Established in 2011, North Newton Community Foundation is a tax-exempt, publicly-supported grant-making organization. Our mission is to support efforts that enhance community wellbeing through expansion of educational opportunities, cultural enrichment, and improvement of human health and the physical environment.
Since 2013, NNCF has given over $141,000 to local nonprofits. Grant applications are invited each February, with grants awarded in May-June.
NNCF maintains a variety of endowed funds, with financial and legal oversight provided through Central Kansas Community Foundation, and aims to give about 5% of earnings in grants each year. Grant selections are made by a local committee.
2026 Grant Recipients
Simply Hygiene Kits for Newton Public Schools — Megan Kice
Megan and the Simply Hygiene team make sure Newton students have what they need to show up to school clean, healthy, and ready to learn. Working directly with Newton Public Schools, they fill monthly orders for soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, diapers, and more, all at no cost to students or families.
In 2025 alone, they distributed over 67,000 hygiene items across Newton schools. That is a lot of kids who walked through the door with one less thing to worry about. NNCF is glad to support Megan’s work removing barriers that get in the way of learning. Learn more about Simply Hygiene at simplyhygiene.org
Kauffman Museum Uncle Carl’s Camp — Andi Andres
Andi and the Kauffman Museum team have been running Uncle Carl’s Camp every summer since 1996, giving kids ages 4 to 18 a week of hands-on discovery in science, art, and history. This year four teachers are leading six camps built around project-based learning and real exploration.
Uncle Carl’s Camp is now in its 31st year, and this summer they are beginning to enroll the children of families who attended that very first camp back in 1996. NNCF is proud to support a program that has meant so much to so many Newton families. Learn more and register at kauffmanmuseum.org/uncle-carls-camp
Safehope at Bethel College — Heather Murrow and Dean Kegley
Heather, Dean, and the Safehope team maintain weekly office hours right on the Bethel College campus, working directly with students who have experienced domestic or sexual violence and supporting the faculty and staff who serve them. Each year they look for new ways to connect with the student body and raise awareness about available services.
This year Bethel College has asked Safehope to help assemble welcome bags for all incoming students, including information about the services and support Safehope provides. NNCF is proud to support this work. Learn more about Safehope at safehope.net
Meals on Wheels — Tamie Larez
Tamie and the Newton Meals on Wheels team show up every day for seniors who need more than just a meal. They deliver nutrition and a friendly face to older adults who might otherwise spend the day alone, making sure no one in our community goes hungry or unnoticed.
This year, NNCF is proud to support their work keeping Newton seniors independent and connected. If you know a neighbor who could use this service, or if you’d like to volunteer, Tamie’s team would love to hear from you. For more information about Newton Meals on Wheels and how you can get involved, please call 316-283-3500 or email newtonmealsonwheels@gmail.com.
Peace Connections SEAK — Kendra Davila
Kendra and the Peace Connections team run the Summer Enrichment Activities for Kids program, SEAK, four days a week all summer long, giving kids ages 1 to 18 a place to play, learn, and eat well. Local volunteers, restaurants, and organizations all pitch in to make free meals, and free books happen every week.
This year’s program also sends kids home with snacks for the weekend, because Kendra knows hunger doesn’t take a break on Saturday. NNCF is glad to be part of making this summer a good one for Newton kids. Learn more about Peace Connections at peaceconnections.org
Community Playschool Healthy Snacks — Kasey Newell
Kasey and the Community Playschool team believe that good food and good learning go hand in hand. This year they are purchasing fresh foods for daily snacks served throughout the entire school year, and once a month the kids help prepare the snack themselves, learning basic food safety and kitchen skills along the way.
They are also growing their own herbs and greens right in the classroom using small hydroponic systems, watching food grow from seed to table and making real connections to where their meals come from. NNCF is glad to support Kasey’s work building healthy habits early. Learn more about Community Playschool at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org/community-playschool
Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra Fall Classics Concert — Jill Gatz
Jill and the Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra are celebrating their 70th Anniversary Season this year, and they are opening it with something special. The Fall Classics Concert will feature the Kansas premiere of Gorecki’s Third Symphony, with the Newton High School Orchestra joining NMKSO on stage to perform side by side as one ensemble.
After the concert, the NMKSO Board will host a reception celebrating 70 years of live orchestral music in this community. NNCF is proud to support an organization that has enriched local life for seven decades. Learn more about NMKSO at nmkso.org
STEAM with Seniors Legacy in Stories — Lori and Craig Gingerich
Lori, Craig, and the STEAMwSeniors team are preserving the life stories of older adults in our community who can no longer write their own. Bethel College students sit down with seniors identified through Kidron Bethel Village and Newton Senior Center, conducting interviews and creating legacy books that capture their histories for families and generations to come.
It is a project that benefits everyone involved. Seniors feel heard and honored, students build real world skills and meaningful relationships, and families receive something they will treasure forever. NNCF is glad to support this work. Learn more about STEAMwSeniors at steamwseniors.org
Awards Ceremony was held on Monday, June 22nd at Cottonwood Park in North Newton
Pictured Left to Right – Megan Kice, Hennie Janzen, Andi Andres, John Fast, Dean Kegley, Heather Murrow, & Mark Janzen
Pictured Left to Right – Kasey Newell, Tom Jackson, Kendra Davila, Alicia VanRanken, Tamie Larez, & Nathan Murphy
Pictured Left to Right – Jill Gatz, Mary Ellen Hodge, Lori & Craig Gingerich, & Ray Penner
Advisory Board of Directors
Tom Jackson – Chair
Nathan Murphy – Vice Chair
Mary Ellen Hodge – Secretary
Brad Harris
Mark Janzen
Donnie Kingsley
Gwen Neufeld
Ray Penner
Katie Schmidt
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