Assaria Community Fund

The Greater Salina Community Foundation, based in Salina, Kansas, established the Assaria Community Fund to support charitable projects within Assaria, Kansas. The foundation itself serves as a philanthropic hub that manages a variety of community-focused funds, scholarships, and grantmaking opportunities. This particular fund exists to provide direct support to initiatives that improve the quality of life for residents of Assaria and surrounding areas. It is one of many local funds managed by the foundation and reflects its mission of enhancing community vitality through strategic charitable giving. The purpose of the Assaria Community Fund is to provide grant support to projects that meet the needs of Assaria residents and strengthen the overall well-being of the community. Eligible activities include community programs and services that advance organizational missions, new projects or programs, and initiatives that strengthen nonprofit capacity. Examples of allowable uses of funding include seed money for new projects, operating support for initiatives that benefit the public, professional development, staffing to implement new programming, technology and equipment purchases, and capital improvements such as construction or renovation. The fund can also support endowment-building, although awards for endowment requests are less likely unless they are tied to a specific initiative. Grants are awarded to eligible entities that include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government bodies, and religious organizations. Projects must generally serve the geographic areas covered by the foundation, with a priority for initiatives based in Assaria. Individuals or organizations that do not fall into one of the core categories are still able to apply if they partner with a fiscal agent that meets the eligibility requirements. If a fiscal agent cannot be secured, the applicant is instructed to contact the foundation to determine whether their project still qualifies and to understand any additional reporting requirements that may apply. The application process is designed to ensure strong alignment with community benefit. Applicants must submit complete and accurate proposals; incomplete, incorrect, or late applications will not be considered. The foundation explicitly excludes support for political projects, discriminatory practices, or projects seeking to cover deficits or retire debt. Funding is also not provided retroactively for initiatives that have already occurred or have been paid for prior to the grant request. These restrictions ensure that grants are forward-looking and invested in viable community benefit. Applications are reviewed by a grants committee that assesses alignment with the foundation’s mission, potential community impact, and feasibility. There is no fixed deadline provided in the available materials, suggesting that applicants must consult directly with the foundation for current cycles or schedules. The foundation indicates that many of its funds operate in cycles or on an annual basis, but verification would be necessary for exact timelines. Interested applicants are advised to confirm submission deadlines, timelines, and required documentation directly with the foundation office. For further information or application support, the primary contact is Jessica Fuller, Director of Grants and Scholarships. She can be reached at 785-823-1800. The foundation’s office is located at 119 W. Iron, 8th Floor, Salina, KS 67402, with mailing correspondence directed to P.O. Box 2876, Salina, KS 67402-2876. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon, with Friday afternoon hours available by appointment. Applicants may also visit the Greater Salina Community Foundation’s website or contact the office by phone or fax for additional details on the application process.