Hutchinson Community Foundation awards $20K in grants

07 Jun Hutchinson Community Foundation awards $20K in grants

Hutchinson Community Foundation awarded Fund for Reno County grants totaling $20,048 to four nonprofit organizations this spring.

Established in 1990, the Fund for Reno County serves as a permanent resource for the changing needs of Reno County. Grants represent an innovative approach or collaboration, a new efficiency, a critical need that requires funding or an opportunity that needs a bit of local support to leverage resources for the community.

Proposals for the grants are accepted year-round, with awards decided in January, March, May, July, September and November.

The following organizations received grants:

City of Pretty Prairie, $3,850: This project aims to open the eyes of the younger generation to the performing arts, as the city has recognized a hunger for activities beyond sports. A traveling performing company will host a series of interactive and educational workshops that will culminate in a public performance in the summer of 2024.

Hutchinson Recreation Foundation, $12,114: Since 2023, the Hutch Refugee Project has partnered with the International Rescue Committee and numerous local churches, organizations and businesses to create an inclusive community where refugee families are not just surviving but thriving with access to the resources and opportunities they need to build stable, independent lives in Hutchinson. This funding supports continued refugee family integration in the community through funding for summer child care at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson and YMCA memberships, as well as cultural competency training for volunteers and service providers.

Partridge Public Library, $1,500: The construction of a new Partridge Public Library 2024 will bring a new building and an opportunity to add new services. This funding will support the installation of five sensory panels designed to promote brain growth, physical development and social interaction for young learners.

Streetlight Ministries Inc. $2,584: Streetlight Ministries Inc. is working to minimize food insecurities in the Arlington and USD 310 areas of Reno County and has given over 9,200 food boxes from the Arlington Community Center since 2015. According to Feeding America statistics, 10 percent of the Reno County population is food insecure, with 62 percent of USD 310 students receiving free or reduced lunches. With this grant, the walk-in cooler and freezer will be upgraded to address ongoing maintenance issues and prevent unnecessary food loss.

Hutchinson Community Foundation’s mission is to inspire philanthropy, leadership and collaboration to strengthen Reno County. Since 1989, the foundation has granted more than $104 million to organizations.