Foundation awards grants in July and August

The Sheridan County Community Foundation (SCCF) has awarded $4,389.00 in grant funding through its July and August grant cycles, supporting projects that enrich education, culture, and community well-being.

In July, USD 412 Hoxie Community Schools was awarded $889.00 to cover the SWANK Public Performance Site License fee, which allows movies to be legally shown in the Hoxie High School Auditorium. The license provides value both inside and outside the classroom.

As noted in the grant application, the SWANK license is used in the school setting to reinforce curriculum, reward positive behavior, support social-emotional learning, and provide meaningful enrichment during indoor recess, holiday events, and testing periods. Beyond the classroom, the license also enables community partners to host family movie nights, fundraisers, and special programs. Without this license, the legal showing of films would not be possible, significantly limiting opportunities for enrichment and celebration.

Community members or organizations interested in hosting a film screening at the auditorium are encouraged to contact the high school administration and ensure their selection falls within the SWANK catalog of eligible titles. More information is available at www.swank.com.

Two additional grants were awarded in August.

The Western Plains Arts Association received $2,000.00 to bring cultural programming to Sheridan County as part of its 2025–26 season. Planned events include “The Wichita Lineman – A Tribute to Glen Campbell” on October 20, 2025, for the general public, and “The Three Little Pigs” performed by Wichita Children’s Theatre for elementary students during the school day on November 23, 2025.

Details about these and other performances can be found at www.westernplainsarts.com.

The second August recipient, High Point Advocacy and Resource Center, Inc., was awarded $1,500.00 in support of its upcoming Rock ‘N Recovery Family Event, which will be held on September 20, 2025.

Designed to destigmatize addiction recovery, the all-day gathering will celebrate individuals living in long-term recovery while raising awareness that people can and do recover from substance use disorders. Additional information is available at www.highpointadvocacy.com.

SCCF accepts grant applications from eligible nonprofits on a rolling monthly basis, with the final day of each month serving as the deadline for review during the following month’s board meeting. Grants are available in the categories of education, healthcare, social services and security, conservation and environment, arts and culture, and community beautification. Application information can be found at www.growsheridancounty.org/grants.

Those inspired by these stories of local impact are encouraged to consider contributing to an existing grant fund or starting a new one. A limited-time matching opportunity—up to $3,000.00 per fund—is currently available to help establish new endowed grant funds. To explore your options, contact SCCF Executive Director Karl Pratt at (785) 677-5090 or director@growsheridancounty.org.

SCCF is an affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation based in Bird City. The foundation seeks to encourage, prudently manage, and distribute charitable contributions to improve the quality of life of Sheridan County residents, now and in the future. To learn more, contact Pratt at 785-677-5090, director@growsheridancounty.org, or visit www.growsheridancounty.org. Connect with SCCF at www.facebook.com/sheridanccf.