2025 Fund for Reno County Grants

The Fund for Reno County was created as a permanent resource to address the evolving needs of Reno County, Kansas. This fund, managed by the Hutchinson Community Foundation (HCF), has awarded over $5.6 million since its inception in 1990. The Fund is intended to provide grants to community-based organizations in Reno County, with a focus on fostering innovative projects that enhance local arts, education, community engagement, and economic development. The Fund encourages proposals that promote collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. For 2025, the Fund will accept proposals in two distinct cycles, each targeting specific areas of impact. Impact Cycle 1 has a deadline of February 28, 2025, and focuses on four main categories: Dynamic Culture (up to $20,000), Thriving Kids (up to $20,000), Community Catalyst (up to $2,500), and Strong Organizations (up to $7,500). Impact Cycle 2, with a deadline of August 15, 2025, targets Community & Economic Development (up to $50,000) and Strong Organizations (up to $7,500). The Fund aims to support projects that will create lasting improvements and strengthen community-based organizations in Reno County. Eligible applicants must be organizations exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and must be based in or serve Reno County. Special purpose units of government may also apply for funding support. Organizations without 501(c)(3) status may apply if they have a fiscal sponsor that is a tax-exempt organization. Individuals and non-qualifying organizations are ineligible. Successful proposals are those that show a clear need for funding, present feasible strategies for implementation, and align with the Fund's values of collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and effective organizational capacity. Proposals must be submitted through the Foundant Grant Lifecycle Management (GLM) system. Applicants are encouraged to attend a Technical Assistance Workshop prior to submission. These workshops are offered on January 22 and 23, 2025. Grant notification will be provided within six weeks of each submission deadline. Grant recipients must submit progress reports midway through their project and a final report within 30 days after completion. Failure to submit these reports on time may affect eligibility for future grants.