The Wichita Symphony Orchestra is one of the oldest arts organizations in Kansas. Their mission is to provide high quality musical presentations for as many different audiences as possible.
The Foundation offers these nonprofit grant opportunities:
Traditional Grants
To address basic needs of Wichita-based nonprofit organizations, the Wichita Community Foundation makes Traditional Grants available in amounts up to $25,000. To apply, share your idea in a letter of inquiry no longer than two pages. Tell us the need or opportunity you hope to address, the possible solution, your hoped-for outcomes, and the cost of the project.
The Foundation’s Grants Committee reviews all letters of inquiry , and determines awards. The Committee is made up of past and current WCF Board Members who are knowledgeable about the Wichita/Sedgwick County community and are personally involved in charitable activities. The Committee may ask you for additional information or invite you to discuss your idea in person.
The Wichita Community Foundation’s fiscal year begins each July 1, and a letter of inquiry can be submitted any time after that date.
Frequently Asked Questions
In what areas does the Wichita Community Foundation fund?
Arts, Education, Environment, and Health & Social Services.
If our organization is based outside of Wichita, are we eligible for funding?
The Foundation prefers to fund within the Wichita community. However, some grants are given to organizations that work in Sedgwick County but are not based here.
Our nonprofit is just getting started. Do we have to be tax-exempt to receive funding?
The Wichita Community Foundation has worked with many new organizations over the years. Call the Foundation office and we’ll discuss the options available to you.
Do you give grants to capital campaigns?
Yes, on a case-by-case basis. In most cases, grants of this kind are linked to causes with which we have a history – such as adult dental care, or the chronically homeless.
Does my organization stand a better chance of being funded if we partner with another nonprofit?
Yes. We encourage and favor programs and organizations that collaborate.
Do you award multi-year grants?
Yes, again on a case-by-case basis.
Some grants require reports every quarter. What are your reporting requirements?
We ask that you complete a one-page report at the end of the grant period.
Have more questions? Click on the “Ask A Question” button.
Community Venture Grants
Over the years, the Foundation has found its best ideas come from people who are passionate about causes. The commitment that a nonprofit leader, board member, or volunteer makes to their organization has the potential to generate enormous change for the better.
In order to encourage and capture that passion, the Wichita Community Foundation offers Community Venture grants. Typically, these grants are awarded to requests that are creative in nature, contain expansive ideas for the betterment of the community, and involve several nonprofit organizations.
In keeping with the creative nature of the projects we hope to fund, there are no guidelines, deadlines for submission, or even funding limits. (Grants ranging from $26,000 to $250,000 have been awarded.)
In fact, the only requirement is that all programs or projects serve the Wichita/Sedgwick County area.
If you believe your organization or collaborative group may qualify for a Community Venture Grant, please submit a short letter of inquiry stating your idea and projected budget. If your idea is approved, the Foundation’s Grants Committee will ask for a full proposal outlining your ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Community Venture Grants
We have a great idea that doesn’t need other collaborators. Will you consider funding that?
We encourage organizations to work together. Your chances of being funded improve with collaborative partners.
How much money can we ask for?
The budget for the Community Venture project should reflect what is needed to accomplish the objectives of the grant. Make sure you explain the need for the dollars you ask for. It will strengthen your request. See Community Venture guidelines.
Can the project be multiyear?
Yes, and the budget should reflect what will be spent each year.
If you’d like to learn more about Community Venture grants, please email Carol Nazar at cnazar@wichitacf.org.
