Community

Western Kansas Community Foundation

“Enriching Western Kansas life through philanthropy, collaboration and leadership”

About Western Kansas Community Foundation

The Western Kansas Community Foundation (WKCF) began in 1996 and has been working ever since to connect great programs and charities with donors who care. The Foundation is governed and administered by a volunteer board of directors and is designed to accommodate donor wishes, special concerns and interests. The board is responsible for oversight of the Foundation and that a reasonable rate of return is achieved on all funds entrusted to its care.

Accepting Feedback until May 31, 2025

Granting Process and Tools

Get Involved In The Community

Our Major Goals And Accomplishments

The Western Kansas Community Foundation aims to support local nonprofits, address community needs through various grant programs, and empower local leaders through initiatives like “Our Community, Our Future”.

Why We Joined The Program

The Western Kansas Community Foundation (WKCF) joined the Community Benchmarking program to better understand the priorities, needs, and vision of residents in four southwest Kansas communities. Recognizing that traditional grantmaking alone doesn’t always capture the full picture of community challenges and opportunities, WKCF launched the “Our Community, Our Future” initiative in 2024. This multi-year program serves as a more inclusive and collaborative approach to community development, that empowers residents to help shape how resources are directed for their community, and fosters partnerships aimed at creating lasting, locally driven solutions to community needs.

Major Goals

  • Provide sustainability to area nonprofits
  • Address community needs
  • Empower local leaders
  • Share And Celebrate
  • Promote endowment for Western Kansas causes
  • Build the capacity of nonprofits

Accomplishments

  • New nonprofits established
  • Increased grant applications from partner communities
  • Collective Learning and development
  • Grant writing education opportunities

Our Areas

This region is characterized by a strong agricultural base, particularly the beef industry, which contributes to its incredible diversity in terms of ethnicity and culture. The WKCF works to serve the diverse needs within this area, whether in the field of education, arts and humanities, health, or others.

Interactive Data Platform

This interactive dashboard provides a clear, visual summary of key survey insights and website visitor data. Users can explore community perceptions, economic conditions, and investment trends through easy-to-read charts and graphs. The dashboard makes complex data accessible, helping residents, business owners, and leaders understand strengths, challenges, and future opportunities. Dive in to see how your community is doing and where it’s headed next!
This report includes details for all the communities for different years. Please filter the foundation you want to view.

Our Projects

Below is a sample of projects that the community has initiated based on the priorities identified in the annual survey process.
Lakin
LCEG Sidewalk Solutions

Western Kansas Community

Liberal
Transitional Housing Assistance

Western Kansas Community

Cimarron
Daycare Start Up Supplies & Equipment

Western Kansas Community

Hugoton
Pioneer Manor Bus Purchase

Western Kansas Community

Our Programs

The follow are a list of key support programs that are available in the community.

Our Local Community Members

The following individuals are helping support community and economic development in our community. Please sign up today and join the movement.

Key Metrics

Population Growth
0 %
Median Household Income
0 K
Unemployment Rate
0 %
New Business Startups
0

Survey Data Overview

Community Priorities

Manufacturing is identified as the top economic development priority, with 45% of respondents indicating it should receive more investment. This aligns with the community’s industrial heritage and available workforce skills.

75%

Economic Development
Web Designer 75%

68%

Education
Web Designer 68%

62%

Infrastructure
Web Designer 62%

54%

Healthcare
54%
Residents Participating
0 K+

Our community: Built for living. Made for memories.

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