In its third and final year of grantmaking, the Evergy Community Investment Fund at the Wichita Community Foundation (WCF) is granting $380,365 to 13 Wichita nonprofits serving zip codes 67208, 67214 and/or 67219. The funded projects will support community and environment enhancement or youth enrichment and development.
“These initiatives, ranging from education workshops to housing solutions, will enhance our community for years to come,” said WCF President and CEO Shelly Prichard. “Through prudent fund investment, WCF was able to grow the original $1 million to more than $1.1 million. We are pleased to serve as Evergy’s philanthropic partner for this important community commitment.”
Evergy’s $1 million gift in 2019 served as a multi-year investment to establish the Fund at WCF. Applications were reviewed by the Evergy Community Investment Advisory Board, consisting of individuals who live, work and/or serve in Wichita’s District 1.
“The organizations receiving funds from the Evergy Community Investment Fund have a direct impact on improving lives and opportunities for residents in northeast Wichita,” said Don Sherman, executive, community affairs for Evergy. “Our Evergy team also extends our gratitude to the local leaders who evaluated grant applications and selected winning programs.”
The 2021 grants will support the following projects:
Community and Environment Enhancement
Tallgrass Film Association | $10,000
Movie screenings at Dunbar Theatre to show the theatre’s history and films from marginalized communities
Racial Profiling Advisory Board/Wichita Independent Neighborhoods | $10,000
Partner with law enforcement on educational workshops to address policy reform and community policing
HumanKind | $20,000
Provide intermediary housing for men and women who are experiencing homelessness
HopeNet | $9,500
Implement a workshop to examine and address individual and systematic poverty in the U.S.
Paxton’s Blessing Box | $3,000
Provide nonperishable food boxes for those in need throughout Wichita and surrounding areas
Kansas School for Effective Learning (KANSEL) | $42,500
Develop a multi-level program to assist with High School diplomas, internship training and volunteering
Power Community Development Corporation | $48,422
Revitalize the historic Dunbar Theatre to provide a community center for residents
ICT SOS | $46,760
Expand their services by opening a safe house for survivors of human trafficking
Youth Enrichment and Development
Rise Up For Youth | $10,000
Offer USD 259 high school juniors and seniors college tours across Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma
Storytime Village | $50,000
Promote literacy programs for all ages and professional development for educators through the Literacy Center, located in the Fairmount neighborhood
Arts Partners | $32,400
Equip 5th to 12th grade students with science, technology, engineering, art and math skills through the Generation STEAM program
The Center | $32,621
Expand STEM program and add after school English and math tutoring for K-3students that live in 67214
Destination Innovation | $65,161
Transition two programs, Progeny and Root the Power, into Camp Destination Innovation for youth leadership development and collaboration on racial justice issues