GROW I - Operating Funds

Each participating community foundation set a goal and the KHF would match that goal dollar for dollar, if completed between December 1, 2001 and December 31, 2003.
The WKCF set and reached the goal of $150,000 in operating funds raised.
KHF matched the WKCF goal with $150,000. In addition, the WKCF received a new computer, printer/copier/fax machine, additional computer hardware, QuickBooks financial software, EXCEED! Donor tracking software & technology assistance.
In spring of 2002 the WKCF received a bonus from KHF, $10,000 to be expended in grants to the area served by the WKCF. The Western Kansas Community Foundation met the goal established for GROW I along with other requirements, gained eligibility to continue participation in the GROW initiative.

GROW II - Building Endownment

Community foundations were again asked to select a goal to reach for new endowed funds raised between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2003. The WKCF approved a $500,000 goal, the maximum allowed by KHF. Somewhat like GROW I, KHF would match $1 for every $2 raised for building endowment. The WKCF exceeded the $500,000 goal. The Kansas Health Foundation matching gift in the amount of $250,000 arrived late December 2003. This matching grant from KHF established the Kansas Health Foundation Children's Fund and grants will be made for children's needs within the WKCF area. Because the WKCF met the GROW II goal, KHF granted an additional $10,000 for children's needs grants.

GROW III - Nonprofit Initiative

This phase of the KHF GROW program is designed to help community foundations become knowledgeable about community issues, needs and opportunities, and to serve as a resource for local non-profit organizations. In other words, it is a capacity building initiative to help local agencies meet current needs. The WKCF will host a seminar in September 2005 and include presentations from keynote speakers. In response to a survey regarding what organizations would most like to discuss, areas such as fundraising, grantwriting, marketing/public relations and recruiting and developing board members will be covered. Agencies attending the seminar will have an opportunity to receive a raffle mini-grant from the WKCF.

GROW IV - Additional Funds

Community foundations with assets under $10 million who successfully completed Phase II and developed and implemented a 2004 asset development and strategic plan are eligible to participate in Phase IV. Being successful with the previous GROW phases allowed the WKCF to participate and have the opportunity for another match from KHF. Once again the KHF is willing to match $1 for every $2 raised for building endowments. The WKCF elected to set a goal of $700,000, to be eligible for the match of $350,000, the maximum amount allowed by the KHF. The timeframe to meet this goal began January 1, 2005 and ends December 31, 2006. All matching funds from the KHF must be placed in the "Kansas Health Foundation Children’s Fund" for the health and well-being of children in our community. In November 2005, Community Foundations involved in the GROW Healthy Kansas program with the Kansas Health foundation were notified KHF was increasing their promise match! The WKCF's initial goal of $700,000 would now be matched with $700,000. That is a 100% match, increased from the previous 50% match!

GROW V - Matching Funds & Strategic Planning

Continuing with the GROW program is the next phase which initiated January 1, 2007 and continue through December 31, 2008. There are three components to this phase. The first is the endowment match with terms as in years past. The KHF is willing to match $1 for every $2 raised for building endowments with the WKCF goal again established at $700,000, to be eligible for the match of $350,000. In addition, the community foundations who successfully meet the endowment match outlined above will be eligible to receive $100,000 if $50,000 is raised in operating funds. The second component is a requirement that the Foundation must comply with the Council on Foundations National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. The third requires that the Foundation prepares and submits a plan to achieve sustainability. This Sustaining Resource Development Plan requires board engagement in its development and implementation. The WKCF is geared for another successful GROW Phase, what an exciting time!