The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce's HYPE program creates a community for young professionals through social events, professional development, and nonprofit engagement. Rebranded five years ago, HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Emerge) focuses on building connections and making Manhattan a place where 18-40 year olds want to live, work, and pl…

The Flint Hills Summer Fun Camp offers inclusive summer camp experiences for all children regardless of their abilities. Founded in 2010 by mothers of children with autism, the camp has grown to serve approximately 40 children from three school districts with professional staff and community support. • Started in 2010 by mothers who wanted camp exp…

Thrive, a relatively new nonprofit organization, works to break cycles of poverty by building community support systems, increasing financial stability, and teaching essential parenting skills to families who would otherwise feel isolated and overwhelmed. • Founded by Jamie Morris Hardeman in response to patterns observed at CASA, where families in…

Matt reflects on his journey with the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, sharing insights from his time as Board Chair and the innovative initiatives that have positioned the foundation for future success. • Joined GMCF after moving to Manhattan in 2005, serving first on the grants committee before joining the Executive Board • Spearheaded an …

The Manhattan Optimist Club is launching an instrument drive to collect gently used band and orchestra instruments for students whose families can't afford them. This initiative brings together the Optimist Club, K-State's instrument repair specialist, and local school music directors to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in musi…

Tara Clausen, CEO of Kansa United Way, discusses their upcoming Community Investment Day where volunteers help decide how donor funds are allocated to programs supporting ALICE families (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). • Community Investment Day on July 23rd is a full-day event where volunteers review grant applications and hear from …

The Symphony in the Flint Hills prepares for its final concert on June 14th after 20 remarkable years of bringing music to the Kansas prairie. This signature event has faced growing challenges, including weather disruptions and rising costs, but remains committed to celebrating and raising awareness about one of the last tallgrass prairies in the w…

Manhattan Area Technical College receives prestigious Carnegie Foundation classifications, positioning it among an elite 8% of institutions nationwide with outstanding student outcomes including 97% job placement rates and 86% of graduates remaining in Kansas. • Carnegie Foundation classifications include Applied and Career Studies (top 8% of insti…

ECM at K-State creates an inclusive campus community through student-driven programming and a mission of "all humans welcome, no strings attached." The organization fosters belonging while addressing important topics like sustainability, community building, and inclusive dining. • Friday Real Food Lunches provide vegan, gluten-free meals for 20-30 …

No Stone Unturned Foundation has moved into their new facility on Tuttle Creek Boulevard in Manhattan, allowing them to start pulling children off waiting lists and expand their pediatric therapy services. Their holistic care model has gained such recognition that therapy organizations from across Kansas are visiting to learn about their approach. …

The Center of Hope Ministry serves Manhattan's homeless population as a warming shelter, providing dignity and safety during the harshest winter months. This volunteer-run organization now offers nightly cots, meals, and life-changing support to up to 30 guests. • 100% volunteer-operated with working board members covering overnight shifts • Recent…

Be Able Community Center provides life-changing support to Manhattan residents facing adversity, offering essential services and a compassionate community. The center is celebrating its fifth year of operation while preparing to launch a crucial supportive housing program to bridge a significant gap in local resources. • Located at 431 South Fifth …

Good Shepherd Home Care and Hospice hosts their 19th annual Promenade on Points fundraiser this Thursday, allowing participants to visit nine downtown Manhattan businesses for food and beverage tastings while supporting end-of-life care for those regardless of ability to pay. • Two and a half hour event features nine participating businesses offeri…

Lori Feldkamp reflects on her 30-year career at Big Lakes Developmental Center as she prepares to retire, while introducing her successor, Liz Hawley, who brings 18 years of experience with the organization. · Big Lakes has grown from 100 to over 200 employees during Lori's tenure · The organization faces a statewide waiting list of 4,500 people ne…

Emily Wagner, Executive Director of Manhattan Emergency Shelter, discusses their fundraising initiatives and the challenges of securing consistent funding for homeless services in Kansas. • Manhattan Emergency Shelter collaborated with the Center of Hope Ministries to provide a warming shelter during the difficult winter • The 21st Annual Bids for …

The Manhattan Free Clinic has been providing free primary care for 20 years to uninsured residents living within 200% of the poverty level in Riley County, which has one of the highest poverty rates in Kansas. They're celebrating this milestone while expanding services to the new Community Accelerator facility on Kimball Avenue, which will improve …

Kansas climbs 29 ranks in mental health ratings, while Pawnee Mental Health provides innovative solutions for community needs despite ongoing challenges from the lack of Medicaid expansion. CEO Mike Rezkalla discusses the organization's progress, rural outreach programs, and upcoming initiatives to improve access to critical mental health services.…

The Flint Hills Volunteer Center coordinates over 925 volunteers serving in 85 different opportunities across Riley County. It helps seniors age with dignity in their homes while creating meaningful service roles for community members. • Operates the medical transportation program with volunteers driving 57 clients to medical appointments in Manhat…

The Flint Hills Breadbasket is transforming food assistance in Manhattan with its upcoming move to a spacious new facility on Skyview Drive, which will open in early May. Executive Director Karla Hagemeister shares how this expansion will create a dignified shopping experience while nearly doubling its weekly service hours. • New location will feat…

Doncha McDonald shares how Morningstar's unique peer-led approach transforms lives by creating power balance among those with mental illness. Through her personal journey with schizoaffective disorder, she reveals how finding purpose through community support was more healing than medication alone. • Morningstar's "secret sauce" is that everyone wh…

The Boys and Girls Club of Manhattan prepares for its 26th annual Casino Night fundraiser on April 4th at the K-State Alumni Center, featuring a prom theme and introducing their first-ever dance floor to the event. • Now operating in 13 locations across Ogden, Manhattan, and Wamego • Early Learning Center serves over 80 infants and toddlers with ro…

Jim Gordon sits down to discuss his 26 years of community impact through the Community Foundation and the Community Foundation Awards, which honor those who give their time, talent, and treasure. • Jim Gordon, co-founder of GMCF and title sponsor of the CFAs, shares how the awards began • The CFAs focus on celebrating volunteers who contribute time…

Leslie White, Director of the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation, shares her passion for supporting the Discovery Center through fundraising for exhibits, educational programs, and community events while making learning accessible to everyone in the region. • The annual Friend of the Flint Hills award will honor Carl and Mary Ice on April 11th…

The Kansas Honor Flight pairs area veterans with high school students for life-changing journeys to Washington D.C. memorials, creating powerful connections between generations and providing long-overdue recognition for those who served. • Created in 2012 as one of five national hubs pairing veterans with student guardians • 309 veterans have parti…

Greater Manhattan Community Foundation founder Mark Knackendoffel shares how recognizing philanthropy drives more charitable giving and strengthens the community. The GMCF has exceeded all expectations in its 25-year journey, providing structure, discipline, and support to local organizations while avoiding direct competition in fundraising. • Comm…

Heather Peterson, Jim Franke, and Greg McCune from the Manhattan Optimist Club share their initiatives to uplift the community's youth through various fundraisers and programs. Driven by a shared mission, the club highlights its upcoming events and its vital role in fostering a positive atmosphere. • Discussing the Optimist Club's efforts to engage…

We explore the dynamic partnership between MATC and GMCF, focusing on workforce development and community engagement. Jim Jeanette shares insights into how local philanthropy creates a ripple effect that lifts everyone. • Conversations around the role of philanthropy in education • The impact of MATC and GMCF collaboration in workforce training • S…

On this episode of the Community Hour Show we highlight the transformative work of the Armed Forces Community Foundation, which aims to enhance the lives of military families through community support. Kevin West shares insights on fundraising successes and future initiatives. • Overview of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation's role • The mi…

This segment of the Community Hour delves into GMCF's strategic planning process and its implications for the community. Board Chair Matt Crocker and Chair Elect Beth Smoller, discuss the importance of clarity, stakeholder engagement, and purposeful abandonment in shaping GMCF's future efforts. • The transition of GMCF from a funding conduit to a c…

This episode highlights the role of the Manhattan Public Library in promoting community engagement and literacy through diverse programming and events, including an upcoming book sale. Eric Norris, the library director, discusses membership benefits, volunteer opportunities, and the importance of community support in maintaining accessible library …

On the GMCF Community Hour, Michelle Haub, the Special Programs Leader at Meadowlark Talks about the Memory Program Art Mingle, which celebrates the connection between art, memory, and community support while highlighting the importance of creativity for cognitive health. Michelle also discusses upcoming events, and the invaluable resources availab…

Discover the vital role that the Friends of the Fort Riley Museums play in preserving military history and fostering community engagement. This segment of the radio show explores exciting events, restoration efforts, and opportunities for the public to connect with their heritage through local initiatives. • Exploration of the Fort Riley Museums an…

The Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program offers a comprehensive approach to developing regional leaders through hands-on learning, community engagement, and servant leadership principles. By emphasizing collaboration and diversity, the program prepares participants to navigate challenges and contribute meaningfully to their communities. • Overvi…

Join us as we celebrate Jimmy Carter's legacy and explore Habitat for Humanity's impactful work in the Northern Flint Hills. Our conversation takes us through local community initiatives, upcoming events, and pioneering projects that aim to provide dignified housing for families in need. • Discussion of Jimmy Carter's influence on community service…

This episode of the GMCF Community Hour Radio Show highlights the ongoing developments of the Child Care Business Initiative, emphasizing its collaborative approach to enhancing childcare services in the community. Listeners learn about the construction progress, recruitment of childcare providers, the support offered to entrepreneurs, and the broa…

Today we chatted with Rachelle Wertenberger & Kent Saylor about how a beloved classmate's legacy inspires and transforms lives even after tragedy strikes. Join us as we honor Tara Ploeger through a heartfelt conversation with Kent and Rachel, who share their deeply personal connections with Tara and the scholarship created in her memory. You'll hea…

Today we chatted with Morree Floersch Chairperson of the Clay Center Community Improvement Foundation and Bill Oetinger President of the Clay County Education Endowment Association (CCEEA). Listen as Bill retells the remarkable journey of the CCEEA, whose humble beginnings over two decades ago have transformed into a powerhouse for local scholarshi…

Today we talked with Claudia Jones and Nicole Kucherov about The American Association of University Women (AAUW) scholarships and its role in empowering women since the 1920s. Claudia, an AAUW board member, shares the AAUW's incredible history and community contributions such as traveling libraries and Depression-era daycare support. Listen to Nico…

In this episode, Dave Lewis sat down with Penny Wika, who, alongside her late husband Norris, has devoted her life to enriching education and fostering philanthropy in Wamego. Penny's inspiring transition from a career in journalism to becoming a beloved teacher at Manhattan High School, the story behind the creation of the Norris and Penny Wika Sc…

Today we talked with Linda Fincham, Vice President of the Frankfort Community Foundation Board of Directors, and Haley Stevens, a former scholarship recipient. Linda provides a heartfelt account of her parents' memorial funds and their dedication to supporting local students pursuing medical careers. Peek into the lives of those who juggle work, sc…

Today, we talked with GMCF’s President and CEO Vern Henricks, and Gants & Scholarships Coordinator Edee Nichols about the impact of GMCF’s scholarship initiatives, from the heartwarming origins fueled by donor interests and memorial funds to the tangible success stories from students in the community of Clay Center, Atchison, Dover, Wamego, and Man…

Today, we talked with Jason & Jill Selland and Trey Lockwood about the inspiration behind establishing a scholarship to honor influential educators Jay Logan and Larry Potroff and discover how these teachers shaped the Sellands' lives and inspired them to give back to their community. Jason & Jill share touching stories of past recipients who have …

Today, we chatted with Ken Culbertson Monroe Say, about the motivation behind establishing the Home Care and Hospice Employee Education Fund scholarship. Ken opens up about the journey that led to the creation of this scholarship, fulfilling his wife Rhoda's final wish to support the compassionate hospice staff. Over the past eight years, this scho…

To wrap up our GMCF Cornerstone Award Series, we chatted with Vern Henricks GMCF’s President and CEO about his interviews with the 25 GMCF Cornerstone Award winners. We dove into the impact of the individuals who have envisioned and shaped the foundation’s legacy throughout our 25-year history. Learn how the foundation has navigated initial challen…

Today, we chatted with Mark Knackendoffel, the recipient of the Vision Cornerstone Award at the Community Foundation Awards. This award recognizes those who saw the potential of what a community foundation could do for Manhattan. During our discussion, Mark shared his journey from leading the trust department at First National Bank to founding his …

Today, we chatted with Jim Morrison, the recipient of the Vision Cornerstone Award at the Community Foundation Awards. This award recognizes those who saw the potential of what a community foundation could do for Manhattan. During our discussion, we uncovered the story behind his 53-year journey in Manhattan, from his roots in Clay Center to his im…

Today, we chatted with Bob and Tracy DeBruyn, the recipients of the Vision Cornerstone Award at the Community Foundation Awards. This award recognizes those who saw the potential of what a community foundation could do for Manhattan. During our discussion, we unearthed how Bob's family and friends played pivotal roles in his development and Tracy’s…

Today, we chatted with Jim Gordon, the recipient of the Vision Cornerstone Award at the Community Foundation Awards. This award recognizes those who saw the potential of what a community foundation could do for Manhattan. During our discussion, we uncovered his love for photography, early experiences at K-State University, getting hired and making …

Today, we chatted with Joe Lyle, the recipient of the Catalyst Cornerstone Award at the Community Foundation Awards. This award recognizes individuals who inspire and drive transformative processes for GMCF’s benefit. We explored Joe’s professional journey, transitioning from teaching accounting at Kansas State University to becoming a local philan…

Today, we chatted with Lee Meigs, the recipient of the Catalyst Cornerstone Award at the Community Foundation Awards. This award recognizes individuals who inspire and drive transformative processes for GMCF’s benefit. We explored Lee’s heartwarming story during our discussion, highlighting her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters and co-founding Fai…