients shall be enrolled in any accredited two or four year secondary institution and have shown leadership within their school by being part of a club or civic group.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The KRCF Administrative Fund was established in June 2006 to provide funds to help finance the necessary costs of staff and related expenses needed for the Foundation to establish itself and operate to address charitable needs, especially for rural communities in Kansas. To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Marion County Fire District #3 was established in 1965 for the protection of lives and property within township 17 of Marion County.  Their fund was established in 2020 for the purchase of fire department equipment and materials for fire department training.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

 This fund was established in 2024 for the purchase of fire department equipment and materials for fire department training.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The mission of the Native Stone Scenic Byway is to showcase the beauty and divirsity of this area in Kansas and in so doing preserve history, culture, and environment while enhancing local economic growth through tourism.  The Native Stone Byway, designated in 2005, extends for 48 miles from just east of Dover in Shawnee County, on K-4 Highway, west through the ghost town of Keene in Wabaunsee County, continuing west on K-4, through Eskridge, past Lake Wabaunsee, to K-99 Highway and north through Alma.  The Byway was just recently extended for 17 miles, going further north on K-99 Highway to K-18 and west through Wabaunsee, which adds great pre-civil war history and beautiful Kansas river bottom farm land!  The Byway then continues west on K-18 through Zeandale, and then south on K-177 taking in the beautiful Konza Prairie and ending at I-70.  Stone fence workshops are held in the spring and fall each year where participants learn to build the dry-stack stone fences, just as our ancestors built the fences 150 years ago.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The North Lyon County Historical Society Fund was established to maintain, support and operate the North Lyon County Historical Society Museum located at Admire, Kansas.  The purpose of the Society shall be to represent the historical interests of North Lyon County, Kansas and its citizens; to administer a museum to house the collection of artifacts, manuscripts, publications, photographs and other materials and information relating to the history of North Lyon County.  To contribute to the North Lyon County Historical Society fund, click here.

The Paxico Blues Fest unites world class music and small town culture in an effort to sustain and support arts and culture in Wabaunsee County. Since 2004, a diverse and loyal audience has come in the thousands to experience big time blues in a rural Flint Hills setting. Thanks to generous sponsorships and contributions, the festival is free and open to all. In addition to a joyous day of music and culture, contributions pay musicians a living wage, generate youth scholarships, purchase musical instruments, plant trees, build parks, and many other community projects that add to rural quality of life.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Paxico City Commissioners established the Paxico Community Foundation Fund as a means to provide donated dollars for Paxico’s economic development, to enhance family life, recreational opportunities and environmental improvements. To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Pete Darting Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in March 2009 to provide scholarships to graduates of Rossville (Kansas) high school. For more information about the scholarship, click here. To contribute to the fund, click here.

Established in June 2007, the Pottawatomie County Economic Development Fund was established to provide funds to further enhance the economic well-being and quality of life of the citizens of Pottawatomie County; to foster community growth throughout Pottawatomie County by promoting economic programs designed to strengthen and expand the income potential of all businesses within the county; and to promote programs of a civic, social, and cultural nature, which are designed to increase the functional and aesthetic value of the county. To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library Fund was established in December 2006 to collect funds to finance costs associated with the successful completion of a Library Automation Project at the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library headquartered in St. Marys. The project was completed in 2008. Donations now help support the only two-county public library in Kansas. Branches of the library are located in Alma, Eskridge, and Onaga with mini-libraries in Alta Vista, Harveyville, Olsburg, and Westmoreland. For more information about the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library, please visit http://www.pottwab.org/
To contribute to the fund, click here

To download a PDF of the Library brochure and donation form PWRL Brochure.

The R-Tech Tool & Machine Scholarship Fund was established in January 2009 to provide scholarships to graduates of Wabaunsee and (Kansas) high school.   The scholarship is for students to plan to study metal fabrication (welding, machine tool, etc.) and/or Industrial.  Preference is given to students who are required to work in order to fund their college education.  For more information about the scholarship, click here.

Revive the Past is a non-profit organization aimed at restoring and revitalizing historical buildings and places in the Flint Hills region of Kansas!  Revive the Past Project is currently working to restore the “Old” Store in Volland, Kansas to its former glory. It began as a General Store in 1891, then it became the Mill Creek “Country Store” Museum in 1969. The Museum closed its doors around 1984 and nature took its toll on the small building. Now, a new generation has been inspired by this small unassuming building in the heart of the Flint Hills. Untouched in the last 30 years, it’s doors have been opened once more. Here is where our adventure begins.  Visit http://bluestemcts.com/revivethepast/ to learn more.  Click here to donate to the fund.

KRCF’s newest fund.  More information coming soon!   To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Frank and Lorna Smith Scholarship Fund was established with the KRCF in February 2010 to provide a scholarship to the valedictorian of Onaga High School (USD 322). For more information about the scholarship, click here.

The St. George Historical Society Fund was established in September 2006 to collect, preserve, and display items of historic interest concerning the city of St. George, KS, and the surrounding area and to provide a permanent location for public education and viewing. For more information about the St. George Historical Society, please visit http://www.stgeorgehistory.org. To contribute to the fund, click here.

The St. Marys Community Foundation Fund was established in January 2010 to provide an avenue through which individuals, families, corporations, nonprofit organizations, and private foundations can make charitable donations to benefit the St. Marys community. To contribute to the fund, click here.

In August 2010, the St. Marys Historical Preservation Fund was established for preservation and restoration of historical structures in the St. Marys, KS, area. Fundraising efforts will include, but are not limited to, community events and direct donations. To contribute to the fund, click here.

In November 2008, the St. Marys Masonic Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships to graduates of St. Marys (Kansas) high school. For more information about the scholarship, click here. To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Summerfield Education and Business Center Fund has been established to enable the community of Summerfield to preserve and make use of the school building and 11 acre campus.  Many projects are in various stages of development:

Establish a library or museum to preserve and exhibit historical artifacts of the city and school.
Equip and upgrade the school kitchen to the level of a commercial kitchen for large events.
Develop and equip the gymnasium for use as an event center.
Develop and equip physical fitness and rehabilitation space for senior citizens and the general population of the surrounding area.
Develop and equip an emergency shelter.
Develop temporary housing for new workforce arrivals to Summerfield.
Provide educational space for training of workers in the areas of new and innovative food products, alternate energy, and other adult educaiton.
Porivde a test bed for the installation and testing of private wind and solar alternate energy systems.
Possible establishment of a daycare or preschool for youth of the area.

To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Tri-County Area Chamber of Commerce supports 9 communities in Dickinson, Morris, and Marion counties: Burdick, Herington, Hope, Lincolnville, Lost Springs, Ramona, Tampa, White City, and Woodbine.  The fund was established to support the local economic health of the Tri-County area through the Think Local First program, area promotions, and events.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The VFW Dix-Day Post 1281 fund is established to help cover the cost of maintaining the building that houses the VFW Dix-Day Post 1281 in Herington, KS.  They are a veteran advocacy non-profit group that supports the local community with free home health equipment such as wheel chairs, walkers, hospital beds, crutches and canes.  The Post offers free rides to veterans that need assistance getting to their medical appointments.  The Post supports funeral services for any deceased military member, from visitation vigil to graveside color guard.  VFW, Dix-Day Post 1281 lives by the Veterans of Foreign Wars mantra of “No One Does More For Veterans”.   To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Wabaunsee County Cattlemen fund advocates and promotes the beef industry and production agriculture within Wabaunsee County.  Their aim is to achieve this goal through educational and social opportunities for members of the community, similar to the annual Ranch and Range Tour where producers learn from each other.  The perpetuity of this industry will be ensured through the next generation by supporting youth in local agricultural and educational organizations.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Wabaunsee County Community Foundation Fund is for promoting and assisting growth, development and the betterment of the communities in Wabaunsee County.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Wabaunsee County Santa’s Express Fund was established to assist families and seniors in Wabaunsee County during Christmas time.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

The Wabaunsee County Fair Association Improvement Fund was established to continue ongoing maintenance, repairs and improvements to the fairgrounds.  These may include updates to current facilities as well as additions of new buildings and/or facilities.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

Walters Byers was the owner of the Byers Ranch near Emmett, Kansas from 1965 until his death in 2015.  In 1951 Mr. Byers was named the first executive director of the NCAA.  It was Mr. Byers’ wish to award an annual, renewable scholarship to a Kansas high school student based upon need and academic achievement.  The scholarship may be used to attend any college or university in the United States.  The scholarship may be renewed for recipients, upon determination by the Kansas Rural Communities Foundation of continuing eligibility, through college and may even extend to post graduate studies in a field other than law or veterinary medicine.  The scholarship is available to a high school senior from Jackson, Nemaha, Pottawatomie or Wabaunsee counties.  The applicant must be a Kansas resident for at least four years prior to receipt of the scholarship and have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (3.0 GPA must be maintained in college for renewal).  Evidence of financial need required.  To contribute to the fund, click here.

Established in August 2007, the Wamego Telecommunicatoin, Inc. Donor Advised Fund is a perpetual endowed fund used for charitable purposes of the Kansas Rural Communities Foundation.

The Ellis (Kansas) Parks Committee established the WestKan Foundation Fund in January 2009 as an affiliated fund of the KRCF to raise funds to support parks and outdoor recreational activity in Western Kansas. To contribute to the fund, click here.

       William Maurice Kirk was born at the Norton County Hospital in October 1939 to Maurice Irving and Edna Lea Hendrickson Kirk of rural Clayton in Decatur County, Kansas, and passed away in Topeka, Kansas, in February 2014, at the age of 74.

Bill was raised on the family farm west of Clayton, Kansas.  After graduating from Clayton High School, he attended Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas from 1957 until 1960.  While attending college, he joined the Kansas National Guard and was transferred to the United States Army Reserve in 1960.  He ultimately received an honorable discharge from that service in 1963.

In August 1961, Bill was married to Stephanie Ann Black of Topeka, Kansas.  The couple returned to Clayton and began the transition of management of the family farm from his parents.   They operated the farm for more than 30 years with the help of family and loyal employees.  In the early 1970s, the family farm diversified with the construction of a then state of the art 500 sow swine confinement operation.  They also expanded the farming operation by purchasing other land and renting additional acreage, and at one time the family farm encompassed more than 5,000 acres, including several irrigated parcels, and a large cattle herd.

While living in Decatur County, Bill served on the Board of Directors of the Jennings Bank from 1979 to 1988 and also served as president of the Decatur County Chamber of Commerce.  He served as Chairman of the Kansas Water Authority’s Upper Republican Basis Advisory committee and was a past president of the Decatur County Economic Development committee.

In an effort to further serve his community, he received his party’s nomination for the position of State Representative of the 120^th District, which encompassed the area from the Colorado line to Phillipsburg in Northwest Kansas, but notwithstanding his strong campaign was defeated by the incumbent in a close election that required a recount to confirm its results.  During the campaign, Bill traveled Northwest Kansas extensively, visiting many communities and having conversations with local officials and citizens. This reaffirmed what he already knew to be true; rural communities must have quality critical utilities and essential services to maintain or increase population and to thrive and prosper. His passion to advocate for and assist rural communities was recognized by others.  In 1993, Bill was appointed by President Clinton to be the Kansas State Director of the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) and Rural Development Administration (RDA) in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  In 1994, these agencies were restructured and renamed Rural Economic and Community Development, an agency which oversaw the operation of Rural Utilities Service, Rural Housing and Community Development Service and Rural Business and Cooperative Development Service.  In 1996, this mission was renamed USDA Rural Development, and provided necessary financing in the rural areas of the state for housing, community development, cooperative development, water and waste, and infrastructure through its loan and grant programs.  In his eight years of service as State Director, Bill was involved in the National Partnership for Reinventing Government, and also served as Chairman of the Kansas Food and Ag Council and Chairman of the Kansas Rural Development Council (KRDC).  In connection with his service, he was named a Friend of Rural Water by the Kansas Rural Water Association and a Friend of Rural Kansas by the KRDC.  In addition, Vice President Al Gore presented Bill with the Hammer Award for his contributions to citizens of Kansas in connection with his leadership of the KRDC.

To honor the memory of a dedicated and loving husband and father, but more importantly to encourage the continued development of critical services to Kansas rural communities, a mission Bill cared deeply about and dedicated a large portion of his life to, his wife, Stephanie A. Kirk, along with his two adult sons, William N. and Philip M. Kirk, worked with the Kansas Rural Communities Foundation to establish “The William M. Kirk Rural Development Fund”. The purpose of the fund is to encourage, solicit, receive, and use charitable contributions and the income derived from the investment of gifts made in support of current and emerging needs of Kansas rural communities and related purposes, including the distribution of funds to provide financial assistance to rural communities of Northwestern Kansas (Russell County, and all counties directly north or west of Russell County) for the engagement of professional assistance (engineers, grant writers, accountants, etc.) to assist with the procurement of federal, state and private sector funds for the acquisition of new or improved facilities for providing water and other critical utilities, with preference being given to projects to be located in Decatur County or Norton County.

To contribute to the fund, click here.