SCCF closes out 2025 with grants awarded in November and December

The Sheridan County Community Foundation (SCCF) closed out 2025 by awarding a total of $22,128.99 in grant funding to a variety of local and regional partners during its November and December grant cycles combined. These grants support projects that strengthen community services, infrastructure, collaboration, and quality of life across Sheridan County and Northwest Kansas.

During the November grant cycle, SCCF awarded funding to the following projects:

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) received $2,000.00 to support the NWKS Regional Representative project, which expands youth outreach and programming opportunities across the region.

The Sheridan County Agency on Aging Council was awarded $3,000.00 to assist with the construction of a cement parking pad at the community bus barn, improving accessibility and safety for transportation services.

SCCF approved $6,250.00 in grant funding from the Cultivate Sheridan County Fund to support the first phase of “Rooted & Cultivated: The Northwest Kansas Food Network,” a regional initiative focused on strengthening food access, coordination, and sustainability across Northwest Kansas.

During the December grant cycle, SCCF awarded funding to the following projects:

Sheridan County Communications received $4,500.00 to support the Critical Mapping Project, an initiative aimed at improving emergency response, planning, and infrastructure coordination.

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) was awarded $1,128.99 for its Dignity, Mobility, and Outdoor Renewal Project, which enhances accessibility and outdoor spaces for individuals with developmental disabilities.

St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Seguin received $250.00 to assist with cemetery maintenance efforts.

In addition to monthly grant awards, SCCF celebrated the conclusion of its record-breaking November Match Month campaign by awarding five $1,000.00 Match Month Surprise Grants. These grants were awarded by randomly selected Match Month donors to local nonprofit organizations of their choice. Receiving the $1,000.00 surprise grants were the following organizations listed along with the respective donors who selected them to receive a surprise grant:

• Sheridan County Historical Society & Mickey Museum (Marie Mickey)

• HAMA Food Pantry (Roberta Shipley)

• USD 412 Hoxie Community Schools (Jill Pratt)

• All Stars for Jesus (Christ Community Church) (Becci Baker)

• Hoxie Golf Club (Darlene Schaffer)

“These grant awards reflect the broad range of needs, ideas, and partnerships that make our communities strong,” said Karl Pratt, SCCF Executive Director. “From infrastructure and accessibility to food systems, youth programming, and historic preservation, each project represents a meaningful investment in the present and future of Sheridan County.”

As SCCF enters the new year, the Foundation has revised its grant guidelines and introduced three new grant application forms to better align funding opportunities with project size, scope, and community impact. These updates are designed to simplify the application process, improve clarity for applicants, and ensure a more efficient review process. Educational resources and outreach opportunities will be offered in the coming months to help nonprofits and community groups understand the updated guidelines and determine which application best fits their project.

SCCF continues to accept grant applications from eligible nonprofit organizations on a rolling monthly basis, with the final day of each month serving as the deadline for consideration during the following month’s review.

Organizations interested in applying for grant funding are encouraged to learn more and submit applications at 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.