Hesston Community Foundation Grant

The Hesston Community Foundation (HCF), a local affiliate of the Central Kansas Community Foundation (CKCF), has opened its 2025 Competitive Grant Cycle to support charitable projects in the Hesston, Kansas community. With approximately $20,000 available, the foundation invites eligible organizations to apply for grants that advance community wellbeing. HCF’s mission is to strengthen the Hesston area through strategic philanthropy that supports community building, collaboration, and quality-of-life improvements. Two primary funding sources comprise this opportunity. The Hesston Community Foundation Impact Fund offers around $14,720 for general charitable projects that benefit the Hesston community. The Kansas Health Foundation Fund – Hesston contributes an additional $5,400 for projects that are specifically health-focused. These might include initiatives promoting healthy behaviors, improving access to care, or enhancing the physical and social environments supporting wellness. Applicants may request up to $10,000 per project. However, all proposals must serve the Hesston community directly and demonstrate potential to foster collaboration, enrich public or shared spaces, or otherwise enhance community life. While no minimum request amount is specified, grants may not exceed the $10,000 ceiling. Projects must be completed by May 2026 unless alternative timelines have been pre-approved. Eligible applicants include organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status or those that are exempt under law, such as schools, churches, cities, or counties. Organizations without such designation may still apply if they are formally partnered with an eligible fiscal sponsor. All applicants must also be managed by reliable, ethical personnel with experience delivering community benefit projects. Organizations that received funding during the prior grant cycle must have submitted their Grant Impact Report (formerly the Follow-Up Report) to be considered for new funding. The application window opens July 1, 2025, and closes on July 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Projects may not begin before October 2025, with funding decisions expected to be announced in mid-September. Grants will be officially presented during the Home Sweet Hesston food truck rally on September 24, 2025. All successful applicants will be required to sign a new Grant Award Agreement, which must be completed online and authorized before any disbursements are made. Instructions for this process will accompany the award notifications. Prospective applicants with questions or requiring assistance are encouraged to contact either Melissa Schreiber, Program Officer for Grants at CKCF, via email at melissa@centralkansascf.org or phone (316-283-5474 office / 316-251-4143 mobile), or Kristie Diller, Associate Director of HCF, at kristie@centralkansascf.org or 620-869-3061.