Dane G. Hansen Foundation Community Grants

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation Community Grants program is a collaborative effort established 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. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life in north-central and northwest Kansas through the funding of charitable projects and programs that address key areas of community need. The program operates through GSCF’s affiliate foundations, including the Smith County Community Foundation, which receives funding to distribute grants within its designated service areas. Grants are awarded competitively and support a broad range of focus areas. Eligible projects may fall within education, healthcare, community social services and emergency response, conservation and environment, arts and culture, and community beautification. Educational initiatives may enhance learning environments or build workforce readiness and personal life skills. Healthcare grants promote access to services and healthy practices. Community security funding strengthens social services and disaster relief, while environmental and conservation grants aim to preserve air and water quality and improve outdoor spaces. Cultural and beautification projects enrich local communities and encourage civic engagement and pride. The program emphasizes innovation, community involvement, and volunteerism. Preference is given to initiatives demonstrating significant local engagement. However, funding is not intended to replace public funding or support operational costs of tax-supported programs, and requests that aim to reduce budgetary obligations will not be funded. The grant also excludes requests for political activity, discriminatory practices, or retroactive debt coverage. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government entities, and religious organizations. Others may apply through a qualifying fiscal agent. Although the program generally restricts grants to projects within the foundation's service geography, those with uncertain eligibility are encouraged to contact the foundation directly for clarification and potential accommodations. Grants may support a variety of needs, including new project seed funding, capacity-building efforts such as staff development or technology acquisition, capital improvements, and in some cases, endowment contributions tied to specific initiatives. Applications must be submitted via the foundation's online portal. Incomplete, incorrect, or late applications will not be considered. The Smith County Community Foundation oversees this opportunity locally. The grant cycle operates in the spring, opening on February 15 and closing on April 15. Questions may be directed to Aurielle Hughes, the program director, at (785) 686-5290. Applications must be completed online, and assistance is available upon request.

Preference given to projects with community involvement and volunteerism.