2024 in Review: GMCF's Achievements
As we enter 2025, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the remarkable progress and achievements of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation (GMCF). In 2024, we strengthened our role as the largest community foundation in Kansas, expanded our programs, and deepened our impact across the region. I'm excited to share some of the highlights from this incredible year.
Staff Growth and Transitions
This year, we welcomed four new team members, including four new executive directors supported by the Patterson Family Foundation Capacity Building Program. Derrick Jackson joined us as Finance Assistant, Aimee Nelson now leads the Wamego Community Foundation as Executive Director, Ivy Stone serves as Executive Director of the South Brown County Community Foundation, Grace Sammoury serves as Executive Director for the Atchison Area Community Foundation, and Connie Joy has joined as Executive Director for the Greater Sabetha Community Foundation. While we celebrated these new additions, we also said farewell (for now) to our intern, Taylor Veatch, who is pursuing further studies but will return next semester.
Community Cares Chest
Through our Community Cares Chest initiative, GMCF has distributed 22 truckloads of donated products to nonprofits, valued at approximately $4.7 million in retail pricing. These items meet critical needs in our community, from personal care products to food staples. A special thank you to the Manhattan Rotary Club for their support in unloading and distributing these donations.
Grow Green Match Day
Our flagship Grow Green Match Day raised over $2.1 million in 2024, benefiting 90 organizations. Thanks to the Howe Family Foundation, the Butler Family Community Foundation, and an anonymous donor, we saw a $160,917 increase from 2023. Since its inception, this event has grown from raising $140,553 to becoming a cornerstone of philanthropic support in our community.
Expanding Partner Match Days
Partner Match Days raised a record-breaking $6,049,107 across 16 communities in 2024—an over $1 million increase from last year. Since 2013, GMCF and its partners have raised more than $32.6 million through Match Days, showcasing the power of collective generosity across Kansas.
Scholarships and Grants
In 2024, GMCF awarded 62 scholarships totaling $132,170, while our partners distributed 259 scholarships worth $369,995. Additionally, GMCF granted over $15 million to 57 nonprofit organizations, with our partner foundations contributing over $1.7 million in grants to support their local initiatives.
Flint Hills Community Accelerator/Childcare Business Initiative
GMCF is proud to tackle the initiative to solve the childcare needs in our community in collaboration with the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. This project secured $5.6 million in government funding and launched two websites—childcarebusinessinitiative.org and flinthillscommunityaccelerator.org—to support childcare providers and entrepreneurs in the Flint Hills region. These platforms will offer resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities to drive innovation and community support.
GMCF Community Hour Radio Show
In 2024, we hosted 49 GMCF Community Hour Radio Shows shows featuring 98 segments highlighting nonprofit initiatives and community events. This vital platform continues to inform and engage residents across the region.
Rural Capacity Building
The Patterson Family Foundation Capacity Building Program enabled us to hire four new executive directors this year, and we look forward to adding four more in 2025 to bring our staff up to 19 members working on behalf of the philanthropic efforts of Manhattan and throughout Northeast Kansas. Through this program, GMCF continues to support rural partner community foundations in building capacity and fostering local leadership.
Reflecting on 2024, I want to thank you—donors, nonprofits, volunteers, and staff—for your unwavering commitment to our mission. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Here's to continued success and collaboration in 2025!
