25th Anniversary Celebration
For a quarter of a century, the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation (GMCF) has been a beacon of positive change in our local community. With an unwavering commitment to philanthropy, we have played a pivotal role in nurturing growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing the overall well-being of our community.
Through our generous donors and strategic grantmaking, GMCF has supported countless nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community initiatives, enabling them to thrive and bring about meaningful change.
Events Highlighting our 25th Anniversary Celebration
Young Trustees Chili Cook-Off: November 4, 2023, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, Rockin K’s
Young Trustees Chili Cook-off: At this event, attendees got the chance to judge and enjoy more than 25 chili recipes while enjoying the Kansas State vs. Texas game on a massive 15-foot jumbotron. At the GMCF table, visitors grabbed cinnamon rolls, GMCF swag, and even entered to win a K-State football signed by Coach Chris Klieman and a K-State basketball signed by Coach Jerome Tang. This event not only offered a fun experience but also supported local non-profit organizations, with over $18,000 donated to 30 different organizations in 2022, making a meaningful impact on the Manhattan community.
Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours hosted by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation: March 13, 2024, 5:30 – 7:00 pm: Colony Square Atrium
We connected with fellow Chamber members as we shared insights on GMCF's impact on the community. We celebrated, feasted on tasty appetizers and drinks, raffled gifts, made new connections, and showed fellow entrepreneurs how GMCF is shaping a brighter future for the community.
GMCF Annual Meeting & Community Foundation Awards: March 18, 2024, 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Manhattan Conference Center
Community Foundation Awards: This annual gathering was a celebration of excellence, recognizing individuals, organizations, and initiatives that had made exceptional contributions to community betterment over the past 25 years. During the event, attendees heard inspiring stories of personal impact within the community, gained insights into the transformative work undertaken by GMCF, and connected with like-minded individuals who shared a passion for community engagement. As the pinnacle of GMCF's year-long efforts, the event served as a reminder of the power of community and the significant role that philanthropy played in creating a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone. At the event, we launched our 25th-anniversary collaboration beer with Manhattan Brewing Company called the Legacy Ale.
GMCF Trustee Celebration: April 17, 2024, 5:30 - 7:00 pm, Manhattan Brewing Company
GMCF’s Trustees and Young Trustees joined us for an evening to celebrate their commitment to our community. This event was aimed to honor the dedication and hard work of our Trustees and Young Trustees. Their efforts have been instrumental in fostering the growth of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. We recognized that we wouldn't be where we are without their invaluable contributions.
Grow Green Match Day: April 22, 2024, All Day, Colony Square Atrium
Grow Green Match Day is GMCF's biggest fundraising event of the year. At this event, all donations to local Manhattan nonprofit organizations between $25 and $1,000 were matched at 50% from the generous support of Phil Howe and the Howe Family Foundation. This year we raised $2,190,100.24 for our local nonprofits and other charitable organizations.
25th Anniversary Podcast Series:
In celebration of GMCF's 25th anniversary, the Philanthropy Today podcast series embarked on a nostalgic journey, we hosted a past President or Board Chair from the GMCF Board of Directors as our guest each week. These leaders have been at the helm of GMCF's transformative work in our community. They shared their perspectives, experiences, what GMCF was like during their year as president or chair, and their visions for the future of our community and philanthropy. We pulled the curtains back to uncover the stories behind GMCF's twenty-five years of impact and to explore the contributions they've made. With this series, we’re honoring GMCF's legacy and the individuals who have played a pivotal role in shaping our community's future.
