Pictured L to R: Angie Tatro (CKCF), Jessie Kaye (Prairie View), Brenda Sooter (CKCF)

Central Kansas Community Foundation (CKCF) is pleased to announce the 2018 Central Kansas Community Foundation Kids FUNd grantees which are funded from proceeds from the L. Marie Haun Charitable Fund for Children.

Since 2005 the Kids FUNd has been supporting local projects and programs serving kids. Originally this fund was supported by the Sand Creek Station Pro/Am Golf Tournament. After 2012 the Pro/Am completed their support of the fund and the Haun Charitable Fund was started as a means of continuing the provision of making grants to kid serving charities. The L. Marie Haun Charitable Fund for Children has awarded over $227,000 since 2013 to organizations who have interest in children’s behavioral research, child welfare, teaching parent skills, and/or strengthening families.

This year $30,500 was given to 11 organizations that are providing programs and projects that are supporting area children and families. Here is the list of the organizations who received funding this year and are doing amazing work within our local communities:

• Kansas Children’s Service League- “Period of PURPLE Crying Shaken Baby/Abusive Head”
• Harvey County DV/SA Task Force, Inc.- “Building Better Lives for Children and Youth”
• Prairie View, Inc. – “Mental Health Awareness, Intervention & Prevention Presentations & Consultation”
• Sunlight Children’s Advocacy and Rights Foundation – “Sunshine Children’s Home”
• Rainbows United, Inc. – “Strengthening Parenting of Children with Special Needs
• Mirror Inc. – Youth as Resources”
• Offender Victim Ministries – “Caring Dads Curriculum Development”
• Special Families – “Lending Library Parenting Project”
• Wichita Fellowship Club, Inc. – “101 Club Fundays for Kids”
• Partners In Education Foundation, Inc. – “Please Pay Attention”
• Communities in Schools – “CIS of Mid-America Program at El Dorado Middle School”

“I know that Marie would be very satisfied with the selection of the projects that are supported this year for area children,” stated Wynona Haun, Newton, sister in law to the late L. Marie Haun.  Wynona has served on the grants review committee the past 5 years and enjoys reviewing the applications each year.  “This year there was a total of 34 applications asking for  $133,000.00 in support.  There is so much need in our local communities for our children, it is hard to determine what projects/programs to support because they are all worthy causes to support.”

Central Kansas Community Foundation hosted an award ceremony on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at  Norm’s Coffee Bar, Newton.

 

The Valley Center Community Foundation (VCCF) and affiliate of Central Kansas Community Foundation (CKCF) could not be more proud than to be a part of the community dream for building a new community center that includes an updated Library.

The VCCF established a Fund for the Friends of the Valley Center Library to hold contributions for this project, beginning in 2014. “The opportunity to hold funds for a cooperative community project like this is a wonderful example of how larger projects can be achieved when a public, private partnership is established”, said Angie Tatro, CKCF Executive Director.

Today VCCF is publicly presenting the Friends of the Valley Center Library with a distribution of over $500,000 for this project. The Foundation was a great partner in this project as their array of giving services for donors wishing to invest in this project allowed not only cash gifts but also gifts of stock and IRA rollovers. Donors that might not have given, gave in a variety of ways. The foundation gives tremendous credit to the generosity of the Valley Center community. Gifts small and large made this project happen.

Janice Sharp, Director, of the Valley Center Library went on to share, “Our association with the Foundation enabled the Friends to concentrate on fundraising rather than on the placement of our funds for maximum growth.  Our Friends also benefited from a grant awarded from Menocause: Ignite Valley Center.” The future looks bright as the library is “The Place to Discover, Connect and Escape,”

The Community Center and Library are great examples of building stronger communities. Yet there is always more to do for our community. The Foundation is poised to assist not only with special projects like the library but also provides service in setting up and managing Donor Advised Funds, Scholarship Funds, Agency Funds and others charitable vehicles that benefit your community. Local Board Members include Spike Anderson, Chair; Tom Bartel; Mike Bonner; Howard Botts; Jerry Hawkins, Jodi Kirkland, Mike Porter; Trisha Schmidt; Katrina Rubenich, Secretary; and Anita Tideman.

If you want to get involved or inquire about ways to give or receive, contact Angie Tatro at 316-283-5474 or for general information about the new Library, contact Janice Sharp, Director, at 316-755-7350.

Everyone is invited to join us for our annual appreciation event – the 2018 CKCF “Dessert First” Open House! We will feature Community Better’mint’ ice cream from the Salted Creamery, showcase the very good works of our affiliate organizations and honor the Frank and Geneva Spangler Charity Award recipient.

RSVP TODAY!

Hillsboro Community Foundation (HCF) is hiring a quarter-time director.

Primary Responsibilities
Raising funds for HCF endowment, managing grant opportunities, building relationships with grantees, engaging with HCF board of directors and Hillsboro community, and work as the liaison between HCF and Central Kansas Community Foundation.

Applicant must be a self-starter with communication skills and proficiency in computers.

Contact
Please contact Bill Hake at bill@centralkansascf.org or call Central Kansas Community Foundation at (316) 283-5474.

Early in 2017 Central Kansas Community Foundation (CKCF) received an opportunity to join a cohort group (PPREP) of Midwestern community foundations. The cohort group is formally led by the Funders’ Network through a grant from the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation. Funders’ Network provides both financial and technical support to the group.

The purpose of the Philanthropic Preparedness, Resiliency and Emergency Partnership (PPREP) is to create and support a community foundation disaster preparedness and response learning cohort in a ten state Midwestern region of the United States, roughly correlating with the watershed of the Missouri River.

By the conclusion of the cohort program, the goal is that more community foundations in the ten state service area will have the knowledge, skills, tools and capacity to improve how their communities prepare for and respond to natural disasters and strengthen overall community resilience. The partnership also brings together a region of leaders that can call upon one another in times of a disaster.

Since entering the PPREP cohort, representatives from CKCF have attended four meetings with other community foundation leaders in four different host communities:  Lincoln NE, St. Louis MO, Dubuque MI and Springfield, MO.  During these 2.5 day convenings, group members engage with the host community by learning about various community features, organizations or local opportunities that are working in the areas of disaster recover and resiliency building.  Additionally, professionals working in the field share with the group on topics specific to low-attention disasters, mission related investing, gift management and buyouts.

Directly tied to the work in the PPREP cohort, Central Kansas Community Foundation held a Winter Summit, February 3, 2018, BE READY; BE RESILIENT, for the CKCF affiliate leadership members during which Susan Lamb, PPREP Grant Facilitator, gave an overview of the impact a disaster, natural or manmade, could have on a community and the role of community foundations in responding after a disaster.

Depending on the magnitude of the incident, a community foundation could potentially be significantly impacted by an influx of charitable funding. Each CKCF affiliate is now more prepared for informed and timely response after an incident.  Community Response Fund Agreements have been established for half of the affiliates and the others are finalizing their document as this will allow immediate activation following a local incident. If this topic is of interest to you there will be additional conversations and training opportunities at the Kansas Association of Community Foundations conference coming up October 14, 15 and 16^th in Wichita, KS. Contact Susan Lamb at susan@centralkansascf.org .

(Pictured: GCF Board members flank Rachel and Duane Goossen (middle) at the April 21 recognition dinner. Pictured are (from left) Dwight Flaming, John Fast, Peggy Jay, Rachel Goossen, Duane Goossen, Elaine Unruh, Myron Schmidt, James Voth and Carol Duerksen. The goal of the board is to raise an additional $75,000 by Dec. 31, 2020.)

The Goessel Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Central Kansas Community Foundation, awarded five grants April 21 at a recognition dinner hosted by the foundation board.

The five grants were:

$1,000 for Bethesda Home, $950 from the Goessel Senior Endowment and $50 from the Impact Fund to supplement expenses for the Friendship Meal Program.

$500 for Families and Communities Together (FACT) from the Impact Fund for literacy kits and supplies for children age birth through 5 years who attended Goessel Elementary School Sensational Senses community event.

$500 for Marion County Fire District No. 2 from the Impact Fund to supplement the cost of replacement radios.

$500 for Goessel Public Library from the Impact Fund to help fund STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) after-school activities.

$500 for the Tabor Food Pantry from the Impact Fund for purchasing supplies and Keith’s Foods cards needed by the pantry.

$420 for Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center from the Impact Fund for two anatomic dolls for their work with victims of child abuse.

Duane Goossen, former 74th District representative of Kansas, now living in Topeka and working for Kansas Center for Economic Growth, was the featured speaker. He shared values learned in his early years growing up in Goessel that have shaped his career.

Dwight M. Flaming, with assistance of board members, highlighted the three-year capital campaign, “Giving Back to Goessel” demonstrating various ways of giving to the Impact Fund. The goal of the Foundation is to raise an additional $75,000 by Dec. 31, 2020.

The Goessel Impact Fund is an unrestricted grant-making fund that allows GCF to grant to a variety of needs and causes.

Each of our affiliate organizations has an unrestricted grantmaking fund in their communities. If you are interested in making an impact in your community, seek out your community foundation and make a charitable contribution!

Central Kansas Community Foundation is closing the Newton Area Health Grant on Thursday, April 26, 2018. This grant is funded with proceeds from the Kansas Health Foundation Fund-Newton and is to underwrite solutions to local health issues, and for the protection and promotion of the health and well-being of individuals and their communities through the encouragement of healthy lifestyles, behaviors, and environments. This grant is specifically for projects and programs that support the Newton, KS residence.

Qualified applicants must possess a 501(c)(3) status under the Internal Revenue Service code, be exempt under statute (i.e. educational institution, church, a city or county), or be formally linked to an organization with such designation.

FUNDING REQUESTS SHOULD NOT EXCEED $3,000.
THE GRANT APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 5 P.M. ON
Thursday, April 26, 2018.

All applications must be submitted online by clicking the Apply tab.

All submissions are subject to the process, procedures, and rules of Central Kansas Community Foundation.

Upon review by the Central Kansas Community Foundation Grant Selection Committee, additional information may be requested for clarification.

Recipients of funds will be selected and notified no later than May 11, 2018. Grant Award Ceremony will be held May 31, 2018 at Old Mill Plaza, Newton, KS.

If you have questions, please contact:

Brenda Sooter
Program Officer ~Grants
Central Kansas Community Foundation
301 N. Main, Suite 200 | Newton, KS 67114
O: 316-283-5474 | C: 316-288-3228
brendasooter@centralkansascf.org
www.centralkansascf.org

Central Kansas Community Foundation (CKCF) announced their 2017 charitable grant totals. The charitable funds under their management support worldwide, state and local nonprofits in central Kansas, in turning hopes into realities.

• 64 competitive grant cycle funds gave $382,984
• 21 organizations & agency funds, gave $627, 212 (with one-time distribution of $500,000)
• 76 designated funds gave $370,142
• 27 donor advised funds gave $116,738
• 50 scholarship funds gave $94,753
• Charitable gift annuities gave $17,774
• Grand total of grants given to charitable entities in 2017 = $1,609,605.45

CKCF’s mission is to Build Stronger Communities Through Charitable Giving. The projects/programs that were funded will open the future to many possibilities. Annually, more than a million dollars in community impact is provided in the following areas: Animal Welfare, Arts & Culture, Community Preservation & Revitalization, Emergency Disaster Needs, Health & Human Services, Science & Education, and other non-categorized areas, example being Operations.

Based in Newton, Kansas CKCF is a host foundation. They are a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization with a Board of Directors. Serving in 2017-18 are Carrie Herman (Chairwoman), Tim Hodge (Immediate Past Chairman), Joel Gaeddert (Vice Chairman), Jennifer Vogts (Secretary), Todd Kasitz (Treasurer), Rod Kreie (Finance Committee Chairman), NM Patton, James Regier, Brad Bartel, Marge Warta, Linda Ogden, Dr. Colin Bailey, Linda Ewert, Amy Budde, Melvin Schadler, Delores Dalke, Jason High, Ron Lang, Jon Zerger, and Rachel Swartzendruber Miller. As a host the CKCF is the overarching governing board, however their affiliate foundations have local advisory boards that promote the local needs and interests of their mission and community.

Angie Tatro, Executive Director of CKCF said, “CKCF is dedicated to helping donors make a difference to causes that matter to them.”

Tatro went on to say that donors can be individuals, families or businesses.

“Donors are savvy these days, they have options for giving and we are delighted so many see the value in giving to and through the foundation to causes that are important to them.” she also shared. “Whether in life or as a bequest we are committed to managing the intent of our donors for the betterment of our Central Kansas Region.”

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Brenda Sooter, CKCF Program Officer – Grants, sees firsthand the impact grants can have in meeting local needs.

“The rural communities served by CKCF and the affiliates are seeing the impact from grants made back into the community,” commented Sooter. “They are helping feed the hungry, educate our youth, offer recreation for health improvements, socialize our elders and so much more.”

For example, in 2017, Community Playschool, North Newton was funded for a “Healthy Eating: Fresh Whole Foods” project. With the funding Community Playschool could serve their children a variety of healthy fresh foods for their daily snack.

“Children love the fruit and vegetable snacks we serve, sometimes we have a hard time keeping enough around, the children choose fruit instead of crackers during snack time,” stated Director Jeanette Leary.

A grant was given to Main Street Ministries in Hillsboro to fund their “Food Bank” project. Director Mary Steketee was assisting a young woman and her baby who were new to the Hillsboro community, hoping to help her meet her food needs. As Mary assisted her, the young mother was thanking the staff for being willing to help when no one else could.

Stekette shared, “We get compliments all the time for great service, quality foods, and being so welcoming and non-judgmental.”

Another notable example of community impact can be found in the City of Peabody. Prior to 2017 funding, the Peabody swimming pool only had a picnic table for seating.  With the grant, 14 Adirondack chairs and nine chaise lounges were purchased, allowing a more comfortable and better place for children and families to relax.

Stories like these and so many more are what the foundation work is all about. Growing now to more than $22M in assets the Central Kansas Community Foundation has a mark in working with donors and charities on its future.

“Our growth can be viewed as a beam of light, casting a view for a bright future for generations to come,” said Tatro.

Community affiliates, currently hosted by CKCF with back office support and infrastructure as a nationally accredited community foundation, include; Augusta Community Foundation, Central Kansas Community Foundation -Butler,  Douglass Community Foundation, El Dorado Community Foundation, Elk County Community Foundation,  Florence Community Foundation, Fredonia Community Foundation,  Goessel Community Foundation, Halstead Community Foundation,  Hesston Community Foundation, Hillsboro Community Foundation,  Newton Community Foundation, North Newton Community Foundation, Peabody Community Foundation, Remington Area Community Foundation, and Valley Center Community Foundation.  CKCF is also host to non-community affiliate foundations: Franklin D. & Beverly J. Gaines Foundation, Second Century Library Foundation – Newton, Trinity Heights United Methodist Church Foundation, Walton Rural Life Center Charter School Foundation and the Women’s Community Foundation.

If you want to get involved or inquire about ways to give or receive, contact CKCF at 316-283-5474.

ABOUT CENTRAL KANSAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Central Kansas Community Foundation mission is “Building Stronger Communities Through Charitable Giving.” Founded in 1995 Central Kansas Community Foundation based in Newton, Kansas is an intermediary between donors and charities, the community foundation helps donors establish funds that financially support meaningful, charitable programs and services in their community. Central Kansas Community Foundation also host numerous affiliate community foundations throughout Central Kansas.  www.centralkansascf.org

As the tax filing season moves into high gear, tax scammers continue to develop new strategies.

In IR-2018-27, the Service explained the latest tax scam. Because it is difficult for IRS software to discover scams using actual taxpayer data, the tax scammers have developed a new concept.

The tax scammer starts by acquiring your normal tax return information — your name, Social Security Number, typical deductions, filing status and bank account numbers. In some cases, the tax scammer steals this information by hacking into your tax preparer’s computer network.

After stealing your information, the scammer files the return and claims a large refund. That refund is sent directly to your bank account.

To have a successful scam, the thief must then implement a creative plan to persuade you to send the refund to him or her. There are two basic ways the scammer will try to convince you to send him or her your refund.

First, the scammer contacts you and claims to be an IRS representative tasked to recover erroneous refunds. He or she demands that you send the money to his or her “refund recovery” account.

A second strategy is to use an automated phone call to threaten you with immediate arrest for criminal fraud because you received an improper refund. If you call the scammer’s number, he or she directs you to deposit the improper refund amount in a “recovery” account.

The IRS has specific procedures to follow if you receive a phony refund. You can contact your bank Automated Clearing House (ACH) and have the amount returned to the IRS.

If you have an amount returned to the IRS, you should call the Service at 800-829-1040 (Individual Returns) or 800-829-4933 (Business Returns). In your call, you will need to explain why the refund amount is being returned.

Published February 16, 2018