The Hutchinson Community Foundation is now accepting proposals for the first Impact Cycle of 2025 Fund for Reno County Grants, and potential applicants are invited to attend a technical assistance workshop.
Established in 1990, the Fund for Reno County serves as a permanent resource for the changing needs of Reno County. Grants represent an innovative approach or collaboration, a new efficiency, a critical need that requires funding or an opportunity that needs a bit of local support to leverage resources for the community.
In 2025, project proposals for Fund for Reno County grants will be accepted during two cycles that target specific areas of impact. Proposals should align with the following Impact Cycle categories and purposes, their deadlines, and their maximum requests.
Impact Cycle 1 due Feb. 28 (application period now open)
- Dynamic Culture – Projects that enhance and celebrate local arts, theater, history and tourism. Maximum request of $20,000.
- Thriving Kids – Projects that support high-quality early care and education, youth development and families. Maximum request of $20,000.
- Community Catalyst – Projects that improve community engagement, communication, confidence and pride. Maximum request of $2,500.
- Strong Organizations – Projects that strengthen the capacity, sustainability and resilience of Reno County community-based organizations. Maximum request of $7,500.
Impact Cycle 2 due Aug. 15 (application period opens June 16)
- Community & Economic Development – Projects and plans that strengthen the community and local economy by building a diverse and resilient workforce, activating central business districts or downtowns, supporting existing businesses, attracting new ones, and encouraging entrepreneurs; also, projects that strengthen the quality of place in Reno County through placemaking in public spaces and improving housing quality and accessibility. Maximum request of $50,000.
- Strong Organizations – Projects that strengthen the capacity, sustainability and resilience of Reno County community-based organizations. Maximum request of $7,500.
Proposals must come from 501(c)(3) organizations that serve Reno County. Individuals or groups that do not have a 501(c)(3) designation must obtain a nonprofit fiscal sponsor.
Proposals for Impact Cycle 1 should be submitted by Feb. 28 online through the Foundant Grant Lifecycle Management (GLM) system at https://hutchcf.org/nonprofitsandgrants/available-grants.
Grantwriting Technical Assistance Workshops
For Impact Cycle 1, two Grantwriting Technical Assistance Workshops (a virtual and an in-person option) will be available to potential applicants. While not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to attend or discuss their project and approach with staff ahead of the submission deadline. The virtual workshop will be at 3 p.m. Jan. 22 via Zoom, and the in-person workshop will be at 10 a.m. Jan. 23 at Hutchinson Community Foundation, First National Center, 1 N. Main St., Ste. 501. Registration for both sessions is required by Jan. 20 by completing the form at https://hutchcf.org/events/list.
For questions, contact Program Officer Sarah Blake, sarah@hutchcf.org or 620-663-5293.
