Republic County Community Action Grant Program

The Republic County Community Action Fund is an unrestricted community grant fund managed by the Republic County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Greater Salina Community Foundation. This fund was established through the generosity of community members who contributed with the intent to support both current and future needs within Republic County, Kansas. As an endowed fund, it provides a recurring and sustainable source of financial support for charitable initiatives that align with the Foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life in the region. Each year, the Foundation Board assesses the availability of funds and determines the total amount to be distributed in the form of community grants. These grants are designed to address a wide range of community issues and serve various target populations, allowing flexibility in how the funds are applied. However, projects that best reflect the Foundation’s mission are given priority during the selection process. Funding can support a variety of purposes including new community-serving programs, capacity-building activities, and capital improvements. This may include technology upgrades, training for staff, or facility renovations. Additionally, the fund can support endowment contributions if they are tied to a specific initiative, though such requests are less likely to receive funding. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government entities, and religious organizations—with the latter encouraged to consult the Foundation before applying. Individuals and informal groups working on charitable projects may also apply, ideally in partnership with a fiscal agent from one of the qualified entity types. For-profit entities are ineligible unless the request is clearly for a charitable community purpose. Importantly, all funded projects must occur within Republic County. The application process requires applicants to complete a form through the Foundation’s online grant portal. The fund operates on a biannual cycle, with a spring application window from February 15 to April 15 and a fall cycle from July 15 to September 15. All submissions are reviewed by the Foundation Board according to established grant guidelines, and incomplete or late applications are not considered. Applicants seeking guidance may contact Molly Williams, the Director of the Republic County Community Foundation, by phone at 785-527-9006. Both mailing and office addresses are listed as 1806 M Street Suite 101, Belleville, KS 66935-0541. No pre-application steps such as letters of intent are required, simplifying access to the fund. Due to its endowment structure, this fund offers an ongoing opportunity for local organizations and projects to obtain vital support that meets evolving community needs.