YW Legacy Fund

The YW Legacy Fund is a grant initiative managed by the Greater Salina Community Foundation (GSCF) in Salina, Kansas. Established in 2006 by the board members of the former Salina YWCA, the fund was created following the YWCA’s closure. Assets from the sale of the YWCA building, an existing endowment, and other charitable contributions were combined to create a lasting source of funding to support the values and mission of the former organization. The fund honors the legacy of the YWCA and ensures that its goals continue to benefit the Saline County community. The primary goal of the YW Legacy Fund is to provide grants that enhance the lives of women and their families within Saline County. The fund seeks to support efforts that encourage women’s leadership and empowerment, foster the development and well-being of children, promote mental and physical health among women and families, and work toward the elimination of racism. These guiding principles align closely with the historic mission of the YWCA and form the core evaluation criteria for funding decisions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, as well as educational, governmental, or religious institutions. Projects that do not fall into these categories may still apply by partnering with a qualifying fiscal agent. In cases where such a partnership is not possible, applicants should contact the foundation directly to determine whether their project is eligible and whether additional reporting requirements apply. The YW Legacy Fund offers four distinct grant cycles annually. The summer cycle runs from July 1 to August 15, the fall cycle from October 1 to November 15, the winter cycle from January 1 to February 15, and the spring cycle from April 1 to May 15. Applications are accepted only during these specified cycles, and deadlines are strictly enforced. Applicants are advised to prepare their submissions well in advance to ensure eligibility. No specific award amounts are listed, and applicants are encouraged to propose budgets appropriate to their project scope. All grants are limited to programs and projects that serve Saline County, Kansas. Matching funds are not required. The fund does not publish application questions or evaluation rubrics online, so interested applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation for guidance. For further information or to inquire about the application process, contact Jessica Martin, President and Executive Director of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, by phone at (785) 823-1800. The foundation's office is located at 119 W. Iron, 8th Floor, Salina, KS 67402. Mail correspondence can be directed to P.O. Box 2876, Salina, KS 67402-2876. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with afternoon appointments available.