YW Legacy Fund

The YW Legacy Fund was created in 2006 by the board members of the former YWCA of Salina, Kansas. This fund was formed using the proceeds from the sale of the YWCA building, endowments previously established for the YWCA, and contributions from additional generous donors. The fund is managed with the intention of continuing the mission of the former Salina YWCA, which emphasized support for women and their families throughout the community of Saline County. The fund is hosted under the Greater Salina Community Foundation and continues to honor the legacy of the YWCA by making annual grants that target initiatives aligned with its original objectives. The fund provides support for a range of projects and programs that enhance the well-being of women and their families. Specifically, proposals should address one or more of the following criteria: advancing women’s growth, leadership, and empowerment to achieve broader social justice and dignity for all people; supporting children in realizing their full potential; creating environments that foster the physical and mental well-being of women and their families; or working toward the elimination of racism in all its forms. These focus areas mirror the foundational principles of the YWCA and aim to preserve its social mission in the absence of the formal institution. Eligible applicants for the YW Legacy Fund include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, government institutions, educational entities, and religious institutions. Individuals or other types of organizations that do not fall within these categories are encouraged to collaborate with a qualifying fiscal agent. If such a partnership is not possible, applicants may still reach out to the community foundation for further guidance and to determine if their project might still be eligible under alternative reporting requirements. Notably, all grants must serve the community of Saline County, Kansas. The fund does not provide a detailed listing of spending restrictions or allowable costs, but the broad scope of eligible activities reflects a commitment to social services, educational development, public health, and racial equity. There is no specified minimum or maximum grant amount in the materials provided, nor are the number of awards or total available funding detailed. Additionally, there are no indications of matching fund requirements, indirect cost policies, or subaward limits mentioned. The YW Legacy Fund opens its grant application cycle annually from January 1 to February 15. There is no mention of a Letter of Intent or other gating documents being required before full proposal submission. The review process and notification timelines are not specified in the available materials. However, questions related to the application process may be directed to Jessica Fuller, the Director of Grants and Scholarships, via phone at 785-823-1800. Based on the annual nature of the application window and consistent historical timelines, the fund is expected to be recurring on an annual basis. In summary, the YW Legacy Fund continues the impactful work of the former Salina YWCA by providing grant support to eligible entities working to uplift women and families in Saline County. The fund encourages applications that embrace social justice, child development, wellness, and anti-racism as core outcomes. While administrative specifics are minimal in the available material, the legacy mission and localized impact remain central to its ongoing operations.