The Pete & Mary Hughes Impact Fund for Mini-grants, established in 2024, is a philanthropic initiative funded through the generous contributions of Pete and Mary Hughes. Longtime volunteers in the Parsons area, the Hugheses created this fund to recognize and support the ongoing efforts of local citizens in strengthening their communities. Managed by the Parsons Area Community Foundation (PACF), the fund emphasizes a commitment to local development and sustainability.
The mini-grant program is designed to financially support nonprofit-led projects within a 25-mile radius of Parsons, Kansas. These grants are intended to enable nonprofits, churches, schools, and governmental organizations to implement or complete community-enhancing initiatives. The program seeks to uplift local projects that offer a positive and tangible impact on the community, with flexibility to address a broad range of needs as they arise.
Applications for the mini-grants can be submitted online year-round via the PACF’s official website. However, awards are made quarterly, with specific deadlines for each funding period: March 15 for Q1, June 15 for Q2, September 15 for Q3, and December 15 for Q4. The current application cycle is Q2 of 2025, with submissions being accepted until June 15, 2025.
Grant awards typically do not exceed $2,500 per organization per calendar year. Final grant amounts are subject to the discretion of the PACF Board of Directors and may vary based on the demonstrated need, anticipated impact, and available funding. The fund does not impose a strict minimum or maximum award cap but emphasizes strategic use of funds for meaningful community outcomes.
Eligibility for the mini-grant program includes 501(c)(3) nonprofits, churches, schools, and government entities operating within the designated geographical boundary. Successful applicants are required to provide a concise follow-up report detailing how funds were used and the project’s outcomes within six months of receiving the award.
Additional details, including application access and submission guidelines, are available on the PACF website. Interested applicants should adhere to the quarterly deadlines and ensure their proposals align with the fund’s mission to enhance community well-being.
