Philanthropy Today

We talk with Susan Wendland from Thrive Flint Hills Foundation about how an 18-month mentoring model helps people build stability through small, practical steps. We also dig into the growing need for mentors, a new focus on supporting LGBTQ youth through True Colors, and the fundraising that keeps the work moving. • Thrive’s 10th anniversary and how the program rebounds after COVID • The 18-month structure, goal setting, and life skills like budgeting • Why mentor commitment drives participant success • How mentors get trained, matched, and supported by staff coaching • True Colors programming that creates safe, affirming spaces for LGBTQ youth • Merry And Bright Bids online auction dates and standout items • Success stories tied to Habitat partnerships, transportation, housing, and jobs Thriveflinthills.com is the websiteGMCFCFAs

We talk with Big Lakes Developmental Center leaders about reaching a $10 million endowment goal early and how that funding supports needs Medicaid does not cover. We also dig into home renovations, remote supports technology, inclusive employment, and the next projects the community can rally behind. • hitting the 10 million in 10 years endowment goal ahead of schedule • using endowment dollars to fund gaps beyond Medicaid coverage • completing a major home improvement campaign across group homes • remodeling bathrooms and spaces to improve handicap accessibility • Clay Center match day results and the renovation needs at the day center and group home • the staffing crisis, state waitlists, and Big Lakes’ internal waitlist • rolling out remote supports technology, from assessment to consent to backup plans • winter party planning led by a client steering committee • launching the annual giving campaign and building Room To Create art space • expanding supported employment through job coaching and employer partnerships Just be looking for that annual giving campaign as that's coming out soon, and then connect with us on social media because there's lots of really great things happening all the time to keep a beat on. And you can send up for that online on our biglakes.org. GMCFCFAs

We talk with Vicky James and Jeff Pfannenstiel about how Nourish Together moves surplus food to people who need it and why the council is planning a smooth leadership transition. We break down the programs that quietly support Manhattan and Riley County, from farmers market kids’ tokens to recovered meals from big events. • introducing Jeff Annensteel as incoming council coordinator • why community awareness matters when programs run behind the scenes • food recovery partnerships like Sunset Zoo events and how volunteers make pickups work • using a simple phone-based process to match donors and recipients • Power Produce at the farmers market as hands-on nutrition education for kids • “food is medicine” and improving health through better local food access • Kitchen Restore starter kitchen kits delivered through social service partners • where to find blessing box locations and other food resources online go to that site, follow us on social media GMCFCFAs

We talk with Special Olympics Kansas event coordinator Katelyn Andrist about why athletes with disabilities deserve to feel seen and how inclusive sports builds confidence, trust, and real community. We also break down the Polar Plunge in Manhattan and other Kansas events that turn donations and volunteer time into year-round opportunity and joy. • Special Olympics Kansas as belonging, not just sport • Building confidence, social skills, and athlete leadership • Why athletes model inclusion and everyday kindness • Monster Dash fundraising success and what it supports • Polar Plunge details in Manhattan at Aggieville and Tuttle Creek Lake • Statewide events with law enforcement, torch runs, and convoys • How parents and athletes can get started with local teams • Volunteering options and the idea that no job is small Please follow our North Central Regional page. Also follow us on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram at Special Olympics Kansas. The website is SOKS.org. GMCFCFAs

We talk with leaders and partners of the Armed Forces Community Foundation about how Manhattan strengthens real support for service members, veterans, and military families tied to Fort Riley and the region. We trade stories and specifics on spouse support, scholarships, care packages, community events, and the Veterans Day giving push that helps fund it all. • why relationship-based support matters for military families • how the Armed Forces Community Foundation connects donors to 29 partner organizations • examples of direct help like care packages and scholarships • practical ways to support spouses during deployments through connection and local resources • what the Society of the 1st Infantry Division funds and how to join • details on Bro Fall Family Fest for families of deployed soldiers • Operation Santa Claus needs, eligibility, dates, volunteer help, and new toy donations • upcoming events including ghost tours, Thrive Conference, tour of homes, and the Veterans Day Parade You can always find out more about the foundation's efforts at their website at mcfks.org. Always check out the Armed Forces Community Foundation Facebook page or their website at armedforcescf.org. GMCFCFAs

We talk with Diane Henrik Toburen from Pawnee Mental Health about how the organization funds care, builds partnerships, and responds when people need help right now. We zoom in on mobile crisis, medication access, military family support, and what 70 years of growth looks like across Northeast Kansas. • Diane’s role raising funds and building community partnerships • Results from the Inspiring Hope fundraiser and what the dollars support • How mobile crisis response works and why it reduces intimidation • Why demand for mobile crisis is rising in Riley County • Grow Green Match Day and other regional match days across Pawnee’s service area • The Hope for Tomorrow Fund endowment for psychotropic meds and required labs • Military family support through the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model • What Pawnee’s 70th anniversary reveals about expanded services like IPS and ACT GMCFCFAs

We talk with UFM Community Learning Center leaders about fall classes, community programs, and the simple ways anyone in Manhattan can learn something new or share a skill. We dig into ABLE, an after-school leadership and STEAM program built around K-State student mentors, plus practical supports like transportation and teacher in-service day programming. • fall community enrichment classes from Halloween makeup to stargazing to Clue Live • Veteran Wellness Program scholarships with class credits for veterans • Lifetime Learning options for adults 55 and over including history and whiskey topics • ABLE after-school program for K through 5 with mentoring and STEAM projects • intergenerational visits with Meadowlark Hills and community guest demonstrations • UFM Day programming for teacher in-service days plus transportation support • ways to enroll, find the catalog, and navigate the UFM building • long-standing partnership with Kansas State University and applied learning impact If you haven't heard of UFM, swing by the big green building uh and meet with us. If you haven't taken a class, find something in our catalog and enroll. If you have a skill or a hobby you're passionate about teaching uh that you're passionate about, teach others in the community with a UFM class. GMCFCFAs

We sit down with Linda Wasburg and Phil Maddox to explain how the Sunset Zoological Park and Wildlife Conservation Trust secures the zoo’s future through gifts, endowment funding, and big capital projects. We also dig into Phase Two plans, the $8.25 million campaign, and how AZA animal welfare standards shape what guests will experience next. • how the Trust Foundation supports wildlife conservation and long-term zoo upgrades • the difference between city operations, Friends of Sunset Zoo fundraising, and Trust-funded expansion • how the 2017 master plan led to Expedition Asia and new breeding facilities • why the Malayan tiger cub births mattered for conservation and attendance • what Phase Two adds: lemur habitat, bobcat habitat, Sunset Barnyard, Trail of the Americas • campaign progress at 70 percent funded and what a public campaign will look like • where construction will happen, who holds the contract, and the tentative timeline • why AZA accreditation drives higher animal welfare and safer guest interactions There’s always more you can find out at sunsetzootrust.org or sunsetzoo.com. GMCFCFAs

We talk with Crisis Center leaders about what domestic violence looks like in our community and what real support means when someone is trying to get safe. We break down the free, confidential, 24/7 services available across five counties and the concrete ways neighbors can show up without blaming victims.• Crisis Center role as the local domestic violence and sexual assault agency for five counties and Fort Riley • Free, voluntary, 100% confidential survivor services available 24/7 • Shelter support beyond a bed including food, clothing, hygiene supplies, diapers and essentials • Capacity planning for 35 beds plus overflow space when needed • Advocacy services including medical, law enforcement and court accompaniment • Safety planning, supportive counseling and navigating housing and employment protections • Support for children and families through parent child advocacy and school transitions • Police response advocate program and co response with local law enforcement • Local helpline and Safe Line Kansas call and text volume showing ongoing need • October Domestic Violence Awareness Month actions including Purple Thursday • Close Line Project T shirt display at Manhattan Town Center and community reception • Community responsibility to listen, believe survivors and focus on offender accountability you can visit us at our website, the CrisisCenter Inc.org. And we have a in-kind donation list on there of things, items that we often um request as a non-for-profit.GMCFCFAs

We talk with Shepherd’s Crossing leaders about what 25 years of crisis support looks like on the ground and why the need keeps growing as costs rise. We break down Campaign 25, how we protect donor dollars through careful intake and budgeting, and why preventing an eviction can change a family’s whole future. • 25-year growth from a small church-led start to hundreds of thousands in annual assistance • Campaign 25 goal to raise a $2.5 million endowment to cover operating costs • direct payments to landlords and providers for rent, utilities, and prescriptions • intake interviews, document checks, and budget counseling to build a plan forward • referrals and partnerships across Manhattan to address complex, multi-part needs • volunteer impact and why listening is a critical part of helping We accept money in all forms. If you're interested in volunteering, check us out. GMCFCFAs