Western Kansas Community Foundation (WKCF) is conducting the “Our Community, Our Future” (OCOF) survey initiative in Cimarron, Hugoton, Lakin, and Liberal in order to gain a deeper understanding of local priorities. The initiative signals a new strategy for the WKCF in its efforts to serve Southwest Kansas. The goal of the “Our Community, Our Future” survey is simple yet ambitious. It will help the Foundation understand how communities are thinking and feeling and provide a better picture of their wants and needs. By the end of the initiative, WKCF hopes to not only have a better understanding of local needs, but also build new partnerships to work on solutions together. The initiative offers a new and unique approach to community service outside of the traditional grantmaking processes of a community foundation. The survey empowers residents in directing resources to address what they view as local needs. 

The OCOF initiative has four phases - the first being a survey deployed in the four communities throughout the spring, followed by a community forum in the late summer, a grant opportunity in the fall, and concludes with a grant award at the end of the year. The OCOF initiative will continue for three years, from 2024 through 2026, in the same four communities. 

Our Community, Our Future is currently in its second year of implementation. The community assessment survey for 2025 has been conducted and was closed in May 2025. If you are a resident of Cimarron, Hugoton, Lakin, or Liberal, we invite you to attend phase two of year two, the community forum for your town.  

"Our Community, Our Future" Survey Reports for 2024 can be viewed by clicking on the following:

• Cimarron
• Hugoton
• Lakin
• Liberal

Any questions or inquiries can be directed to wkcf@wkcf.org or call our office at (620) 271-9484.