Fund for Reno County Grants

The Fund for Reno County is a grantmaking initiative administered by Hutchinson Community Foundation, a philanthropic organization based in Reno County, Kansas. Established in 1989 by the foundation’s founding Board of Directors, the Fund functions as a flexible, unrestricted community resource, often described as a “community savings account.” Its core mission is to address the evolving needs of Reno County by responding directly to proposals that reflect both the challenges and opportunities experienced by local residents and organizations. Over the years, the Fund for Reno County has awarded more than $6.3 million to community-based organizations, supporting a wide array of initiatives. The grant program is known for supporting both small-scale, high-impact projects and large, transformative efforts. Whether addressing immediate needs through “just in time” funding or catalyzing strategic community partnerships, the program aims to empower local changemakers and build long-term resilience in the region. In 2026, the Fund for Reno County will operate in two distinct application cycles. Impact Cycle 1, which runs from December 17, 2025 through February 13, 2026, includes three funding categories. The Community & Economic Development category offers up to $50,000 for projects that contribute to economic growth and revitalization, including workforce development, business support, placemaking, and housing improvements. Community Catalyst grants, capped at $2,500, support efforts that enhance engagement, leadership, and civic pride. The Strong Organizations category, with a ceiling of $7,500, funds capacity-building efforts for nonprofit organizations, such as leadership development, financial planning, and program evaluation. Applicants in this category are required to consult with program staff before submitting proposals. Impact Cycle 2, running from June 1 through August 7, 2026, focuses on two additional areas: Dynamic Culture and Thriving Kids. Dynamic Culture grants support public arts, heritage tourism, festivals, and cultural placemaking, with a funding maximum of $20,000. Thriving Kids grants, also capped at $20,000, aim to improve early childhood education, youth engagement, and family support systems. Both of these programs accept multi-year proposals, and applicants may also reapply for Community Catalyst and Strong Organizations funding during this cycle, subject to funding availability. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3), special purpose governmental units proposing innovative projects, and community groups with a fiscal sponsor. Proposals must be submitted via the online Foundant Grant Lifecycle Manager (GLM) platform. Hutchinson Community Foundation strongly encourages applicants to consult with program staff prior to submission and to participate in an optional workshop—Partnering for Impact—designed to strengthen proposals and organizational capacity. Applications are reviewed by a Grants Committee composed of community volunteers. The most competitive proposals demonstrate innovation, collaboration, inclusion of the target population, clear evidence of need, and systemic change. Notification of awards or denials is typically issued within six weeks of the application deadline. Selected grantees are expected to sign a grant agreement, participate in grantee convenings (including events on April 23 and October 8, 2026), and submit interim and final reports through the GLM system. For questions or support, applicants can contact Senior Program Officer Jan Steen via email at [email protected] or by phone at 620.663.5293.

Consulting with staff is strongly encouraged; workshop attendance is recommended; alignment with impact areas is critical.