Greater Topeka Fund

The Greater Topeka Fund is a grant initiative administered by the Topeka Community Foundation, a regional philanthropic institution serving Topeka and Shawnee County, Kansas. The Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the community through targeted grantmaking, donor engagement, and strategic partnerships. The Greater Topeka Fund is part of a broader suite of funding opportunities managed by the Foundation and reflects its mission to invest in impactful, community-driven initiatives. This grant program specifically supports nonprofit organizations operating within Topeka and Shawnee County. The fund is designed to address pressing community needs and opportunities, with an emphasis on creating a socially and economically prosperous region. Projects must demonstrate a clear and compelling need or opportunity to be considered competitive. The fund prioritizes initiatives that contribute meaningfully to the local community and enhance the general well-being of its residents. Grant awards are available up to a maximum of $10,000 per organization. Applications should include a realistic, itemized budget that accurately reflects the costs of the proposed project. Proposals that seek the full $10,000 without a justified breakdown of expenses may be deemed less competitive. The fund supports a broad range of project types, provided they align with the overarching goal of improving quality of life in Shawnee County. All proposals must be complete and meet the eligibility criteria to be considered for funding. Once submitted, qualifying applications are first reviewed by staff and may be shared with donors within the Foundation before advancing to the final review committee. This dual-layered review structure provides an opportunity for expanded visibility and potential support beyond the grant itself. The fund does not specify a rolling basis for applications and includes a firm submission deadline. Inquiries regarding the fund or the application process may be directed to Alicia VanWalleghem, the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Topeka Community Foundation. She can be reached via phone at 785-272-4804 or by email at vanw@topekacommunityfoundation.org. The Foundation has not published explicit application questions or timelines beyond the application opening and closing periods. However, it is strongly advised that applicants contact Alicia VanWalleghem for guidance prior to submission, especially to clarify the alignment of their project with the fund’s goals and competitive criteria. This collaborative approach reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to community engagement and transparency in the grantmaking process.

Proposals must include an itemized budget. Full $10,000 requests without clear need may not be competitive.