Annual Foundation Summit: Building Stronger Communities Through Charitable Giving

On March 24, 2026, the Central Kansas Community Foundation welcomed staff, host foundation leaders, and affiliate board members to its Annual Summit, bringing together nearly 50 participants for a day focused on shared learning, alignment, and strengthening our collective impact. The Summit provided space to reflect on where we’ve been, sharpen our understanding of how we work, and look ahead to how we continue serving our communities together.

Heather Porter, CKCF Board Chair, opened the day with a welcome and overview that grounded participants in the purpose of the Summit: unity across our network, clarity in how we communicate our work, and confidence in the community foundation model we collectively steward.

Building on that foundation, Angie Tatro, CEO, led a “Story Board / History” table talk that invited participants to reflect on their foundations origin and key milestones. Through shared conversation and visual storytelling, attendees explored how their history forms their present-day work. Throughout the day, spotlight presentations highlighted the unique work of individual communities, beginning with Hillsboro, followed later by Augusta and WCFHC.

To ensure clarity and consistency across the network, Becky Nickel, Affiliate Coordinator, facilitated a session on terminology and questions raised throughout the year. This discussion helped surface common questions, clarify language, and reinforce shared understanding which is an essential step in ensuring our network communicates effectively and consistently with donors, partners, and community members.

Keegan LeFevere, CKCF Vice Chair, introduced the Unity Framework, reinforcing the importance of alignment, collaboration, and shared vision across the CKCF network. This session emphasized how unity strengthens not only internal operations, but the credibility and trust we build within our communities.

A session on “Your Path to Service,” led by Chad Hughbanks, Director, encouraged participants to reflect on leadership, participation, and the many ways individuals contribute to the strength of their local foundation and the broader network. A brief survey was asked to be completed and Chad is compiling this valuable information.

The key focus of the Summit was deepening understanding of the community foundation business model.

Kelly Groening, CKCF Finance Chair, led multiple sessions that walked participants through both the Community Foundation Business Model and the CKCF-specific model. These discussions helped demystify financial structures, stewardship responsibilities, and sustainability—connecting mission-driven work with sound operational practices.

During a working lunch, attendees toured the Foundation Story Board Gallery, providing additional opportunities for conversation, reflection, and peer connection.

The afternoon turned toward the future with a comprehensive look at the Community Impact Roadmap, led by Angie Tatro. Topics included leadership, strategic planning, resources, and capacity—key elements that support long-term effectiveness and responsiveness to community needs.

Chad Hughbanks followed with a session on Measuring Our Success, highlighting the importance of benchmark monitoring and data-informed decision-making to ensure accountability and continuous improvement across the network.

Chair Heather Porter concluded the Summit with closing remarks that emphasized gratitude, momentum, and optimism for the work ahead. The Annual Summit once again demonstrated the power of bringing people together—across roles and communities—to learn, align, and strengthen our shared mission.

Together, we continue building stronger communities through charitable giving.

Text Li