We talk with Tom Roberts about how the Engineers Foundation of Kansas turns donations into hands-on STEM opportunities for students across the state. We dig into robotics, MathCounts, Future City, and why AI makes critical thinking more important, not less. 
• what the Engineers Foundation of Kansas is and why it exists 
• how statewide support strengthens the engineering pipeline in Kansas 
• using grants for Lego Mindstorms kits and MathCounts memberships 
• why robotics teaches logic, design, teamwork, and accountability 
• how the Little Apple Cyborgs reached national competition with community fundraising 
• how Future City builds engineering thinking plus public speaking and leadership 
• what students say years later about the impact of early STEM programs 
• why AI is a tool that still requires math fundamentals and verification 
• how we support educators directly with teacher and professor awards 
• how match partners and community giving fuel the work 
Kansasengineer.org is the place to go 
Remember Philanthropy Today, wherever you get your podcast 

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We catch up with Jack Lindquist on how the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program recruits and trains leaders who understand the whole region, not just one town. We talk through who qualifies, how the program is funded, and why class projects turn networking into real community change. 
• recruiting for the 2026-27 class and why the program looks for motivated, growth-minded leaders 
• eligibility across Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee, Morris and Fort Riley, including people who work in the area 
• the value of a diverse cohort for better listening, decision-making and problem solving 
• how Fort Riley strengthens the region through economic impact and long-term community ties 
• program history and the shift toward regional thinking beyond city limits 
• tuition, scholarships for small business and nonprofits, and the role of underwriters instead of tax dollars 
• the online application, curriculum dates, and the short recorded intro that replaces an interview 
• class projects and the Ogden youth center example of sweat equity unlocking faster progress 
Go online at frlp.org and go into the apply menu link. 

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We welcome Brent Sigman as the new executive director of the Flint Hills Volunteer Center and hear why he’s bringing a boots on the ground mindset to volunteer coordination. We talk through where the biggest needs are right now, how we build stronger community partnerships, and how we can bring more young people into volunteerism. 

• Brent’s local background and the path from public service and theatre to nonprofit leadership 
• A hands-on approach to storm cleanup and showing up early for community needs 
• Building and rebuilding partnerships with local organizations across Manhattan 
• How we connect volunteers with opportunities and why education improves retention 
• Why the mall location helps visibility and makes it easier to walk in and ask 
• Youth outreach through a K-State football camp and early volunteer education 
• Current volunteer gaps including medical transportation drivers and lawn care help 
• Festival of Trees planning and the need for a strong committee 

Flint Hillsvolunteer Center.com is uh the website. Our phone number is 785-776-7787. Mine is director.fvc at gmail.com. 

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We talk with Deb Klutz of Homestead Ministries about long-term, holistic care for adult female survivors of sex trafficking in Manhattan and Celina. We dig into why trafficking is underreported, why some survivors seek faith-based support, and how the community can offer practical help that makes recovery possible. 
• Homestead Ministries’ residential model and what holistic long-term care looks like 
• Why many survivors ask for faith-based recovery and spiritual support 
• How highways, large events, and local conditions can increase trafficking risk 
• Why the numbers look “low” and how fear drives underreporting 
• Klutz’s description of SRA claims and why higher-structure care may be needed 
• Success stories after one to three years of care and the impact of stable housing 
• A leadership pipeline that equips graduates to lead anti-trafficking work 
• Concrete ways to help now through mentoring and household supply donations 
homesteadministry.org

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We talk with Gail Urban and Willie Thomas from the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Foundation about how better parks, stronger programs, and smarter funding can lift a whole community. We dig into scholarships that help kids participate, plus the July 4 cardboard boat regatta that turns fun into long-term support. 
• why the foundation forms and what it funds for Manhattan Parks and Rec 
• How the Steel and Pipe Ballpark at Seco Park changes youth sports and tournament travel 
• What happens when the quality of life sales tax sunsets and why maintenance planning matters 
• how facility sponsorships and local business support create sustainable funding 
• Star Spangled Spectacular details, including the cardboard box regatta and corporate challenge 
• what it feels like to volunteer coach and why relationships matter as much as wins 
• how the scholarship program works, including free and reduced lunch discounts 
• the scale of scholarship need and the push toward an endowment model 
Go to the Manhattan Parks and Rec Foundation website and you can also go to July4mhk.com 

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We talk with Erin Dragotto from the Museum of Art and Light about why the Picasso experience feels so powerful when you see the full creative timeline in one place. We also dig into how arts access, school partnerships, and citywide collaboration can help Manhattan grow as a destination for culture and community life. 
• what it means to see Picasso’s work in context with his life and creative range 
• how long the Picasso display runs and why timing matters 
• the transportation reimbursement bus grant for grades 3 to 8 
• Why removing barriers is the fastest way to expand arts education 
• how arts and culture support tourism and economic development 
• museums working together through Museum Month and future partnerships 
• early attendance numbers and how visitors are finding the museum 
• Manhattan High students are building a full exhibition with “Planet Oket’ra" 
You can always find out more at your website, which is artlightmuseum.org. 

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We talk with Melissa Solden and incoming principal Jared Taylor about what makes Manhattan Catholic Schools feel joyful, mission-driven, and deeply connected to the wider Manhattan community. We also run through the biggest events and simple next steps for families and supporters who want to tour, enroll, donate, or volunteer.
• Jared Taylor’s path from English teacher to incoming principal
• Discernment, faith, and choosing Catholic education after public schools
• Why Manhattan feels like a big small town
• The 38th annual golf tournament and what it funds
• The annual auction date and why it matters
• Second graders partnering with 4-H on a community garden
• Celebrating 10-year and 25-year staff milestones
• Pre-enrollment, school tours, and how enrollment works

Manhattan Catholicschools.org. Sign up, do whatever, learn, tour, engage, yes, support. 
Pray.

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We talk with Little Apple Splash organizer Kitty Pursley about the dock diving competition returning to Blue Earth Plaza and why it is one of the most fun free events to watch in Manhattan. We break down how the sport works, what makes this year special, and how local partners help bring a national-level canine competition to town. 
• what Little Apple Splash is and why it is family friendly 
• how Big Air, Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieve work 
• the scale of the setup, from dock length to pool size 
• how the sport spread through Doc Dogs and national events 
• June 12 to 14 competition dates plus the June 11 kickoff party 
• world champion Crystal McLaren returning for a fourth year 
• Aggieville Brewing’s Chili’s Bomb Brew honoring a retired military working dog 
• community support that makes the weekend possible, from Visit Manhattan to the fire department 
• silent auction fundraising, including online bidding and on-site items 
• event schedule, waves, finals, and America 250 features like presenting colors

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We share what makes Manhattan’s Juneteenth weekend feel like a true community homecoming, from live music and barbecue to a walk that helps strangers become friends. We also connect the celebration to the history of Yuma Street and close the weekend with a free screening of 42 at the Douglas Activity Center. 
• Party Train concert details and why the show is free 
• Fellowship focus through food sports and music 
• Barbecue contest format including $5 sampler kits and audience voting 
• How to register a barbecue team at JuneteenthMHK.org 
• Community walk plans and the updated route highlighting historic churches 
• Local history ties including Jackie Robinson and the Yuma district 
• Movie night logistics for 42 with lawn chairs and free popcorn 
• Sponsors partners and volunteers who make the weekend possible 

Please put the word out that it's happening on June 19th from 5 to about 9:30 or 10 on June 20th. All day, please come out

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We talk with Jennifer Elliott about how the Midwest Dream Car Collection has become one of the top car museums in the country by pairing world-class vehicles with real storytelling and up-close access. We also dig into the Route 66 centennial exhibit, hands-on family activities, and the member events that make a return visit feel like a tradition. 
• Travel + Leisure recognition and what sets the museum apart 
• Storytelling behind the cars and why it matters 
• Route 66 100th anniversary exhibit with Pixar Cars characters 
• Rotating displays and what’s kept in the vault 
• Family features like scavenger hunts, activity sheets, and a kids audio tour 
• Larry’s car and other hands-on moments for kids and adults 
• Dream Cars Club membership benefits and member reveals 
• Amphicar picnic at Tuttle Creek with rides 
• Summer calendar highlights including Start Your Engine kickoff and community programs 
The website is Midwest Dream Car Collection.org if you'd like to find out more. But stop by, take a look around. 

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