Cleve Cook / Emporia Lions Club Fund

The Cleve Cook / Emporia Lions Club Fund is administered through the Emporia Community Foundation, a community-based philanthropic organization that supports local initiatives in Emporia and the surrounding Lyon County, Kansas area. The foundation operates as a steward of donor-advised and community funds, distributing resources to address local needs and improve quality of life. Through this specific fund, the Emporia Lions Club collaborates with the foundation to provide targeted financial support to projects that generate long-term, positive community impact. The purpose of the Cleve Cook / Emporia Lions Club Fund is to support projects and organizations that contribute to the sustainability and development of the local community, particularly within Lyon County. The grant prioritizes initiatives related to agriculture, including agricultural education, agricultural projects, and business development opportunities that benefit the Emporia and Lyon County area. In addition, the fund supports broader charitable projects that demonstrate feasibility and alignment with the community’s needs, as determined by the Emporia Lions Club and its governing board. Funding amounts are variable and are not fixed within the program guidelines. Applicants are required to specify the grant request amount as part of their application, and funding decisions are made at the discretion of the review committee. The program does not outline a specific award ceiling or floor, indicating flexibility in funding allocations based on project scope, available funds, and community priorities. Grant funds are intended to support project-related activities that create measurable and lasting benefits for the local population. Eligibility for this grant is oriented toward organizations and projects that serve Lyon County, Kansas. While the application form requests organizational information and documentation, including tax-exempt status where applicable, it does not explicitly restrict eligibility to a single organizational type. However, the requirement to provide documentation such as a Form W-9 or proof of tax-exempt status suggests that nonprofit organizations and formal entities are the primary applicants. Projects must demonstrate a clear community benefit and align with one of the defined impact areas, such as agriculture education, hunger and nutrition, youth development, or rural disaster relief. The application process requires submission of a completed application form either via email or physical delivery. Applicants must provide detailed project information, including a description of the proposed initiative, expected outcomes, geographic impact area, number of beneficiaries, and a comprehensive budget outlining anticipated expenses and other funding sources. The application also includes narrative responses that assess the project’s potential impact and alignment with community needs. Applications are due by April 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM, and late submissions are not considered. Following submission, applications are reviewed by representatives of the Emporia Lions Club and associated stakeholders. While specific evaluation criteria is not formally outlined, the review process considers feasibility, community impact, and alignment with the fund’s objectives. Award decisions are made at the sole discretion of the fund administrators. Recipients of funding are required to comply with all terms outlined in the grant agreement, including proper use of funds, provision of additional documentation if requested, and participation in reporting activities. Grantees may also be asked to engage in public communications or promotional activities related to the funded project. The program appears to operate on a recurring basis, offering ongoing opportunities for community organizations to seek support for impactful initiatives within the region.

Clearly demonstrate community impact, align the project with agriculture or community priorities, and provide detailed and realistic budget and outcome projections.