In February, The Sheridan County Community Foundation (SCCF) awarded a $727.50 grant to help send the USD 412 Hoxie Community Schools 6th Grade class to participate in the Smoky Hill Education Service Center’s Ropes Course in Hays.
This hands-on, interactive experience, scheduled for early April on the Fort Hays State University campus, will provide more than 30 sixth-grade students—along with their teacher, Mrs. Whitney Bainter—the opportunity to develop essential life skills.
The Ropes Course focuses on:
Strengthening communication and conflict-resolution skills
Enhancing problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
Building self-esteem and self-awareness
Developing trust, responsibility, and leadership
Encouraging cooperation and teamwork
“We hope the students have an amazing field trip, but more importantly, we hope they understand the importance of communication, cooperation, and respect,” said Mrs. Bainter. “If these students grow emotionally and learn at this age to work together, communicate, and be respectful, they will be a benefit to our whole school and community.”
Investing in Youth & Education
Funding for this grant comes from the Sheridan County Youth & Education Fund, an endowed fund established in 2022 to support youth and education-focused initiatives in Sheridan County. Contributions from past Give & Grow Sheridan County Match Day campaigns helped create this fund, along with four additional Field of Interest Funds.
How to Give & Apply for Grants
SCCF welcomes donors interested in contributing to existing funds or establishing a new fund. The Foundation is currently offering a Matching Fund Initiative in 2025, 2026, and 2027, in partnership with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, providing up to $3,000 in matching funds per newly established fund.
For more information on SCCF’s funds, visit www.growsheridancounty.org/list-of-funds or contact SCCF Executive Director at director@growsheridancounty.org or 785-677-5090.
Organizations seeking grant funding for community projects can apply online. Grant applications are reviewed monthly, with six funding categories:
Education
Health Care
Community Social Services & Security
Conservation & Environment
Arts & Culture
Community Beautification
For full details and application guidelines, visit www.growsheridancounty.org/grants.
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.
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