Sometimes the most meaningful community investments begin with a simple question: "How can we respond to this need?"

More than 30 years ago, following the devastating 1993 flood, community leaders sat down with local individuals and families to better understand their experiences and hopes for the future. What they heard was difficult to ignore. Many young people shared that they felt disconnected from their community and couldn't imagine building a future here; they wanted to leave Manhattan as soon as they could.

Rather than accept that reality, a group of passionate philanthropist chose to change it.

Those conversations inspired the creation of the Youth Empowerment for Success (YES!) Fund—an initiative dedicated to ensuring every young person has access to safe, enriching, and engaging opportunities outside the classroom. What began as a community listening effort has grown into one of Manhattan's most enduring investments in youth.

Today, the YES! Fund supports after-school and out-of-school-time programs that help young people discover new interests, strengthen academic success, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and create lasting connections with caring adults and peers.

Since its inception, the fund has awarded more than $6.3 million to organizations committed to helping local youth thrive. Those investments have strengthened programs across our community and, more importantly, have helped countless individuals see Manhattan as a place where they belong, and where they can build their future.

The YES! Fund is a powerful reminder that philanthropy is about more than responding to today's needs. It's about listening, investing, and creating opportunities that will benefit generations to come.

When you give to the YES! Fund, you're doing more than supporting an after-school program. You're investing in the next generation of leaders, neighbors, and community builders AND helping to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to succeed right here at home.

You can contribute to the YES! Fund throughout the year but the 2026 campaign begins on July 12 and will run through September 7^th. Check your Sunday Mercury for a form to cut out and send with a check to GMCF, PO Box 1127, Manhattan, KS 66505-1127 or donate directly online at: Donate to Yes! Fund (Youth Empowerment for Success) | Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.

In addition to the YES! Fund, the the third quarter granting process will begin on July 1. The Deihl Community and Arts & Humanities priority areas and guidelines can be found on the Grants page here: Apply for a Grant | Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. The Deihl Quarter 3 grants will open on July 1 and close on July 31^st.