Philanthropy Today

We talk with Kendra Kuhlman from the Manhattan Arts Center about how nonstop programming, youth theatre, and scholarships help more people feel like they belong through the arts. We also dig into Artini, upcoming productions, and the volunteer support that keeps the whole operation running. 
• Macademy and McCompany youth programs by grade range 
• Summer schedule packed with rehearsals and performances 
• Little Mermaid Jr. and a full production of Godspell 
• Creating a welcoming space where people bring ideas and belong 
• Students volunteering and the give-back cycle taking shape 
• Adjusting class times to fit changing school schedules <...

We talk with Light MHK leaders about how local fundraising translates into real mental health support for people who cannot afford therapy costs. We also preview the next gala and spell out simple ways to volunteer, donate, and spread the word so more neighbors get care on time. 
• recap of the inaugural “Light Within” gala and raising over $115,000 
• what Light MHK is and how grants help cover mental health co-pays 
• real testimonials from pediatric behavioral health support and ongoing therapy access 
• how the organization funds grants through donors, grants, and community match days 
• preview of the January 30...

We sit down with Scott Boos and Mia Wells from Be Able to unpack why job placement is not the finish line and why the real challenge often shows up after day one. We share how the new Be Able Academy focuses on identity, responsibility, and practical planning so neighbors can keep work, grow confidence, and build a stable future. 
• the national 90-day drop-off after hiring and why employment retention matters 
• what the Be Able Academy is and who can join 
• the five-phase structure from personal identity to long-term planning, budgeting, and job applications 
• why strengths, p...

We talk with Chris Spooner of the Manhattan Community Health Foundation about how local philanthropy strengthens access to care, fills practical gaps, and supports programs that keep people healthier at home. We dig into mini-grants, workforce scholarships, and a new community award that spotlights the leaders who make health and wellness possible in Manhattan. 
• the foundation’s mission and the shift to the Manhattan Community Health Foundation name 
• support for quality healthcare locally, including the hospital as a beneficiary 
• Dispensary of Hope providing free medication for people without prescription insurance 
• Flint Hills Wellness Coalition partnerships that help resi...

We talk with Jori Louise Cheville, Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Museum of Art and Light, about the fall lineup and how the museum builds connections between old masters and contemporary artists. We dig into Picasso’s immersive experience, new exhibitions on AI and identity, and the hands-on events that turn a museum visit into something you can actively take part in. 
• how curatorial planning links exhibitions across floors and mediums 
• the fall exhibition lineup including Generation to Generation and Barry Anderson’s Janus Restraint 
• the Picasso immersive experience and the Nov 2 end date 
• Picasso Line and...

We welcome Dene Kaster to the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation and talk through how her nonprofit finance background strengthens donor support and long-term community impact. We dig into real estate giving, the coming transfer of wealth, and the practical goal of making every dollar work harder for Manhattan-area nonprofits. 

• Dene’s path from nonprofit finance to GMCF 
• Her focus on investments and real estate gifts such as farms, homes, and commercial properties 
• Working with donors and advisors to steward charitable gifts 
• Using philanthropy planning to maximize impact and align with donor goals 
• Building relationships acr...

We pivot to Friends of the Fort Riley Museums and map out how Apple Days turns a fun day on post into real support for local history. Tara shares what to expect, how to get through the gate smoothly, and why the ghost tours keep people coming back year after year. 
• Fort Riley Fall Apple Days as one of the biggest events on post 
• Libby Custer apple pies as the signature fundraiser and why people stock up 
• Static displays, food vendors and a simple way to explore Fort Riley 
• Online pre-approval and QR scanning at the gate to...

We talk with Rebecca Fitzgerald and Sarah Duggan about how Meadowlark serves Manhattan and the Flint Hills with free community programs that go far beyond senior living. We dig into record-breaking support for Parkinson’s, a growing cancer community, and a new raffle fundraiser that helps keep these resources open to everyone. 
• Meadowlark Market as a monthly fundraiser for the Good Samaritan Fund 
• Speedy PD’s 1,209 participants and why voice and music matter in Parkinson’s 
• Community partners and volunteers that make large events run well 
• The Meadowlark cancer program, from education nights to peer connection 
•...

We pivot mid-show and pull our intern, Liv Tubbs, onto the mic to talk about what she actually does at Greater Manhattan Community Foundation and why she’s leaning into nonprofit work. Along the way, we dig into Match Day prep, annual reports, and a surprise drop-in about Fort Riley ghost tours coming back. 
• Liv’s path from marketing intern to campaign support and design work 
• What Match Day materials look like behind the scenes 
• How growing up around a community foundation leads to youth board service 
• Why nonprofit leadership training starts to feel like a real career pl...

We talk with No Stone Unturned leaders about a sold-out Wildcats fundraising weekend and how community support translates into real therapy access for kids and families. We also share what it takes to grow responsibly, from finishing a capital campaign to tightening clinic operations so families do not get blindsided by billing issues.
• Wildcats for No Stone Unturned weekend recap, including gala turnout and golf participation
• Auction and raffle strategy that boosts donor energy and total fundraising
• The organization’s 18-year growth from an idea to a therapy campus
• How staff and family stories make the impact...

We talk with Lori Roggi about how the Rural Riley County Community Foundation grows local giving across Leonardville, Keats, and Riley. We break down what Match Day is, what the funds support, and how small-town pride turns into long-term community impact. 

• how the foundation started as a GMCF affiliate and why the service area stays flexible 
• why rural philanthropy relies more on neighbors and less on large institutions 
• what the 32 funds support including school programs and community projects 
• how Match Day works with donor sponsors matching 27 funds 
• event details at Riley County High School plus sat...

We trade birthday jokes with Manhattan Free Clinic executive director Rick Hernandez, then get into the real story behind a big relocation after 21 years in a basement space. We break down what the new College Avenue location changes for patient access, clinic capacity, and partnerships that fill gaps like vision care. 
• the decision to move after water migration issues reduced usable clinic space 
• the new address at 1133 College Avenue in the medical plaza 
• the jump from three exam rooms to seven and what that does for patient flow 
• bringing patient-facing technology into every exam room 
• keeping...

We catch up with Leslie White from the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation on the projects, exhibits, and fundraising that keep hands-on learning growing across the Flint Hills. We talk about taking education programs directly to schools, what Bison Beef and Bourbon funds next, and how an upgraded outdoor classroom will handle real Kansas weather.
• the new sculpture’s meaning for the Discovery Center and the region 
• the dinosaur exhibit’s final days and why families should go soon 
• SPARC program details and how it removes field trip barriers for schools 
• the Foundation’s role as the 501(c)(3...

We talk with Pedro Melendez and Alex Garcia about building Makers Guild Inc into a judgment-free home for artists in Manhattan, Kansas, with low-barrier classes and community events that make creativity easier to access. We also get personal about how pottery and mixed media art can support mental health, especially for veterans and military families looking for a real outlet. 

• why Makers Guild Inc forms and what “judgment-free” means in practice 
• keeping artists in Manhattan by creating space to make and show work 
• the long-term vision for residencies, studios, and broader art classes 
• teaching affordable potte...

We welcome Christina Knowlte from Good Shepherd Home Care and Hospice to share what makes Festival of Wines such a fun night and such an important fundraiser. We also talk about the real-world impact of local hospice care, veteran recognition, grief support, and ways to volunteer.
• festival details at the K-State Alumni Center with cocktail hour and a five-course wine pairing dinner 
• winery guest and wine education from founding sponsor Standard Beverage Corporation 
• live auction highlights including trips, memorabilia, and the crowd-filled grab bag purse tradition 
• online silent auction running the week before the event for anyone...

We talk with Beach Museum of Art curator Eileen Wong about building exhibitions that welcome everyone, from clear label writing to creating a space where curiosity is the point. We preview Homeslash Land Wazhazhe Artists Speak, a bilingual English and Wazhazhe exhibition featuring three Osage Nation artists, plus ways to celebrate and show up for the museum this season. 
• Eileen Wong’s path from New York to Kansas and 11 years at the Beach Museum of Art 
• What a curator does day to day, from research to gallery layout to writing wall labels 
• Writing about art without “shop talk” so...

We talk with Lori Getch about Fairy Godmothers and how local giving meets urgent needs for women in Manhattan, Kansas. We break down the grants, the screening process, and the events that keep the mission growing. 
• the origin story at the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation and the core mission of women helping women 
• the HUG Hand Up Grant that helps women return to school, earn certificates, and finish degrees 
• mentoring that keeps grantees encouraged through graduation 
• emergency grants for car repairs, safe housing essentials, and dental work 
• applications routed through Shepherd’s Crossing with eligibility scree...

We catch up with Josh Brewer from Habitat for Humanity of the Northern Flint Hills on active builds, a major Manhattan rehab, and what it takes to keep job sites safe when the heat spikes. We also break down the repair program, the Builders Club, Hope Restored ReStore gift cards, and a fall fundraiser that brings the community together. 

• four active construction sites including a large rehab near Seaco Park 
• plans to split a large lot and add a prefabricated home 
• heat as a real job site safety risk and how crews adapt 
• ladders as the most...

We talk with Kansas Green Schools Director Rachel Wahle about why getting kids outdoors is one of the fastest ways to counterbalance rising screen time and student anxiety. We share how KACEE supports teachers across Kansas with practical training, standards-aligned curriculum, and student projects that create real change at school. 
• what KACEE is and how we train the trainers in environmental education across Kansas 
• why outdoor learning fits what teachers already teach rather than adding extra work 
• how phones, attention, and youth mental health connect to the “anxious generation” conversation 
• the scale of the Kansas Green Schools Ne...

We talk with Rachel Fontenau from Sunflower Children’s Collective about how their Child Advocacy Center and CASA program support kids and caregivers through investigations, court, and recovery. We also share how the community can fund free services through Champions for Hope and how volunteers can train to become a CASA. 
• serving about 315 children across programs each fiscal year and seeing steady growth over time 
• why Child Advocacy Center referrals increase as MDT partnerships expand across counties 
• what a forensic interview is, who is in the room, how it is recorded, and what happens after 
• how wraparound...

We sit down with Tyler Dupey, the new Executive Director of Kanza United Way, to hear how he plans to lead with strategy, strong volunteers, and smarter use of data. We also dig into how local giving becomes local grants, plus the volunteer tools and literacy programs that help families across Manhattan and Riley County. 
• Tyler’s path from western Kansas to Manhattan and into nonprofit leadership 
• Board governance, strategy, and stretching limited nonprofit resources 
• How workplace campaigns, payroll deduction, and employer matching build impact 
• Annual campaign timeline and the September 15 kickoff at the Shamrock Zone at Bramla...

We talk with Carla Johnson from Disabled American Veterans about how trained service officers help veterans and families access VA benefits, file claims, and avoid getting lost in paperwork. We also dig into a Kansas policy win and the everyday ways a local DAV chapter steps in when someone needs help fast. 

• the DAV mission and who it serves, including spouses and dependents 
• how chapter and national service officers support VA disability claims 
• annual recertification and what it takes to stay trained 
• what “power of attorney” means for filing and managing claims 
• what happens at a DAV st...

We talk with Dane Malone about how Switch Wicked Studios grows from a screen printing shop into a nonprofit community art space in downtown Manhattan. We dig into the events, the low-friction ways artists can participate, and the big goal of making creativity feel accessible for all ages. 
• expanding from design and screen printing into a retail space plus community studios 
• running weekly meetups like Independent Craft Night and Film Club 
• hosting a First Saturday Art Market that helps local artists start selling 
• treating the studio as a creative idea incubator for workshops and new events 
...

We talk with Daphne McNally from Adabus about how local public transportation connects people across Manhattan and the surrounding counties with fixed routes, curb-to-curb rides, and regional service. We also share practical tips for first-time riders plus what’s changing next, from better stops to new software and possible microtransit. 

• ATA bus services across Riley, Pottawatomie, and Geary counties 
• Fixed route buses plus curb-to-curb scheduled rides 
• K-18 Connect regional service and how it’s working 
• Why public transportation means access, freedom, and independence 
• Rider patterns and the stat that 55% ride to work or school 
• Stop...

We talk with Virginia Rodriguez of the Manhattan Area Resettlement Team about what it really takes to help refugees build stable lives in Manhattan and the surrounding area. We also dig into how fast changing policies and public narratives are shaping fear, opportunity, and day to day reality for the families MART serves.
• MART’s role as a refugee resettlement agency serving a 50 mile radius around Manhattan
• How a volunteer led Afghan resettlement effort grew into a staffed organization
• Behind the scenes work at the Damon Runyon House headquarters and why paperwork drives the process
• Policy shi...

We talk with Dr. Sarah Barrett about the YES! Fund and how a community-funded grant model builds safe, engaging after-school programs for youth across Manhattan. We trace the fund’s roots back to the 1993 flood, the moment local leaders listened to young people, and how that choice has led to more than $6.3 million in support over 30 years.
• what the Yes Fund is and what “YES” stands for
• why youth engagement matters outside school hours
• how the 1993 flood recovery shaped youth priorities
• examples of programs funded, from sports to leadership to creative exploration
• how the Yes Fund differs...

We talk with Elizabeth Nelson about how USD 383 Early Learning keeps working through the summer and why now is the time to apply for preschool. We break down the July 16 in-person application day, what “kindergarten readiness” really looks like, and how one central application connects families to inclusive support. 

• Summer learning and year-round enrollment work in USD 383 
• July 16 application day details and what families should bring 
• How the program supports ages three to five not yet in kindergarten 
• Funding options including Head Start, at-risk grants, and fee-paying slots 
• Fall-to-spring growth in early literacy, numbers, and social...

We talk with Tom Roberts about how the Engineers Foundation of Kansas turns donations into hands-on STEM opportunities for students across the state. We dig into robotics, MathCounts, Future City, and why AI makes critical thinking more important, not less. 
• what the Engineers Foundation of Kansas is and why it exists 
• how statewide support strengthens the engineering pipeline in Kansas 
• using grants for Lego Mindstorms kits and MathCounts memberships 
• why robotics teaches logic, design, teamwork, and accountability 
• how the Little Apple Cyborgs reached national competition with community fundraising 
• how Future City builds engineering thinking plus publ...

We catch up with Jack Lindquist on how the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program recruits and trains leaders who understand the whole region, not just one town. We talk through who qualifies, how the program is funded, and why class projects turn networking into real community change. 
• recruiting for the 2026-27 class and why the program looks for motivated, growth-minded leaders 
• eligibility across Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee, Morris and Fort Riley, including people who work in the area 
• the value of a diverse cohort for better listening, decision-making and problem solving 
• how Fort Riley strengthens the region t...

We talk with Deb Klutz of Homestead Ministries about long-term, holistic care for adult female survivors of sex trafficking in Manhattan and Celina. We dig into why trafficking is underreported, why some survivors seek faith-based support, and how the community can offer practical help that makes recovery possible. 
• Homestead Ministries’ residential model and what holistic long-term care looks like 
• Why many survivors ask for faith-based recovery and spiritual support 
• How highways, large events, and local conditions can increase trafficking risk 
• Why the numbers look “low” and how fear drives underreporting 
• Klutz’s description of SRA claims and why high...

We welcome Brent Sigman as the new executive director of the Flint Hills Volunteer Center and hear why he’s bringing a boots on the ground mindset to volunteer coordination. We talk through where the biggest needs are right now, how we build stronger community partnerships, and how we can bring more young people into volunteerism. 

• Brent’s local background and the path from public service and theatre to nonprofit leadership 
• A hands-on approach to storm cleanup and showing up early for community needs 
• Building and rebuilding partnerships with local organizations across Manhattan 
• How we connect volun...

We talk with Gail Urban and Willie Thomas from the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Foundation about how better parks, stronger programs, and smarter funding can lift a whole community. We dig into scholarships that help kids participate, plus the July 4 cardboard boat regatta that turns fun into long-term support. 
• why the foundation forms and what it funds for Manhattan Parks and Rec 
• How the Steel and Pipe Ballpark at Seco Park changes youth sports and tournament travel 
• What happens when the quality of life sales tax sunsets and why maintenance planning matters 
• how facility sponsorships and local bu...

We talk with Erin Dragotto from the Museum of Art and Light about why the Picasso experience feels so powerful when you see the full creative timeline in one place. We also dig into how arts access, school partnerships, and citywide collaboration can help Manhattan grow as a destination for culture and community life. 
• what it means to see Picasso’s work in context with his life and creative range 
• how long the Picasso display runs and why timing matters 
• the transportation reimbursement bus grant for grades 3 to 8 
• Why removing barriers is the fastest way to expand arts...

We talk with Melissa Solden and incoming principal Jared Taylor about what makes Manhattan Catholic Schools feel joyful, mission-driven, and deeply connected to the wider Manhattan community. We also run through the biggest events and simple next steps for families and supporters who want to tour, enroll, donate, or volunteer.
• Jared Taylor’s path from English teacher to incoming principal
• Discernment, faith, and choosing Catholic education after public schools
• Why Manhattan feels like a big small town
• The 38th annual golf tournament and what it funds
• The annual auction date and why it matters
• Second...

We talk with Little Apple Splash organizer Kitty Pursley about the dock diving competition returning to Blue Earth Plaza and why it is one of the most fun free events to watch in Manhattan. We break down how the sport works, what makes this year special, and how local partners help bring a national-level canine competition to town. 
• what Little Apple Splash is and why it is family friendly 
• how Big Air, Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieve work 
• the scale of the setup, from dock length to pool size 
• how the sport spread through Doc Dogs and nat...

We share what makes Manhattan’s Juneteenth weekend feel like a true community homecoming, from live music and barbecue to a walk that helps strangers become friends. We also connect the celebration to the history of Yuma Street and close the weekend with a free screening of 42 at the Douglas Activity Center. 
• Party Train concert details and why the show is free 
• Fellowship focus through food sports and music 
• Barbecue contest format including $5 sampler kits and audience voting 
• How to register a barbecue team at JuneteenthMHK.org 
• Community walk plans and the updated route highlighting hist...

We talk with Jennifer Elliott about how the Midwest Dream Car Collection has become one of the top car museums in the country by pairing world-class vehicles with real storytelling and up-close access. We also dig into the Route 66 centennial exhibit, hands-on family activities, and the member events that make a return visit feel like a tradition. 
• Travel + Leisure recognition and what sets the museum apart 
• Storytelling behind the cars and why it matters 
• Route 66 100th anniversary exhibit with Pixar Cars characters 
• Rotating displays and what’s kept in the vault 
• Family features like scavenger hunts...

We talk with Gary Lloyd and Gene Clausen about a practical way to remove a major barrier to music education: getting real instruments into kids’ hands. We also hear how the Manhattan Optimist Club funds youth programs, builds community partnerships, and keeps the work fun and welcoming. 

• the story behind the Manhattan Optimist Instrument Recovery Program and why it started as a pilot project 
• how donated band and orchestra instruments can help students who cannot afford rentals or purchases 
• where to drop off gently used instruments across Manhattan through local bank partners 
• the partnership with the Kansa...

We sit down with Dr. Alaya Mestrovich C. from UFM to break down what’s new in their summer catalog and why community education still matters in Manhattan. We also dig into inclusive ceramics, practical AI training, and a new after-school option designed for working families. 
• what UFM is and how it serves Manhattan, the region, and Kansas 
• new ceramics classes and how the studio supports neurodiverse learners, veterans, and people with disabilities 
• summer catalog highlights across art, sports, life skills, history, cooking, and beekeeping 
• professional development options including how to use AI in the workplace 

We talk with Vicky James and Andrea De Jesus about how Nourish Together connects local farms, health partners, donors, and volunteers to fight food insecurity and reduce food waste in Manhattan, Kansas. We dig into produce prescriptions, blessing boxes, and food recovery wins that show how small actions can drive real systems change. 
• rebranding to Nourish Together to unite programs under one clear umbrella 
• Healthy Food Rx and the Food Is Medicine approach to chronic disease prevention 
• $25 produce vouchers plus a $10 match and where vouchers can be redeemed 
• AH Farms as a hands-on place to learn agricu...