Hutchinson Community Foundation awards $6,500 grant to support Early Education Center planning

The Hutchinson Community Foundation has awarded a $6,500 grant to the Early Education Center of Reno County to fund a strategic planning retreat aimed at strengthening early childhood programs across the region.

The grant was provided through the Fund for Reno County under the foundation's Strong Organizations program as part of the 2025 Impact Cycle 2.

The Early Education Center will use the funds to host a retreat where board members will establish short- and long-term goals for the organization's programs, with the stated aim of ensuring high-quality education for young children in Reno County.

The Early Education Center serves children from birth through preschool age through several programs, including early intervention services, an infant and toddler program for children birth to age 3, inclusive preschool at three locations for 3- and 4-year-olds, and community-based special education services in public and private preschool settings.

The organization's mission centers on promoting nurturing, age-appropriate learning environments where all children can learn and thrive.

The Hutchinson Community Foundation's Strong Organizations grant program is designed to help nonprofits build internal capacity and sustain their work over time. Foundation officials said they were pleased to support the Early Education Center's planning efforts as an investment in Reno County's future.