The Kansas Rural Communities Foundation was formed in 2006 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable corporation with a mission to enrich the quality of life in all Kansas communities.  Former Wamego Telecommunications employee Mike Rice and former Pottawatomie County Economic Development Director Bob Cole were two of the individuals instrumental in the establishment of the Foundation when it was determined “there was a need for a foundation to serve a broader area than just Wamego.” With charitable assets currently topping $2 million, KRCF has over 75 funds primarily in 16 counties in northeast Kansas, although it has served rural communities throughout the state including Ellis and Norton. The Foundation exists to help concerned individuals mobilize charitable giving to support the betterment of Kansas communities and organizations, according to its website; it assists many rural Kansas communities in providing or continuing essential services, such as health care, telecommunications, education, environmental protection, libraries, community centers, parks and recreation, and scholarships.  
 
For more information, please contact Audrey Williams, Executive Director, at 785-456-8444 or [email protected].