Cheyenne County Kansas Community Foundation was formerly the St. Francis Community Foundation formed in 2007. The Foundation became an affiliate of Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation in December 2017. An affiliate is a collection of community funds to increase philanthropic giving in a geographic area. Both endowed and non-endowed funds are developed to provide financial support to 501(c)(3) and other qualifying non-profit organizations for charitable purposes to benefit area residents.

The Foundation serves as a ‘savings account’ for the good of Cheyenne County; “building the foundation of tomorrow” through financial gifts today. CCKCF provides an avenue for donors to give to for projects, county-wide or community specific needs, and personalized giving that best suits the donor’s wishes.

 

Our Beginnings

The  St. Francis New Generation Fund, Inc. was established in 1988 with funds remaining from the Celebrate St. Francis Anniversary event of $25,130.  The purpose set forth was to provide funds for the improvement and development of the City of St. Francis and surrounding area.” In 2007, the St. Francis New Generation Fund endowment fund was established with Greater Kansas City Community Foundation and all funds were transferred into this new endowment fund. The St. Francis Community Foundation was established to manage the endowment fund. Robert Grace served as the first board present and other initial board members included: Dara Carmichael, Michael Day, Susan Hobrock, Tom Keller, Carla Lampe, Erica Lehman, and Carl Werner.

After 2007, several additional funds were established:

• Cheyenne County Senior Living Fund was established following the fire and evacuation of the Good Samaritan Society skilled nursing care facility.
• St. Francis Community Foundation Unrestricted Fund was created to provide funds to be used at the board’s discretion in supporting community projects.
• St. Francis Educational Foundation Fund was established with an initial generous donation by USD 297 life-long educator and leader Carl Werner. The fund allows for the net income from the Fund to be distributed to St. Francis USD 297 upon recommendation from the School Superintendent and Board of Education.

 

Moving Forward

In December, 2017, the St. Francis Community Foundation chose to affiliate with Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation. As part of the change, the foundation name was changed to to Cheyenne County Kansas Community Foundation (CCKCF) to better reflect a county-wide philanthropic vision. At that time, the foundation’s fund balances totaled $894,287.

Under the GNWKCF umbrella, the Cheyenne County Impact Fund, an endowment fund established initially under GNWKCF directly as part of a Dane. G. Hansen Foundation initiative, was moved under CCKCF. This fund allows for granting the net income annually to charitable causes benefiting Cheyenne County, Kansas. Also, the foundation assumed management of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation Community Grant Fund for Cheyenne County.

Since joining GNWKCF, the following additional funds have been established:

• Cheyenne County Kansas Community Foundation Unrestricted Fund was renamed from the St. Francis Community Foundation Unrestricted Fund.
• Cheyenne County Village Fund was established in 2018 to be used for the charitable purpose of supporting the needs of the Cheyenne County Village.

 

Our Future

CCKCF exists soley due to the passionate efforts of community volunteers who are willing to serve on the board and the generous donations from community members, businesses, alumni, foundations and individuals who believe in investing in Cheyenne County’s future. The funds of the foundation serve as a “savings account” to ensure future generations will have resources to maintain and improve the quality of life for all who call Cheyenne County home.