Manhattan, Kansas — April, 15, 2026 — The Greater Manhattan Community Foundation (GMCF) has announced its first quarter grant distributions for 2026, awarding funding to a wide range of nonprofit organizations working to strengthen the community through essential services, education, healthcare, and the arts.
The Lincoln & Dorothy Deihl Community Grants program awarded $166,000 to the Meadowlark Hills Foundation in support of its Purpose in Motion capital campaign, a project designed to enhance services and infrastructure for residents.
Additionally, through the Grants for Greater Manhattan program, a total of $193,449 was awarded to organizations addressing a wide variety of community needs. Funded projects include sober-living housing support, youth programs and scholarships, access to healthcare and mental health services, food security initiatives, and opportunities in education, the arts, and recreation.
Organizations receiving support include Be Able, Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan, Cornerstone Family Counseling, First Tee-Manhattan, Flint Hills Breadbasket, Flint Hills EAA Ch
Chapter 1364, Food and Farm Council of Riley County/City of Manhattan, Good Shepherd Homecare & Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, HirePaths Inc., Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation, Kansas Science Festival, Kids Bike Recycling, Kansas Big Brother Big Sisters Serving Riley County, Laundry Love MHK/Riley County Council of Social Service Agencies, Manhattan Free Clinic, Manhattan Optimist Club, Pawnee Mental Health, Riley County Community Connections, Riley County Health Department, Shepherd's Crossing, Special Olympics Kansas, Sunflower Children's Collective, The House Cafe, The Museum of Art + Light, Thrive! Flint Hills Foundation, Wonder Workshop Children's Museum, and the Crisis Center.
Additional grants were distributed through the Howe Family Foundation, investing in major community initiatives such as capital campaigns, youth programs, arts access, and community development projects. Awardees include Special Community Alliance Fund, Shepherd's Crossing, No Stone Unturned Foundation, Sunset Zoological Park and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Big Lakes Foundation, the Museum of Art + Light, and Flint Hills Summer Camp.
“These grants represent more than financial support—they reflect the generosity of donors and the strength of partnerships across our community. Each investment helps ensure that organizations have the resources they need to respond to today’s challenges while building a stronger future for all,” said Dr. Sarah F. Barrett, Vice President for Impact Strategy & Grant Programs.