The Manhattan Fund - Caroline Peine Charitable Foundation

The Manhattan Fund – Caroline Peine Charitable Foundation is offering grant opportunities aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Manhattan, Kansas. Rooted in a commitment to the local community, the Foundation supports initiatives by nonprofit organizations that serve the city and nearby areas such as the Konza Prairie and the town of Keats. Named in honor of Caroline F. Peine, this private charitable fund provides targeted financial support to nonprofit initiatives that align with its mission of improving local living standards through cultural, educational, environmental, and social development. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Manhattan, Kansas. Funding priorities include a wide range of sectors, such as environmental stewardship, arts, historic preservation, libraries, elder and disability services, subsidized child care, and energy assistance for low-income residents. The Foundation also supports well-established local institutions including the Konza Prairie, Crisis Center, Sunset Zoo, Special Olympics, and UFM. Additionally, projects focused on recreational development in Keats may be considered. However, the Foundation does not fund city operational costs, industrial development, organized athletics, or religious purposes. Two application cycles are available each year, with Letters of Intent due by April 1 for the Spring Cycle and October 1 for the Fall Cycle. Submissions must be sent via email to the Foundation's designated contact, tony.twyman@bofa.com. Only Letters of Intent are required at the initial stage. These are reviewed by the Grants Committee for clarity, completeness, and alignment with Foundation priorities. Proposals showing strong community involvement, local support, or collaboration are given preference. Applicants whose Letters of Intent are shortlisted may be invited to submit full proposals. If applying for a collaborative project, Letters of Commitment must be included in the full application. While not required, locally raised funds or in-kind contributions such as materials and labor can strengthen proposals. The Foundation expects grantees to demonstrate a feasible plan for program sustainability beyond the grant period and encourages endowment building among recipient organizations. Grant awards are typically for a one-year period, but multi-year support up to four years may be granted for projects offering exceptional community benefit. Capital improvement proposals are eligible for up to 50% of the total project cost, with typical contributions ranging from 25% to 30%. These requests require professional oversight such as architectural or engineering supervision. The evaluation process is ongoing, with grantees required to submit status reports every six months. While the Foundation does not require matching funds for non-capital projects, matching may be necessary for capital improvements. All grant recipients must provide public recognition of support from the Manhattan Fund – Caroline F. Peine Charitable Foundation.

Emphasize community involvement and sustainability; avoid proposals focused on administrative or operational costs; include Letters of Commitment for collaborative proposals; public recognition of support required.