Topeka Community Foundation

The conversation in our latest podcast episode is all about where business, community, and creativity meet. We think you'll love it! Download and listen to Spotlight on your favorite podcast app.

Meet Our Board: Virginia Barnes, MPH, Director of Blue Health Initiatives for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Virginia Barnes joined the board in 2023. She brings valuable knowledge and dedication to several different areas of the Foundation, serving on the grants committee and the local impact investing committee. As a board member, Virginia is ready to get to work today while thinking strategically about how to achieve long-term goals for the community. "I am honored to serve through an organization that gives so much back to Topeka and the surrounding communities in such a thoughtful and impactful way." More on our blog: https://lnkd.in/gMg9B-q3

"It's important that we try to give back." The annual Washburn University Brenneman School of Business Community Innovation Challenge is one way that Washburn University is creating a legacy of giving back. Listen to the latest episode of Spotlight to learn about the Challenge - ⚙️ How it works 🏆 Who competes 🌳 How our community benefits Spotlight is on our website and anywhere you listen to podcasts!

For 250 years, Americans have shown up for each other through neighbors helping neighbors, communities rallying around a cause, and foundations investing in what matters most. That tradition is alive and well across our nation, and in the Topeka region. Your support, partnership, and generosity is building a community where everyone can thrive. Explore #GenerosityBuilds stories from foundations around the country: www.generositybuilds.org

"Mission and Money" Have you heard of social entrepreneurship? The Community Innovation Challenge encourages students to look beyond profit and pitch an idea that has a social return, too. Listen to the full conversation with Dr. David Price, Washburn University Brenneman School of Business, and Emily Harmon, 2025 Winner and Founder of Pocket Keys: https://lnkd.in/gP3Xm_mg

Opportunity. That's what your generosity is building in Topeka. By partnering with the Washburn University Brenneman School of Business, the Foundation provides opportunities for students who may never have imagined themselves starting a business and selling a product all over the world. And that's exactly what the Community Innovation Challenge does. More on the most recent episode of Spotlight, featuring Dr. David Price and Emily Harmon, the 2025 winner and founder of Pocket Keys: https://lnkd.in/gP3Xm_mg #GenerosityBuilds

What does Generosity Build? Since the nation’s founding 250 years ago, Americans have stepped up to invest in their communities, help solve the problems their neighbors face, and create a sense of belonging that lasts generations. Tell us in the comments what #GenerosityBuilds in our community!

Announcing the 2026 recipients of the Healthy Lifestyles grants! More than $99,000 was awarded to the following organizations: Meals on Wheels of Lawrence, Inc. Elizabeth B. Ballard Community Center Sunrise Project Race Against Breast Cancer, Inc. Claire's Community Lawrence Farmers Market Dental Lifeline Network Van Go Tenants to Homeowners Inc Healthy Lifestyles grants are two-year awards for new or current programs that directly and positively change health habits and behaviors. Qualifying organizations serve residents of Douglas, Lyon, Jackson, Jefferson, Nemaha, Osage, Pottawatomie, Riley, and Wabaunsee Counties.

💛💙Greater Topeka Fund - Second Quarter Update! The Grants Committee had many grant applications to consider this round, and we're pleased to announce the Q2 recipients of the Greater Topeka Fund grants. Almost $40,000 total was awarded to the following organizations: The Salvation Army Topeka Kansas Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging Papan's Landing Senior Center Events and Activities LifeHouse Child Advocacy Center TFI: The Family Initiative Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka Third Judicial District Drug Court The Greater Topeka Fund supports nonprofits that serve Topeka and Shawnee County with awards up to $10,000 to address community needs.

Meet Our Board: Jennifer Sourk, Immediate Past Chair For Jennifer, General Corporate Counsel at Midwest Health, Inc., serving on the Topeka Community Foundation Board of Directors is more than a volunteer opportunity. She is a dedicated leader, having served on boards and committees for several local organizations. Her vision for the future of this community is an action plan, and she is ready to tackle the challenges along the way. "Topeka is more than where we live—it's the place my husband and I chose to raise our children and build our lives. With that choice comes a commitment to give back and help our community become the very best version of itself on behalf of all its citizens." Read more: https://lnkd.in/guHrGQf3