The Flint Hills Community Fund, a program of the Emporia Community Foundation (ECF), supports community and rural development efforts within specific Kansas counties on a rotating annual basis. The fund is guided by a mission to promote initiatives in areas such as community and rural development, museum and historic preservation, and agriculture and conservation. Grants are disbursed yearly, each year focusing on a specific county. The designated county for 2025 is Marion County.
The fund prioritizes applications for specific, impactful projects that align with its mission in the designated county. Collaboration with other funding sources may also be considered. Projects that demonstrate significant volunteer involvement or innovative special initiatives from public entities that normally have taxing authority can receive additional consideration. However, the grants do not support fundraising efforts, personnel or operational expenses, individuals, or routine governmental services.
Applicants are required to complete an application form and submit it via email to Linda Kehres-Schmidt, Executive Director at the Emporia Community Foundation. The final application deadline for the 2025 grant cycle is September 30, 2025. There is no indication of rolling deadlines or pre-application phases such as Letters of Intent.
The application process includes submitting a complete form, a detailed budget, and any additional documentation. While brevity in attachments is encouraged, clear articulation of the project’s goals, costs, and community impact is essential. Applications must specify the purpose of the project, the number of people it will affect, and whether the organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Each grant cycle has a modest funding pool; the total funding available for Community and Rural Programs in 2025 is $1,600.00. Projects that expand operations, especially those already sustaining basic operations independently, are strongly considered. Although matching funds or volunteer support are not mandatory, they enhance the proposal's competitiveness.
For further inquiries or assistance with the application, interested parties may contact Linda Kehres-Schmidt at (620) 342-9304 or via email at linda.kehres-schmidt@emporiacf.org.
