McPherson County Community Foundation funds local upgrades with 'Dream' grants
Awards will replace weather-damaged blessing boxes in Canton and Galva and bring outdoor movies to downtown McPherson
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Residents in three central Kansas cities will soon see new public amenities — from upgraded outdoor food pantries to downtown movie nights — thanks to $7,500 in recent community grants.
The McPherson County Community Foundation awarded $2,500 "Dream" grants to local organizations in Canton, Galva and McPherson as part of the organization's 25th anniversary, targeting visible, high-impact neighborhood projects.
In Canton and Galva, local site councils will use their respective $2,500 awards to replace hand-built "blessing boxes" that have sustained frequent wind and weather damage. The new permanent structures will require less maintenance, and remaining funds will help volunteers keep the boxes reliably stocked with nonperishable food and basic care items for neighbors in need.
McPherson Main Street received the $2,500 grant designated for the city of McPherson. The organization will use the money to purchase audiovisual equipment to host outdoor movie nights on the local plaza. Main Street officials said the events aim to create free, family-friendly entertainment that brings residents together and encourages people to spend time in the downtown commercial district.
The foundation distributed the funds during a series of community events last week, where staff connected with residents and shared the organization's philanthropic impact. The foundation will conclude its 25th anniversary tour with a final celebration and grant presentation in Moundridge on Tuesday. A specific date was not immediately available.
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