Trusler Foundation Grant Program

The Trusler Foundation, established in 1957 by Harold and Irene Trusler, has a long-standing history of supporting charitable, religious, scientific, literary, and educational endeavors. This private foundation is known for its commitment to enhancing the communities within Lyon, Chase, and Coffey counties in Kansas. Over the decades, it has played a pivotal role in funding impactful local initiatives, with a strong emphasis on fostering economic development. The foundation’s mission is to assess and respond to the unique needs of these counties, with prioritized support given to projects based in Emporia, followed by Lyon, Chase, and Coffey counties in that order. The foundation opens its grant program three times annually, with deadlines set at 5 p.m. on March 2, August 3, and November 2, 2026. Eligible applicants may only submit one application per year. Beginning in 2018, the foundation instituted a minimum grant request threshold of $10,000. Applications are accepted for new or existing programs, provided they serve the foundation’s targeted counties. Funding may support projects with long-term community benefits and a clear, measurable impact on local economic development. While allowable spending categories are broad—including charitable and educational purposes—the foundation’s evaluation focuses on the sustainability and effectiveness of the proposed initiatives. The application process consists of a two-part submission: a standardized cover sheet and a detailed narrative. The cover sheet requires basic organizational information, funding request specifics, and a concise project summary. The narrative section asks applicants to address 13 questions, including a description of the economic development issue being addressed, target population, project timeline, past management success, matching funds, sustainability, and anticipated outcomes. Additionally, applicants are required to discuss any potential for the grant to act as seed funding and describe how Trusler’s support will be publicly acknowledged. Applicants should be aware that on-site visits may be requested at the discretion of the foundation's Advisory Committee as part of the evaluation process. While no pre-application steps such as letters of intent are mandated, complete responses to all narrative questions are critical to a successful submission. Selected grantees are expected to formally recognize the Trusler Foundation in any media coverage and must submit a post-award report within one year, detailing outcomes and financial expenditures associated with the funded project. The foundation does not list specific contact personnel but includes designated areas for both executive and project contacts within the application form. While no online portal or email address is explicitly provided for submission, applicants must ensure timely delivery of applications by the 5 p.m. deadline on each cycle’s closing date. Trusler’s structure emphasizes transparency, accountability, and strategic investment in programs that build enduring capacity in local communities. While the Foundation does not provide recurring funding commitments, the predictable annual cycle of application windows allows organizations to plan strategically for future requests. Recurring deadlines also allow for recalibration of proposals based on advisory feedback or shifting community priorities. Given the foundation’s focus on economic development and regional revitalization, projects that demonstrate tangible and scalable outcomes stand the best chance of receiving funding. Future grant cycles are expected to continue beyond 2026, adhering to the established triannual schedule.

Focus on economic development impact and regional benefit. Site visits may be requested.