HUTCHINSON — Sixteen Reno County nonprofit organizations have been awarded a combined $179,319 through the Hutchinson Community Foundation’s second Fund for Reno County Impact Cycle of 2025.
With these latest awards, the foundation has distributed a total of $475,291 this year to 41 organizations addressing community needs throughout the county.
Established in 1990, the Fund for Reno County Endowment serves as a permanent, flexible resource for projects that meet evolving local priorities. Grants are awarded for innovative collaborations, efficiency improvements, critical needs, or opportunities that leverage additional community resources.
Funding for this cycle was enhanced by contributions through the foundation’s Giving Together program from donors Shirley Brandyberry, David and Patty Dick, Angel and Steve Dillon, Peg and John Stephens, and Merna B. Weeks.
Proposals are accepted twice each year, in February and August. The most recent Impact Cycle focused on Community and Economic Development and Strong Organizations initiatives.
Celebrating Community Impact
Grantees were recognized during the foundation’s UPLIFT 2025 celebration Oct. 2 at the Reno County Farmers Market Pavilion, where nearly 80 guests gathered for live music by Jim French, local food and drink, and a program honoring this year’s grant recipients.
The evening also featured the annual Gift to Dream Grant, a $2,500 award presented in honor of the Hutch CF Legacy Society, which recognizes donors who have given $10,000 or more to an endowed fund or have made planned gifts. Hutch in Harmony received this year’s grant, selected by NAMI Reno County, the previous year’s recipient.
Attendees also heard brief “Changemaker Chats” spotlighting community progress from Donna Davis (Food Bank of Reno County), Tina Roelfs (City of Sylvia), Lacy Stauffacher (Interfaith Housing & Community Services), and Lauren Storm (Greater Hutch).
Impact Cycle 2 Grant Recipients
Community and Economic Development – $147,027
Projects aimed at strengthening the community and local economy through placemaking, entrepreneurship, and improved quality of life.
Buhler Public Library – $8,000 for an interactive wall mural and new awning.
City of Hutchinson – $19,000 for murals, light pole banners, and business-led beautification projects.
City of Plevna – $1,500 to replace playground equipment destroyed by a tornado.
Food Bank of Reno County, Inc. – $27,320 to support communications and development as it expands into a new facility.
Foundation of Life Ministries – $18,906 to provide overnight and wraparound services for unhoused individuals.
Hutchinson Friends of the Zoo Inc. – $10,000 to add themed pedal boat rentals.
Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre – $28,301 for installation of a new boiler system.
Pretty Prairie Community Food Pantry Association – $25,000 toward construction of a new community space housing the pantry.
StartUp Hutch – $9,000 for workshops and coaching sessions supporting rural entrepreneurs.
Strong Organizations – $32,292
Grants focused on building the capacity, sustainability, and resilience of local nonprofits.
Cancer Council of Reno County – $7,500 for a strategic marketing initiative.
City of Sylvia – $2,580 for lightweight tables and chairs for community use.
Clothed in Compassion – $6,993 for supplies supporting a 10-week summer cooking course for middle school students.
Early Education Center, Inc. – $6,500 for a strategic planning retreat.
Kansas Food Bank Warehouse, Inc. – $5,000 to provide weekend food packs for food-insecure students.
Love Hutch Daily – $2,719 toward a 15-passenger van for student transportation.
Trinity United Methodist Church – $1,000 for materials to expand Circles Reno County outreach.
Since 1989, the Hutchinson Community Foundation has granted more than $104 million to local organizations in pursuit of its mission to inspire philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration that strengthen Reno County.