Arthur Klinkacek Community Enrichment Grant

The Arthur Klinkacek Community Enrichment Fund is administered by the Kearney Area Community Foundation (KACF) and was established through a generous bequest of over $2 million from Arthur E. Klinkacek’s estate. Klinkacek, a philanthropist with a commitment to community betterment and youth development, directed that the funds be used for long-term community enrichment and educational opportunities in the Kearney area. The fund supports projects and programs aimed at preserving and enhancing community life in Buffalo County, Nebraska. This grant program is designed to support innovative initiatives that deliver measurable and lasting impacts for the Kearney area. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in good financial standing, government agencies undertaking public projects aligned with priority issues, and educational institutions proposing unique, community-centered or pilot programs with sustainability and replicability. Programs funded typically seek to enhance community assets, promote collaboration, foster individual or organizational self-sufficiency, and attract additional funding sources. Grant awards typically exceed $5,000 and may extend over multiple years depending on the scope and impact of the proposal. Funding is not available for general operating support, endowments, religious or political purposes, capital investments not tied to direct program service, or individual grants. Programs must demonstrate community benefit and present a strong plan for implementation, evaluation, and future funding. The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI), which is mandatory for access to the full application. The LOI must be submitted at least 15 days before the application deadline. Upon approval, applicants receive a link to the online grant application. The application deadline falls twice annually, on April 15 and October 15, with the LOI deadline occurring on April 1 and October 1, respectively. All applications must be submitted through the foundation’s online system and must include required supporting documentation such as tax-exemption letters, financial statements, and detailed program budgets. Evaluation of proposals is conducted by the grant committee, which considers the clarity of project objectives, the feasibility and sustainability of the implementation plan, the applicant organization’s stability and track record, and the potential for collaboration with other entities. Final funding decisions are subject to approval by the KACF Board of Directors. Recipients are required to submit a final report within one year of receiving the award and may be asked to provide interim updates. For inquiries or to discuss a project idea, applicants may contact the Kearney Area Community Foundation at (308) 237-3114. More information and access to the LOI form are available on the foundation’s website. This program follows a biannual cycle, with the next anticipated application opening in April 2026 for the Spring cycle.

Focus on long-term community impact, innovation, and sustainability. Present measurable outcomes and detailed evaluation plans.