ABILENE, Kan., October 26, 2026 — The Community Foundation of Dickinson County awarded $175,425.36 to support thirty-five projects throughout Dickinson County, following a competitive grant cycle. Grant recipients gathered at the Foundation's office on Friday, October 23, for Grant Check Pickup Day, an opportunity to celebrate their awards, connect with fellow community leaders, and learn about resources available to help their projects succeed.

Elizabeth Weese, Executive Director, opened the celebration with warm congratulations to recipients, thanking them for the extensive work they are doing, which revealed over a million dollars in projects from organizations working to strengthen local communities. The response reflects both the needs that exist throughout Dickinson County and the dedication of individuals and organizations developing solutions, improving services, and creating opportunities for their neighbors.

Weese also announced the newly promoted Jen Parks as Director of Grants and Scholarships, who held a great responsibility in the Foundation’s redesigned competitive grant program featuring four categories intended to better address local needs, encourage collaboration, and support projects with lasting community impact. The September application cycle marked a major step in putting that new structure into action. “Our vision and hope were to diversify our grants and shine a spotlight on our seniors. We also wanted to make the grant application process more thought-provoking. We want to see you succeed,” said Parks.

The Foundation received forty-seven applications requesting support, demonstrating the significant investment local organizations are prepared to make in the future of Dickinson County.

While available funding could support only a portion of the total requests, the response underscores the importance of the Foundation’s role in connecting charitable resources with meaningful community projects.

Funding was awarded across all four grant categories:

• Community Support Grants: $126,925.36 supporting twenty-eight projects
• Senior Services Grants: $28,500 supporting five projects
• Strategic Impact Grants: $15,000 supporting one project
• Innovation and Pilot Grants: $5,000 supporting one project

The funded projects represent a wide range of community priorities, including food assistance, childcare, education, community improvements, family support, and services for older adults.

The gathering also emphasized the importance of sharing the stories behind each grant. Haley Jones, Director of Operations and Strategy, the newest member of the team at the Foundation, began this section by stating that one of the most rewarding experiences since her start has been to sit through the three days of grant panel interviews: “It was amazing to hear the passion behind each of your projects during the grant panels!” By documenting project progress, celebrating accomplishments and communicating the difference their work makes, recipient organizations help build awareness of community needs and inspire continued charitable support. Jones emphasized, “Your story is our story, and we want to help you share it!”

Jones also introduced the Foundation's upcoming Giving Catalog, a new initiative launching in conjunction with Giving Tuesday on December 1. The catalog will highlight charitable funds held at the Foundation, along with community projects identified during the recent grant cycle that could benefit from additional support. Designed to connect the Foundation’s donors with meaningful giving opportunities while also connecting potential new donors who find joy in giving and making a difference in their own communities.

The significant response to this year's grant cycle reinforces the value of a strong community foundation. Through partnerships with donors, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders, the Foundation helps transform local generosity into meaningful investments while identifying opportunities for continued growth and collaboration.

“Every application represents people who see a need and are willing to do something about it. Every grant awarded represents a community investing in that commitment. We have the privilege of working with donors, and we have generous donors who believe in the impact you make possible. Thank you for making Dickinson County a better place to live,” exclaimed Weese!

About the Community Foundation of Dickinson County

The Community Foundation of Dickinson County connects donors with charitable causes, supports nonprofit organizations, and provides leadership to strengthen communities throughout Dickinson County. Through grants, scholarships, donor-advised funds, endowed funds, and community partnerships, the Foundation helps create lasting local impact.