Community Foundation awards $179K in grants to 16 nonprofits

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community Foundation awarded $179,319 in grants to 16 nonprofit organizations during its second funding cycle of the year, the foundation announced Wednesday.

The grants bring the 2025 total from the Fund for Reno County to $475,291 distributed among 41 agencies serving the county.

The foundation celebrated all 2025 Fund for Reno County grants Oct. 2 during its UPLIFT 2025 event at the Reno County Farmers Market Pavilion. Nearly 80 guests attended the program, which featured local musician Jim French and recognized grant recipients.

Funding for the second cycle was supplemented by contributions from donor advisors Shirley Brandyberry, David and Patty Dick, Angel and Steve Dillon, Peg and John Stephens, and Merna B. Weeks through the foundation's Giving Together program.

The foundation accepted proposals during two annual cycles in February and August. Second-cycle grants targeted projects in community and economic development and organizational strength.

Community and economic development grants totaled $147,027. Recipients included the Food Bank of Reno County, which received $27,320 for communications and development as it expands to a new facility, and Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre, which received $28,301 for a new boiler installation.

The City of Hutchinson received $19,000 to foster community pride through murals, light pole banners and business-led projects. Pretty Prairie Community Food Pantry Association received $25,000 for construction of a community space to house the food pantry.

Other community development grants went to Buhler Public Library, the City of Plevna, Foundation of Life Ministries, Hutchinson Friends of the Zoo Inc. and StartUp Hutch.

Strong organization grants totaled $32,292. Recipients included the Cancer Council of Reno County, which received $7,500 for a strategic marketing project, and Clothed in Compassion, which received $6,993 for Kitchen Hero Academy, a 10-week summer cooking course for middle school students.

The foundation also awarded its $2,500 Gift to Dream Grant to Hutch in Harmony. The grant honors the foundation's Legacy Society, made up of donors who have contributed $10,000 or more to an endowed fund or made end-of-life financial commitments. NAMI Reno County, the 2024 recipient, selected this year's winner.

The Fund for Reno County Endowment was established in 1990 as a permanent resource for changing county needs. Since 1989, the foundation has awarded more than $104 million to organizations.