24 Jul Mastermind Grants Round Up
Mastermind on the Road is coming up quickly, and most of our community presentation dates are now confirmed (you can find them here). As part of the Mastermind process, the Foundation offers a special round of grant funding designed to address priorities identified through the community survey. While we’ve shared videos and recaps from a few of the funded projects, we wanted to provide a full update on all the grants awarded through Mastermind in 2024:
Canton-Galva – Canton-Galva site Council – $9,500 Matching – In progress
The beautification project aims to address areas that are visible from well trafficked roadways and revitalizing the schools exterior through landscaping. The grant will create a more welcoming and visually appealing environment for both the school and the communities.
Work on the project will start as soon as the organization reaches the matching amount, it was shared to the foundation that funding is close to being secured.
Photo of the McPherson Industrial Park.
MIDC – Industrial Recruitment Readiness Analysis – $10,000 – Complete
The study was completed earlier this year, and allowed for MIDC and the City of McPherson to identify the strengths and weaknesses that our present in the community in regards to industrial expansion. For a more in depth look into the grant and the study click here.
McPherson County Health Department – Reproductive Freedom: Expanding Access to Long-Acting Reversible Contraception – $10,000 – Complete
This grant provided access to Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC), which is often referred to as hormonal implants or intrauterine devices (IUD) to residents in McPherson County. Check out the video above where Director Shalei Shea discussed the importance of the project.
McPherson Main Street – Umbrellas on the Plaza – $3,100 – Complete
McPherson Main Street replaced umbrellas in the city of McPherson main street plaza. This creates a memorable and vibrant social gathering places for events.
The Windom Public bathroom is now open!
Windom Lions Club – Windom Park Upgrades: Bathroom and Playground Enhancements – $10,000 – In progress
This grant aims to provide public bathroom access to the community at the Windom Park. The bathroom is now reopened and functional, with exterior painting being the only part of the project to be completed.
Offender/Victim Ministries – McPherson County Truancy Prevention Project – $8,100 – In progress
The McPherson County Truancy Prevention Project is a continuation of a program that has existed in the county. This funding allowed for the program to have a dedicated person for McPherson County. Read more about the project and its goals here.
Inman’s afterschool program completed it’s first year of service in 2025
Inman Recreation – Inman After School Program – $5,000 Matching – Complete
The Inman Rec. Commission provided their after school program for the 24-25 school year and aimed to address a need for afterschool childcare in the community. Read our story on how the the first year of the program impacted the community here.
City of Lindsborg Recreation Department – Sidewalk at Swensson Park – $5,000 Matching – Complete
The purpose of this project is to provide the public access to key features within Swensson Park, the city’s central-most and well-loved park. This grant helped provide sidewalks that gave the rest of the park street access.