We talk with Kendra Coleman from the Manhattan Arts Center about how a single weekend can bring 3,000 neighbors together and still raise real money for programs. We trace how festivals, partnerships, and match-day giving turn into scholarships, equipment, building fixes, and a bigger arts season for Manhattan.
• mac and cheese festival growth and what worked
• large-scale printmaking with K-State and the road flattener reveal
• artist market, live music, costume garage sale, and the annual art contest theme Unravel
• how proceeds support ceramics, Common Table, and youth programming scholarships
• outdoor classroom plans including murals, furniture, Wi‑Fi, electricity, planters, and a small stage
• auditions and upcoming shows including Radium Girls and youth theater
• season highlights including a Britney Spears musical, The Nutcracker partnership, and more
• why Grow Green Match Day funding matters for maintenance, space, equipment, and supplies
ManhattanArts.org is the website. You can always find out more there. 

GMCF

CFAs

We talk with Emily Wagner, executive director of the Manhattan Emergency Shelter, about how a long career in social services turns into leadership and what it really takes to keep a shelter stable. We dig into Bids for Bags, the stress of restrictive grant funding, and the changing faces of homelessness in our community. 
• Emily’s 25-year path from volunteer to director 
• Bids for Bags event details, auction items, and how donations work 
• Why unrestricted funds keep operations steady 
• Grant season pressure, increased competition, and shifting requirements 
• Grow Green Match Day as a major support and a safety net during delays 
• Trends in shelter guests, including unaccompanied youth and seniors on fixed incomes 
• The value of nonprofit collaboration and community spirit in Manhattan 
Go to our website, www.MESIKansas.org

GMCF

CFAs

We talk with Dr. Rachel Dirks about how the Manhattan Symphony Orchestra forms, grows, and keeps concerts free for the community. We dig into programming choices, real-world logistics, and the partnerships and donations that help a new orchestra dream bigger without losing its values.

• spotting a gap in Manhattan’s arts scene and deciding to start a community orchestra
• using practical startup steps and an open call that draws more than 90 interested musicians
• building an ensemble with pros and amateurs from ages 11 to 81
• programming a Mid-Century Modern classics concert with Bernstein, Howard Hanson and Paul Reade
• selecting repertoire by balancing player ability, time, and a single anchor work
• handling logistics with a working board and shared leadership
• covering expenses like music, venues and specialist players such as harp
• keeping musicians unpaid by design so concerts can remain free and accessible
• partnering with McCain Auditorium and performing alongside Celtic Woman
• planning future runouts, community venues and a September 11 commemorative performance
• inviting new musicians, sponsors and community partners to get involved

Just go to the website and give, learn. Check us out, learn more, join us uh in any ways you you think appeal to you.

GMCF

CFAs

We catch up with Rick Hernandez from Manhattan Free Clinic on a big year of growth, including a second location and thousands of patient visits. We also talk about what real healthcare access looks like, how new tech helps patients learn at home, and why Grow Green matters for funding patient care. 
• celebrating 20 years and honoring Dr Jim Reed’s foundational impact 
• opening a second clinic location near the hospital for easier access 
• offering sick care and comprehensive care on set days each week 
• removing barriers like transportation and bus fare for patients 
• doubling patient volume over six years to 1,600 people and nearly 6,000 touches 
• serving more uninsured patients after eligibility expands to 300% of federal poverty level 
• using touchscreen patient education tools and email follow-ups to improve understanding 
• explaining Grow Green match details and how donations go straight to patient care 
MHKfreeclinic.com is her website. 

GMCF

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We share how GMCF’s new strategic plan responds to rapid growth and sets a 2035 vision for being the community’s trusted philanthropic partner. We walk through the three goals guiding our next decade and the practical steps we’re taking to strengthen staffing, grow resources, and deepen measurable impact.
• why reaching $400 million in assets changes expectations and operations 
• the 2035 vision to be the community’s philanthropic choice and trusted resource 
• three strategic goals driving decisions: build capacity, grow resources, increase impact 
• capacity plans including cost revenue study and clearer staff roles 
• adding executive leadership in development plus investment and real estate management 
• criteria for deciding when to join major community initiatives 
• how board retreats and staff retreats shape alignment and accountability 
• turning strategy into execution through “by whom, by when” ownership 
• resource growth through community leadership engagement and a focused marketing plan 
• donor-advised funds education and alignment with community needs 
• planned giving as a priority while complementing existing financial advisors 
• impact measurement, impact communication, and a comprehensive grant strategy 

GMCF

CFAs

We sit down with Scott Voos from Be Able and hear from Gary, a program graduate who goes from jail and instability to recovery housing and a real plan for the future. Gary shares how basic needs, accountability, and community help him rebuild his health, reconnect with family, and aim for a traditional lease. 
• winter pressure points and why cold months are harder 
• what a Be Able program graduate means in practice 
• Gary’s path from jail and probation to stability 
• why showers, clean clothes, and a safe bed unlock employment 
• rebuilding trust and family connection through consistent change 
• how peer examples create hope inside a recovery community 
• the biggest barrier after progress starts: renting with a record 
• how Be Able’s transitional recovery housing program is growing and staying structured 
Find out more about their efforts at BeAbleCommunity.com 
On the 28th, just in front of the houses at 10:30, 500 block of Yuma 
Don’t forget Grow Green Match Day is coming up, too 

GMCF

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Spring brings energy to Sunset Zoo as we welcome Kiatu, a four-month-old colobus monkey named through a community vote, and introduce our new director, Dr. Kaylee Reyes. We share expanded hours, family programs, membership perks, and a full slate of events that connect fun with conservation.

• Kiatu’s growth, behavior and striking color changes
• The community naming story and tribute to Scott Shoemaker
• Dr Kaylee Reyes’ primate expertise and leadership
• Spring break hours, story time and daily encounters
• Future plans for lemur habitats and Americas zone
• Friends of Sunset Zoo membership tiers and perks
• Venue rentals for weddings, formals and company nights
• Tiger personalities and the unforgettable wedding moment
• Summer camps, Junior Zookeeper and Wildlife Warriors
• Party for the Planet, Wine in the Wild and Brew at the Zoo

Find hours, membership and event details at sunsetzoo.com

GMCF

CFAs

We share how local dollars and volunteer time turn into rent relief, utility help, free clothing, hot lunches, and real casework that follows clients from court to hospital to home. The result is practical hope that stays in Riley and Geary counties and grows when neighbors step up.

• two staff running casework, meals and clothing support
• how vouchers provide free business and family clothing
• Angel Tree planning for 1,200 children
• kettle funds staying local and what they pay for
• volunteers needed for meals, sorting and cleaning
• most-needed items for warmer months
• donation hours, furniture and mattress acceptance
• veteran support and ID replacement help
• partner referrals without barriers to entry
• Texas Roadhouse appetizer cards funding support

“Give us a call at 785-770-3171 or stop by 310 Points Avenue to pick up a Texas Roadhouse free appetizer card; donations at the restaurant go straight to us and are good through the end of September.”

GMCF

CFAs

We spotlight how the Manhattan Optimists turn a simple motto, Friend of Youth, into concrete programs that open doors for kids and strengthen the city. From a thriving instrument drive to free t‑ball and flexible meetings, the club shows how service scales when people show up.

• Purpose and history of the Manhattan Optimists since 1959
• Band and orchestra instrument drive for families who cannot afford rentals
• Breadth of impact with over 30 programs and grants
• Partnerships with schools, Parks and Rec, and local nonprofits
• Free t‑ball access for every five and six year old
• Fundraising pillars: Christmas tree sales, chili crawl, spaghetti dinner and silent auction
• Member recruitment through split breakfast and lunch meetings
• Benefits of merging two clubs to expand reach and leadership
• Youth recognition programs that build future service leaders
• Practical advice for future civic philanthropy awardees

ManhattanOptimist.com • Spaghetti Dinner at Pottorf Hall, March 28, 5–8 p.m., with silent auction

GMCF

CFAs

We share how Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Kansas keeps families close to pediatric care, removes daily burdens, and plans upgrades and events to meet rising demand. We also outline simple ways Manhattan-area listeners can help, from rounding up at McDonald’s to sponsoring local fundraisers.

• mission to house families with children in treatment
• services including private rooms, meals, laundry, and transport
• steady demand with average 13-day stays and waitlists
• exterior facelift and new security system for safety
• upcoming room renovations and practical facility upgrades
• spring sporting clays and golf events with auctions
• August gala with live and virtual auctions
• sponsorship options and social media amplification
• auction item needs matched to each event’s theme
• Manhattan, Geary, and Riley County families as major users
• how to help locally via roundup, CX012 at Dylan’s, pop tabs, and Amazon wishlist
• website link and contact to get involved

“Registration's open right now if you want to get in on that early bird pricing for a round of clays”

GMCF

CFAs