Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund

The Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund is a charitable initiative supported by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan, Kansas, in partnership with the Greater Salina Community Foundation (GSCF) and the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation (GNWKCF). This collaborative effort focuses on strengthening the quality of life in 26 counties across Northwest Kansas. Through its network of regional affiliates, the fund allocates grant resources for charitable projects that are administered by GSCF and 11 of its affiliate foundations. Funding is awarded through a competitive application process and is designed to address specific community needs within eligible counties. The grants are intended to support a broad array of initiatives aligned with the strategic priorities of the fund. Eligible projects must fall within one or more of six defined funding areas: education, health care, community social services and security, conservation and environment, arts and culture, and community beautification. Examples include programs that enhance educational environments, promote healthy lifestyles, improve access to social services, safeguard environmental resources, expand cultural opportunities, and enhance public spaces. Importantly, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate community involvement and volunteer participation, as such qualities are given preference during the evaluation process. Grants awarded under this fund are intended to support new or supplemental charitable initiatives, not to replace existing tax-supported programs or operational budgets. Applications that seek to fund operating expenses or endowments will not be considered. Additionally, proposals that aim to offset budget shortfalls in government or tax-funded programs are ineligible. The fund emphasizes sustainable, community-driven efforts that can deliver measurable benefits to local residents. The geographic scope of this program is limited to 14 counties in Northwest Kansas served by GSCF and its affiliates. While the full service region of the Hansen Foundation includes 26 counties, only the 14 counties directly managed by GSCF affiliates are eligible under this specific application process. This ensures that funds are distributed through local organizations familiar with community needs and contexts. Prospective applicants should confirm their eligibility based on their county before applying. The application process follows a seasonal schedule, with the spring cycle open from March 15 through May 15. Applications must be submitted through the standard process administered by the local affiliate foundation associated with the applicant’s county. No pre-application steps, such as letters of intent or concept papers, are required. Awards are based on alignment with the fund’s priorities and the quality of the proposal submitted. Applicants may contact their local affiliate or the Greater Salina Community Foundation for assistance in preparing applications. While specific contact names and phone numbers were not provided in the current materials, the foundation’s websites offer resources for applicants in each eligible county. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to plan early, especially if their proposals involve multiple collaborators or volunteers.