South Central Community Foundation - What is it?
South Central Community Foundation in Pratt Kansas
What is it?
Have you ever wondered what this organization is, and what it accomplishes? An interview with Holly Rooks, Executive Director, reveals the answers.
SCCF was founded in 1994 by an initial group of approximately 30 people. Within a couple years, the group had grown to about 100 individuals and businesses. Their interest was in having a positive impact on their communities. Having a central location to meet helped bring people together to accomplish common goals.
The seven counties being served are Barber, Comanche, Kingman. Kiowa, Rice and Stafford. All seven are intentionally represented on the SCCF board, as well as on grant and other committees.
Grants are given to many types of recipients. They include
communities, schools, non-profit organizations, youth scholarships, children’s health projects, K-12 classroom teachers, and more! These grants help grow and strengthen communities in the seven-county area.
Funding
Funding for the grants is received from donors through gifts of endowments, donations of finances or other types, such as stocks, or even gifts of grain. The endowments produce a perpetual financial fund. Financial donations may be given toward a designated existing fund, or given for SCCF to pass through to various recipients.
Currently there are approximately 180 funds overseen by the Foundation. Those funds in turn benefit the counties listed previously, through grants distributed by SCCF.
The Grants
Grants are awarded annually. They may be applied for from June through August, the deadline being August 31st. Grant committees review the applications and select the recipients. Amounts are up to about $2,000. Holly shared that this year, about $150,000 was awarded to 126 different recipients. That’s a great investment into south central Kansas!
Interested in becoming a part of this inspiring work?
Contact Holly at (620-672-7929).
