A new community investment fund spearheaded by Wichita City Council Member Joseph Shepard aims to bring private dollars—not taxpayer money—to neighborhood improvement projects in some of Wichita’s most underserved areas.
Shepard said about $100,000 in private donations has already been committed to the District One Neighborhood Improvement Fund. His goal is to raise $600,000 by early 2027 before the first grants are awarded.
Rather than funding events or operating expenses, the grants are intended for projects that improve neighborhoods. Shepard said examples could include repairing sidewalks for senior homeowners, helping residents address exterior home repairs, expanding community gardens, improving neighborhood lighting, beautifying parks and commercial corridors, or supporting projects proposed by neighborhood associations.
The first round of grants will focus on the 67214 and 67208 ZIP codes, areas Shepard said face some of the city’s greatest economic challenges. Applicants must live within District 1.
The City Council recently approved a plan allowing the District 1 Advisory Board to serve as the grant review committee for the fund, which will be administered by the Wichita Community Foundation. The advisory board will review applications and recommend grant awards before proposals are submitted to the foundation for distribution.
Grant sizes have not been determined. Shepard said the District 1 Advisory Board could choose to fund numerous small projects or make a larger investment if a proposal offers significant community impact.
Shepard said the idea grew out of conversations he began before taking office.
“If we can do little things to let them see that somebody’s thinking about them and wanting to help them and wanting to see their neighborhoods improve, I think we’re going to see a domino effect of people taking pride in their neighborhood,” he said.
The fund also plans an annual fundraising event beginning next spring to replenish grant dollars and expand future neighborhood investments.
