Today we chatted with Rachelle Wertenberger & Kent Saylor about how a beloved classmate's legacy inspires and transforms lives even after tragedy strikes. Join us as we honor Tara Ploeger through a heartfelt conversation with Kent and Rachel, who share their deeply personal connections with Tara and the scholarship created in her memory. You'll hear how an unexpected tragedy led to overwhelming community support, ultimately transitioning the Tara Ploeger Scholarship into an endowed fund. Through Kent and Rachel's touching stories, we highlight the emotional challenges of fundraising and celebrate the enduring tribute to Tara's vibrant spirit and dedication to her community.

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Today we chatted with Morree Floersch Chairperson of the Clay Center Community Improvement Foundation and Bill Oetinger President of the Clay County Education Endowment Association (CCEEA). Listen as Bill retells the remarkable journey of the CCEEA, whose humble beginnings over two decades ago have transformed into a powerhouse for local scholarships, bolstered by the incredible $2.6 million McDaniel family donation. But the story doesn't end there. Mitzi discusses with Morree and Bill the ambitious $8 million fundraising campaign for a new community center in Clay Center, fueled by technology, grants, and a vision for the future. We celebrate the vibrant culture of philanthropy fostered by passionate individuals from all walks of life, contributing to the Clay Center Kansas growth. This episode is a testament to the power of collaboration, pride, and the enduring legacy of donors committed to nurturing future generations.

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Today we talked with Claudia Jones and Nicole Kucherov about The American Association of University Women (AAUW) scholarships and its role in empowering women since the 1920s. Claudia, an AAUW board member, shares the AAUW's incredible history and community contributions such as traveling libraries and Depression-era daycare support. Listen to Nicole's heartfelt experience as a non-traditional student and mother who found new hope through targeted scholarships. Discover how her teaching English in Chile and her AmeriCorps service have fueled her dreams of blending research and education.

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In this episode, Dave Lewis sat down with Penny Wika, who, alongside her late husband Norris, has devoted her life to enriching education and fostering philanthropy in Wamego. Penny's inspiring transition from a career in journalism to becoming a beloved teacher at Manhattan High School, the story behind the creation of the Norris and Penny Wika Scholarship, a $1,000 renewable annual award initiated in 2015 that helps students throughout their undergraduate studies. Additionally, they chatted about the expansion of the Penny Wika Journalist of the Year Award, which now grants a $5,000 scholarship to talented student journalists, promoting excellence and dedication in the field. As well as the formation of her family’s trust, and the Noris & Penny Wika Trust Scholarship.

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Today we talked with Linda Fincham, Vice President of the Frankfort Community Foundation Board of Directors, and Haley Stevens, a former scholarship recipient. Linda provides a heartfelt account of her parents' memorial funds and their dedication to supporting local students pursuing medical careers. Peek into the lives of those who juggle work, school, and family, and learn how a strong support system can make all the difference. Haley shares her inspiring journey emphasizing how the scholarship played a critical role in her academic and professional growth. This episode is a testament to the enduring power of community bonds and the transformative power of philanthropy. We also explore the Frankfort Community Foundation’s initiatives, such as Match Day, and their significant contributions to community generosity.

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Today, we talked with GMCF’s President and CEO Vern Henricks, and Gants & Scholarships Coordinator Edee Nichols about the impact of GMCF’s scholarship initiatives, from the heartwarming origins fueled by donor interests and memorial funds to the tangible success stories from students in the community of Clay Center, Atchison, Dover, Wamego, and Manhattan, Kansas. You'll learn how these scholarships address critical educational needs in communities without local universities.
Discover the strategies behind establishing and managing scholarships. Vern and Edie reveal secrets on determining criteria, thoughtful naming, and the difference between endowed and non-endowed scholarship funds. Avoiding the pitfall of scholarships going "underwater" during the years of the scholarship and the expertise of the Community Foundation in managing these funds ensuring donors see the positive impact on students’ lives are just a few insights you’ll gain.

How to Start a Scholarship Fund

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Today, we talked with Jason & Jill Selland and Trey Lockwood about the inspiration behind establishing a scholarship to honor influential educators Jay Logan and Larry Potroff and discover how these teachers shaped the Sellands' lives and inspired them to give back to their community. Jason & Jill share touching stories of past recipients who have gone on to positively impact their communities, including a passionate horticulturist who returned to inspire current students. They also reflect on their own educational experiences, emphasizing the empowering effect of community support and mentorship. Trey Lockwood provides his perspective as a recent scholarship recipient, offering a glimpse into the real-world impact of the Potroff-Logan Scholarship. In this episode, we navigate the journey of creating a scholarship promoting vocational education in South Brown County. Hear about the challenges and successes faced along the way and the pivotal role played by the South Brown Community Foundation.

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Today, we chatted with Ken Culbertson Monroe Say, about the motivation behind establishing the Home Care and Hospice Employee Education Fund scholarship. Ken opens up about the journey that led to the creation of this scholarship, fulfilling his wife Rhoda's final wish to support the compassionate hospice staff. Over the past eight years, this scholarship has paved the way for ten recipients, including Monroe, to achieve their educational and career aspirations, underlining healthcare providers' critical roles in offering holistic patient care and grief support.
Join us as we explore the broader impact of this scholarship on the community and its significant legacy. Ken discusses his family's unwavering dedication to growing the fund to enhance its reach and sustainability.

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