Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Program

The Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund is a philanthropic initiative 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. Through this collaboration, each affiliate foundation under GSCF—such as the Republic County Community Foundation—receives dedicated funding to distribute to charitable projects within their regional service areas. These grant opportunities are managed through a competitive application process that emphasizes impactful, locally-driven initiatives. This grant program is designed to support a wide range of community development efforts. Funding is directed toward projects in the areas of education, healthcare, social services and community security, conservation and the environment, arts and culture, and community beautification. These thematic priorities reflect the Hansen Foundation’s broader mission of enhancing quality of life across north-central and northwest Kansas. Programs that develop students’ learning environments, expand life skills and workforce readiness, improve healthcare access, provide social and disaster relief services, and enrich the public realm through cultural and environmental stewardship are all eligible for support. Projects that visibly enhance public spaces and foster community pride are also encouraged. One key selection consideration for the grant committee is the level of community involvement and volunteerism integrated into the project proposal. The program favors applicants who demonstrate strong local engagement, collaboration, and a clear benefit to the broader public. However, the grant cannot be used to replace or reduce the budgetary obligations of tax-supported programs, nor can it be applied to operational expenses or organizational endowments unless the latter directly supports a specific initiative and is likely to be considered exceptional. Eligibility for this program is broad but specifically includes 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government entities, and religious organizations. When a church or faith-based organization is the applicant, the foundation must be contacted prior to submission to determine eligibility and reporting requirements. Individuals and other informal groups must partner with a qualifying fiscal agent to apply. Projects must serve the geographic area supported by the Republic County Community Foundation to be considered. Applications are submitted exclusively through the foundation’s online grant system. The process typically involves submitting a complete grant application form within the defined funding cycles—fall (July 15 to September 15) and spring (February 15 to April 15). While not explicitly stated, applicants are encouraged to reach out for guidance if uncertain about eligibility or if the application is being submitted on behalf of a religious organization. For inquiries, applicants may contact Molly Williams at the Republic County Community Foundation. Her office is located at 1806 M Street, Suite 101, Belleville, KS 66935-0541, and she can be reached at (785) 527-9006. Given the grant’s recurring nature and established timeline, applicants can expect the next submission window to follow the spring or fall cycle annually. Awards are granted after the close of each cycle, following review and evaluation of submitted proposals.