The Manhattan Fund

The Manhattan Fund – Caroline Peine Charitable Foundation was established to improve the quality of life in the City of Manhattan, Kansas. The Foundation also supports environmental preservation efforts on the KONZA Prairie and provides for recreational development in the nearby town of Keats, Kansas. Caroline Peine, the fund's benefactor, had a deep-rooted connection to the Manhattan community, where she lived until her passing at the age of 78. This Foundation supports a wide array of program areas including arts, humanities, education, employment, health, housing, environment, human services, youth development, food access, community improvement, and more. It considers proposals that demonstrate a clear benefit to the social, cultural, recreational, or historic fabric of Manhattan or its surrounding target areas. Past support has included funding for institutions such as the KONZA Prairie, the Regional Crisis Center, the Sunset Zoo, and Special Olympics. Eligible applicants include Manhattan-based nonprofits with initiatives that align with the Foundation’s mission. Submissions must reflect the Foundation’s core goal: to enhance the well-being of Manhattan residents, promote conservation of the KONZA Prairie, or develop recreational infrastructure in Keats. Specific areas of interest also include historical preservation, arts (including theatre), libraries, services for elderly and disabled individuals, subsidized child care for working or studying parents, and energy assistance for low-income families. The application process follows a two-stage structure. Applicants must first submit an online Letter of Inquiry (LOI) by either April 1 or October 1. Applicants can choose to apply for small grants (up to $25,000) or large grants (above $25,000). Within 30 days of LOI submission, selected organizations will be invited to submit a full application. Final decisions are typically made within 2 to 3 months of LOI submission. The Foundation does not fund operating costs for the City of Manhattan or its facilities, industrial development, organized athletics, or religious purposes. Grant decisions are made by a five-member committee designated by Caroline Peine and co-managed by Bank of America. Applications and additional details can be accessed via the Bank of America grantmaking site or directly through https://peinefoundation.org/application-guidelines.

Ensure geographic relevance and alignment with mission. Foundation prioritizes projects that improve life in Manhattan, support KONZA Prairie, or recreationally benefit Keats.