In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Western Kansas Community Foundation (WKCF) has created the Urgent Needs Fund, which is now open to receive donations. From the donations, the Urgent Needs Fund will provide immediate assistance to eligible nonprofit organizations in WKCF’s 15-county service area that struggle with immediate lost revenue and non-recoverable expenses and/or increased programming due to an unprecedented crisis situation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is the Urgent Needs Fund?

The Urgent Needs Fund is a permanently endowed fund that was established in 2020 with the Western Kansas Community Foundation in response to the COVID-19 crisis. A portion of the fund has been invested to build funds for future needs. The remaining balance is available for crisis grants to provide immediate assistance to eligible nonprofit organizations that struggle with immediate lost revenue and non-recoverable expenses and/or increased programming due to an unprecedented crisis situation.

2. Why Western Kansas Community Foundation?

Western Kansas Community Foundation is uniquely positioned to connect you with the causes you care about. You can support an existing fund or establish one in your name. Or you can give directly to your favorite nonprofit. WKCF can receive almost any kind of asset, from real estate, to stock, to retirement plans and life insurance proceeds. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization; therefore, your donation is tax-deductible. Check with your professional advisor if you have specific questions.

3. Who will the Urgent Needs Fund Support?

The Urgent Needs Fund will support nonprofit organizations in WKCF’s 15-county service area in Southwest Kansas. We carefully select organizations that provide critical services in the wake of an unprecedented crisis, or are struggling to provide those services due to lost capacity. Critical services include, but are not limited to: Food distribution, shelter, (mental and physical) healthcare, education, and economic assistance. Grants made from the fund support gaps not covered by state or federal relief funding. One hundred percent of contributions to the Urgent Needs Fund will be distributed to nonprofit organizations in WKCF’s 15 county service area.

4. When will the Urgent Needs Grants be reviewed?

The WKCF Grants Committee will review crisis grant applications on a rolling basis starting May 1 st , 2020. The reviewing Committee will make decisions every 2 weeks. Applicants will be notified by email as soon as possible. Payments will be made every 2 weeks while funds last.

5. How can I make a charitable donation?

You can support the Urgent Needs Fund in the following ways:

• Give Online Here

•  Mail a check with ‘Urgent Needs Fund’ in the memo line to:

               402 N. Main

               Garden City, KS 67846

•  Transfer a gift of grain to WKCF through the Garden City Co-Op, or contact the office to discuss gifts of various non-cash assets.

Call the office at 620-271-9484 if you have questions.

6. How can my organization receive a grant from the Urgent Needs Fund?
WKCF’s grant application process is 100% online and can be accessed here. Grants from the Urgent Needs Fund will be reviewed on a rolling basis between May 1st and December 31st , 2020, while funds last. Priority will be given to nonprofits that deliver critical services and programs that are especially needed now during the COVID-19 crisis. Initial focus: Family services. WKCF understands that needs may change as the crisis evolves, updates will be posted on the website as needed. Grant amounts may vary between $500-$5,000. Agencies may apply as many times as necessary, but awarded funding will not exceed $5,000 total, per organization through December 31, 2020. Grants from the Urgent Needs Fund will be reviewed independently from the competitive grants; agencies that have a WKCF grant in progress are also welcome to apply.

7. I’ve been impacted by the Corona-virus and I’m looking for help. Can I apply to the Urgent Needs Fund?
The Urgent Needs Fund was specifically created to provide grants to eligible nonprofit organizations that in turn work with individuals and families. If you, or someone you know, needs assistance as a result of COVID-19, please contact a local social service agency such as Finney County United Way, Finney County Health Coalition, the Emmaus House, Family Crisis Services, Genesis Famiy Health, Catholic Family Services or Salvation Army that may be able to help you.