Dane G. Hansen Community Grant

The Solomon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF) administers bi-annual competitive grant opportunities aimed at supporting nonprofits and public-serving entities within Mitchell County, Kansas. Rooted in its mission to strengthen community initiatives, SVCF leverages two primary funding sources: the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund and the SVCF Community Impact Fund. These funds support a broad range of programs that enhance the quality of life in the region, promoting resilience, well-being, and community pride. The grant process is managed through a structured application and review cycle, ensuring transparency and fairness in funding distribution. The Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund was established through a partnership between the Hansen Foundation and community foundations in Northwest Kansas. This fund focuses on addressing six core community priorities: education, healthcare, community social services and security, conservation and environment, arts and culture, and community beautification. Projects funded under this program are expected to provide tangible benefits in these domains. For example, educational projects should enhance learning environments or life skill development, while healthcare initiatives should promote access to services or healthier lifestyles. Notably, the Hansen Fund prioritizes proposals that incorporate community involvement and volunteerism. The SVCF Community Impact Fund, on the other hand, is an unrestricted grant pool formed during SVCF’s initial Founder’s Campaign and subsequently expanded through community Match Month campaigns and donor contributions. This fund is used flexibly to supplement SVCF’s bi-annual grant cycles, allowing the board discretion in addressing emerging or pressing needs in Mitchell County. Preference is given to proposals that demonstrate strong community impact, collaboration, and engagement. However, like the Hansen Fund, this funding source excludes support for operational expenses or endowment building. Both grant sources require applicants to be based in Mitchell County and include nonprofit organizations, government and public entities, educational institutions, and churches. Importantly, grant funding cannot be used to replace regular budgetary obligations of tax-supported programs or for operational costs. The application review process places a high value on collaborative efforts and projects that leverage local volunteerism and civic participation. The SVCF competitive grant program runs on two annual cycles. The Fall Cycle opens on July 1 and closes at midnight on August 1. The Spring Cycle opens December 1 and closes February 1. Applications must be submitted before the stated closing time to be considered. While specific award amounts are not disclosed in the public material, the description implies that decisions are based on project merit, alignment with funding priorities, and overall community impact. For questions or updates, interested applicants may contact Julia at julia@solomonvalleycf.org or call (785) 833-6153. The SVCF office is located at 102 S. Mill St., Suite 5, Beloit, KS 67420. The grantmaking process is designed to be community-driven, equitable, and aligned with the foundation’s goal of fostering local development through strategic philanthropy.