Truancy, defined as staying away from school without a valid reason, has become a growing concern in Kansas. Since 2019, the number of chronically truant students has increased significantly, a trend visible in McPherson County schools. When schools exhaust their options, they often refer truancy cases...
In 2015, the McPherson County Community Foundation (MCCF) set an ambitious goal: raise its total assets to $24 million by 2020. The effort aimed to boost financial sustainability not only for the foundation itself but for nonprofit organizations throughout the county. The community didn’t just respond—they...
If you are 70 ½ and older, by now you’ve likely heard about a charitable giving tool called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (“QCD”), allowing you to direct a distribution from your IRA to an eligible charity, such as a designated fund, unrestricted fund, or field-of-interest...
One theme echoed throughout the 2024 Mastermind McPherson County surveys: the need for accessible childcare. In nearly every community, it ranked among the top five priorities. In Inman, it was No. 2. And the issue isn't limited to infant care. Many schools dismiss students well before...
As part of the McPherson County Community Foundation’s (MCCF) ongoing commitment to excellence, staff members have recently taken part in professional development opportunities across the country. These efforts are designed to help team members grow as leaders and communicators while bringing fresh ideas back to...
As you’ve watched the news about potential tax reform, a principle known as the “step-up in basis” might have caught your attention. Over the years, from time to time, draft legislation has proposed that this principle be changed or eliminated. Although tax law changes to...
The McPherson County Community Foundation is proud to announce the 2025 scholarship recipients. This year, more than $41,000 in financial aid was awarded to high school seniors and adult learners from across the county, distributed through 29 scholarship funds. Notably, 2025 marks the first year...
A few weeks ago, we shared how priorities identified through the Mastermind McPherson County survey were categorized. Since then, we’ve continued integrating those priorities into our day-to-day work, most notably through grants from the Community Dream Fund and the David J. Nutt Fund for Lindsborg. Haven’t...
Economic turbulence, inflation concerns, and a general sense of financial instability have made 2025 very challenging for a lot of people. As you consider how to support your favorite charities this year, take a moment to evaluate which assets may be best suited for your...
The McPherson County Community Foundation (MCCF) will host the 12th annual Norene Ketcherside Art Symposium and Teachers Workshop on July 24–25 at the McPherson Opera House. The event is open to any Kansas K-12 educator who plans to incorporate art into their teaching. Educators who attend...