McPherson County Community Foundation

McPherson County Community Foundation The McPherson County Community Foundation exists to improve the quality of the residents in McPherson County now and forever.

We do this through gifts to and through the foundation. About MCCF
In 2001, the McPherson County Community Foundation was established to build charitable endowments and serve donors. We strive to help donors create funds that reflect their charitable goals. Through long-term investment of capital given by individuals, organizations, and corporations, MCCF makes grants to enhance the quality of lif

e in the community. Grants may benefit youth, education, arts and culture, human services, health care, or other charitable purposes as designated by donors. The McPherson County Community Foundation offers you a way to leave a remembrance of your life, your values, and your family.. People give through, not to, the community foundation. We honor the donor’s wishes to ensure gifts we receive endure for generations to come. When giving to the community foundation, a donor enjoys:

Permanence
Grants are made only from the fund income keeping the gifts to the Foundation permanent. By maintaining the principal value of each fund, annual earnings can support community programs throughout the year. Flexibility
You can establish a named fund or remain anonymous, choose general charitable purposes or very specific one, your gift may be modest or large, and you may choose the frequency of distribution. The Foundation also accepts a variety of assets beyond cash contributions. Pooled Resources
By pooling contributions, management costs are lower than if you were to purchase these services individually. This means more of your money is used for charitable purposes. Professional Management
Our staff relieves you of the administrative and legal responsibilities normally associated with private foundations and general philanthropy. Knowledge of the community
The Foundation remains current on issues facing our every changing community. We understand the opportunities and needs in McPherson County so that grants will be targeted where they will do the most good. The McPherson County Community Foundation is required by IRS regulations to submit Form 990 reflecting all contributions, grants, investments and operating expenses related to the organization. Copies of Form 990 and to the extent the organization may need to file Form 990-T will be available upon request. Copies of the independent, financial audit of the McPherson County Community Foundation will also be made available upon request. Grant guidelines, gift acceptance policies, and investment policies have been established by the MCCF Board of Directors as guidance for basic operations. Copies of each policy or guidelines are also available upon request.

One of the strengths of a community foundation is its ability to support many different types of organizations and commu...
06/05/2026

One of the strengths of a community foundation is its ability to support many different types of organizations and community needs. Through donor gifts, grant funding, and organization-managed funds, the McPherson County Community Foundation has helped local groups make a lasting impact across McPherson County for the past 25 years.

As part of our “Foundation Funds” series, we are taking a closer look at the organizations and projects supported through the Foundation’s work throughout the county.

Today, we are highlighting parks and recreation projects and programs that help create spaces where residents can gather, connect, and stay active. Especially during the summer months, playgrounds, ballparks, parks, and recreational programs give children and families opportunities to play, learn, and grow together.

Through funds managed by MCCF, parks and recreation projects across McPherson County have received more than $440,000 in funding. The Foundation is proud to continue supporting organizations that provide valuable programs and vibrant community spaces throughout the county.

Notable Community Projects
Canton
Playground Equipment Acquisition
Grant funding helped purchase new playground equipment, expanding recreation opportunities for children in the Canton community.

Galva
Park Henry Playground Update
Park Henry’s aging wooden playground had experienced years of wear and deterioration. Grant funding helped support replacement and updates to improve the safety and usability of the playground for local families.

Inman
Fishing Derby Pond Stocking
Each year, the pond at Inman Park is stocked with a variety of fish ahead of the community fishing derby. For many local children, the event provides their first opportunity to catch a fish and enjoy the outdoors with family and friends.

Lindsborg
Troy Miller “Field of Dreams”
In 2024, the City of Lindsborg celebrated the opening of the Troy Miller “Field of Dreams.” A grant from the David J. Nutt Fund helped fund dugouts and fencing for the field, allowing it to host local baseball games and community events.

Marquette
Main Thoroughfare Beautification
Grant funding supported beautification and cleanup efforts along Marquette’s main street, including improvements to the community’s centrally located park and surrounding public spaces.

McPherson
Parade of Lights and Pond Stocking
The McPherson Parks and Recreation Department has long utilized endowed and expendable funds held at the Foundation to support park improvements and beautification projects. Notable projects include the community’s Parade of Lights and stocking fish in city park ponds.

Moundridge
Skating Programs and Disc Golf Signage
Funding from the Moundridge Community Foundation has helped provide skating opportunities for local residents. In 2025, additional grant funding supported the replacement of disc golf course markers and signage.

Windom
Park Bathroom Beautification
The Windom community used grant funding to repair and improve the local park restroom facility, one of the few publicly accessible restrooms available in the community.

06/03/2026

What legacy will you leave?

At the McPherson County Community Foundation, we help donors create lasting gifts that support the people, places, and causes they care about most.

Robert and Rosetta Bartels spent their lives investing in the Inman community.

Through their estate plans, they made a final gift to support local organizations, including the Inman Library and Museum, ensuring those institutions continue serving future generations.

A legacy gift is more than a donation. It's a way to strengthen your community and create an impact that lasts long after you're gone.

If you've ever thought about including a charitable gift in your will or estate plan, we'd love to help you explore your options.

Estate and Legacy Giving: https://www.mcphersonfoundation.org/estate-and-legacy-giving/

We have reopened applications for potential loans through our Impact Investing Program. Launched in 2022, the program wa...
06/02/2026

We have reopened applications for potential loans through our Impact Investing Program. Launched in 2022, the program was designed to align the Foundation’s commitment to the future of McPherson County with its investment portfolio.

Because the funding is structured as a loan, it is not limited to nonprofit organizations. Community members, entrepreneurs, and businesses are also eligible to apply. The primary requirement is that the loan be used to address a community need.

The Foundation anticipates funding up to three projects, with loan amounts up to $10,000 each. These Impact Investing loans will be offered at interest rates competitive with traditional lenders.

In past years the Foundation utilized Impact Investing funds to help launch new programs and businesses in the county. MCCF has previously provided loans to help acquire and open an Oxford House in McPherson and to support the startup of Carrie Brock Clinical Therapy Services.

Applications for Impact Investing loans are available upon request. Those interested can contact McPherson County Community Foundation CEO Michelle Huddle at [email protected] or 620-245-9070 for more information.

What is Impact Investing?

Impact Investing focuses on supporting local development opportunities throughout McPherson County. The Foundation has set aside funds that are distributed as loans rather than grants. These loans are repaid with interest over time, allowing the program to continue growing and supporting future projects by operating as a revolving resource. As loans are repaid, those funds will be reinvested into new organizations, businesses, and community initiatives.

The goal is to create investments that generate both financial and social returns. Every dollar invested through the program is intended to create meaningful impact within McPherson County communities. The Foundation anticipates a financial return of 3-5% to the McPherson County Impact Investment Change Makers Fund.

How will the Foundation make decisions on investments?

Because these loans are considered long-term investments, MCCF uses an extensive review process for applicants. The Foundation’s Impact Investment Committee reviews and scores applications based on county impact, level of risk, and alignment with the Foundation’s vision and priorities.

Why is this a focus of the Foundation now?

MCCF has an ongoing commitment to improve the quality of life in McPherson County and is continually exploring new ways to make a meaningful impact.

Impact investing has gained momentum among community foundations across the country and has been a recurring topic at recent Kansas Association of Community Foundations conferences.

Foundation staff have completed extensive training on impact investing and, through ongoing work in the community, have identified several opportunities where this type of funding could make a difference.

Traditional lending markets can sometimes make it difficult for nonprofit organizations to access affordable financing. While MCCF may not lend as frequently as private financial institutions, the Foundation aims to provide rates and terms that local organizations can realistically sustain.

We are excited to announce the addition of a new reverse scholarship to the McPherson County Professional Recruitment (C...
05/28/2026

We are excited to announce the addition of a new reverse scholarship to the McPherson County Professional Recruitment (CPR) program.

The new tiered scholarship is designed to support individuals who plan to move, or have recently moved, to McPherson County for employment. Funding may be used to help repay student loans or cover cost associate with relocation.

Recipients may receive up to $5,250 over a three-year period, beginning with an initial $1,000 award. Participants may then reapply for a second-year payment of $1,750 and a third-year payment of $2,500. Recipients must verify each year that they are still living and working in McPherson County to remain eligible for continued funding.

Eligibility is based on both employment and residency within McPherson County. Applicants must either be relocating to the county for employment or be a recent college graduate, graduating in May of the current year, who is accepting their first job in McPherson County.

The Foundation expects to fund two applicants in 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by a committee of Foundation board representatives until both awards have been distributed, at which point funding for 2026 will close.

Applications for the McPherson County CPR reverse scholarship can be found here: https://www.mcphersonfoundation.org/mcpherson-county-cpr/

“It is our expectation that this funding will play a role in the retention and recruitment of talent in McPherson County,” said MCCF CEO Michelle Huddle. “As student loan debt becomes one of the biggest financial burdens for young professionals, programs like McPherson County CPR can help make career opportunities here more attractive.”

The Foundation also recently established the Kansas American Tooling Reverse Scholarship, which is aimed at attracting trade and service professionals to McPherson County. That scholarship provides reimbursements for equipment purchases and training costs related to employment.

About McPherson County CPR:

McPherson County CPR was established by the McPherson County Community Foundation in 2025 with the mission of supporting local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government entities through reverse scholarships and workforce recruitment initiatives.

Unlike traditional scholarships, reverse scholarships provide funding after graduation or employment. These programs are commonly used as workforce recruitment and retention tools, helping communities attract and retain skilled professionals by easing the financial burden of student loans and career-related expenses.

“It is our goal to help these individuals and their families put down roots in McPherson County.” Huddle said.

05/27/2026

We are proud to announce our 2026 scholarship recipients. This year, more than $50,000 in financial aid was awarded to high school seniors and adult learners from across the county, distributed through 33 scholarship funds. (Photos in Comments)

Congratulations to all of our award winners! We also would like to extend a huge thank you to the fund holders and application reviewers that make this all possible.

05/21/2026

The McPherson County Community Foundation announced the establishment of the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) Program in McPherson County. The program, created through the CAPS Network’s Rural Initiative Cohort, is a partnership with all McPherson County public high schools, aiming to expand educational opportunities for students.

CAPS programs are nationally recognized, innovative high school programs where students gain early exposure to their future careers. Participants are immersed in a professional culture, solve real-world problems, use industry-standard tools and are mentored by employers while earning high school and college credit.

The program’s establishment follows a visit by the foundation and a McPherson County delegation to Blue Valley CAPS. The program’s founding district facilities host programs introducing students to healthcare, science, business, law and technology professions.

Through the CAPS Network’s Rural Initiative, schools receive guidance and flexibility to build programs that fit the interests of both students and the workforce needs of the community.

“McPherson County has a pretty unique atmosphere when it comes to the availability of jobs in specific industries,” said Jim Ostlund, MCCF director of development. “With this initiative, schools will have the opportunity to build programs around what students want to accomplish while also introducing them to a variety of industry partners across our county.”

“Bringing this program to McPherson County is exciting because it creates opportunities for students to connect learning with the real world and discover pathways that match their passions, strengths and future goals,” said Brandi Martinez-McWilliams, McPherson School District director of curriculum and instruction and a CAPS steering team member.

All five public high schools in McPherson County have signed a memorandum of understanding that will allow the county to join the CAPS Network’s Rural Initiative at the start of the next school year. Each school district will be represented on the McPherson County CAPS steering team, with additional support from MCCF Director of Development and McPherson County Industrial Development Company Executive Director Kasi Morales.

McPherson County CAPS Steering Team

Jim Ostlund, MCCF director of development
Kasi Morales, MIDC and Go McPherson County executive director
Tessa Spencer, Canton-Galva High School business teacher
Holly Binns, Smoky Valley curriculum director
Hilarie Hecox, Moundridge High School principal
Tyler Schroeder, Inman High School principal
Brandi Martinez-McWilliams, McPherson School District director of curriculum and instruction

This team will guide the program through its two-year exploratory phase and support collaboration between school districts. The group will also serve as the connection between the McPherson County CAPS program and the county’s business, community and industrial partners.

“We are very excited for our students in Canton-Galva to have the opportunity to gain employable skills in many different areas with the CAPS program,” said Tessa Spencer, Canton-Galva High School business teacher and steering team member. “Our students need more classes and opportunities than are currently available in our area so they can be at the forefront of their careers.”

As part of joining the Rural Initiative, McPherson County CAPS receives a $30,000 grant from the Patterson Family Foundation to help cover the purchase of necessary equipment. This grant will be equally divided among the county schools.

The program is also a recipient of another grant from the Patterson Family Foundation that will cover the costs associated with joining the CAPS Network Rural initiative.

Through the CAPS Network Rural Initiative, schools will gain access to the CAPS Colab, a digital platform housing profession-based curriculum resources, training materials, and collaboration tools. Program educators will also be given many professional development opportunities and a connection to the national network of innovators to share best practices.

MCCF will give leadership and support to the districts as they collaborate and work towards future goals. The foundation will also serve as the program’s fiscal sponsor, helping facilitate grant funding and connect key supporters with the McPherson County CAPS program.

“As with any initiative, McPherson County CAPS will be directly influenced by the level of support our communities provide,” Ostlund said. “We want to connect students with real, professional opportunities, and that will require robust partnerships with various industries, higher education and our network of donors.”

The CAPS Rural Cohort Program marks a significant step forward in aligning education with workforce needs in McPherson County. Community members, businesses and industry partners are encouraged to support the initiative as it launches and grows, helping students gain the skills and experiences needed to succeed close to home and beyond.

Last year, the Marquette Community Food Project received a grant to launch a new agricultural learning program for local...
05/12/2026

Last year, the Marquette Community Food Project received a grant to launch a new agricultural learning program for local youth. Community member Jennifer Krehbiel developed the idea to create a hands-on learning experience centered on raising chickens.

The $4,200 grant funded the purchase of a mobile chicken coop and 24 incubated eggs. The mobile coop allows the chickens to be moved regularly, giving them fresh space to feed and helping maintain a healthy environment.

Krehbiel’s goal is to teach children how animals are raised and how food makes its way from farms to their family’s table.

“To get kids out of the house and teach them how to do things themselves is incredibly impactful,” Krehbiel said. “Locally, there is limited opportunity for young people to learn about gardening and small-scale poultry production.”

The number of chickens needed for the program made a mobile coop the best solution.

“When I started planning these classes, I knew I’d need more than two or three hens,” Krehbiel said. “The goal is to keep about 20 chickens in the program at all times, and the coop can hold up to 40.”

The program did take some time to get started, as the hens matured just in time for winter. With warmer weather arriving and the flock now fully grown, the program is ready to begin its first session, giving an introduction of the chickens to the Marquette Childcare Center.

“I think the kids are going to be really excited to learn and to get a change to interact with these animals.” Krehbiel said.

The McPherson County Community Foundation will host the 13th annual Norene Ketcherside Art Symposium and Teachers Worksh...
05/07/2026

The McPherson County Community Foundation will host the 13th annual Norene Ketcherside Art Symposium and Teachers Workshop on July 30–31 at the McPherson Opera House.

The event is open to Kansas K–12 educators who plan to incorporate art into their teaching. Educators who attend both days will be eligible for classroom grant awards, with amounts based on overall attendance. Registration must be submitted by July 23 to qualify, and space is limited to 50 participants.

This year’s theme is High-Quality Instruction through Cross-Curricular, Concept-Based Learning. The workshop will focus on helping teachers strengthen concept-based instruction that leads to deeper learning. Participants will explore strategies for connecting ideas across subjects using an arts-integration approach, helping students understand the “why” behind what they learn. Sessions will emphasize big-picture thinking, real-world connections, and practical engagement strategies that build critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

This year’s symposium will feature four Kansas public school educators:
• Audra Kueger, 8th grade English Language Arts teacher at Eisenhower Middle School in Goddard
• Deborah Abernathy, K–5 art teacher at Irving Elementary and Country View Elementary in Winfield
• Michal Austin, CTE Graphic Design Pathway teacher at Flinthills School District
• Brandi Rohr, Computer Lab teacher at Irving Elementary in Winfield

Since launching in 2014, the symposium has grown to attract more than 40 educators each year from across the state, many of whom return annually. Attendees often say this type of free professional development is rare and provides valuable ideas they can take back to their classrooms.

Register today! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScAXGce_BktBkRoFvFSrqjnA15xaBatu5sSXHF-cgNdAksriA/viewform

Address

1233 N Main Street
McPherson, KS
67460

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+16202459070

Website

http://www.mcphersonfoundation.org/

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