History & Mission
1999 - Our Beginning
It all started over lunch between an accountant, an attorney, and an investment manager. Actually, the three of them had met for lunch several times over several years to discuss the same topic and shared frustrations. They felt it was time to do something to help people who wanted to make charitable contributions to the community but avoid the trouble and expense of establishing private funds or foundations. Then, at a final lunch in 1999, the trio decided it was time to get a group of interested citizens together to discuss the possible merits of starting a community foundation…
On Wednesday, February 3, 1999, Jim Gordon, Mark Knackendoffel, and Jim Morrison hosted a roundtable discussion regarding the establishment of a community foundation in Manhattan, KS. By the end of the same year, an executive board had been formed, bylaws approved, 501(c)(3) non-profit accreditation established, and assets of over $200,000 realized.
Mission, Vision, & Core Values
- Vision: Enhancing quality of life through philanthropic giving
- Mission: To build relationships between donors and community needs
- Core Values: Service with accountability, integrity, quality, respect, and transparency
Founders' Fund
The Founders' Fund was established to ensure the future operations of the Foundation. Over $300,000 was pledged locally by the end of 2001 to establish this fund, and that amount was matched with an additional $300,000 by the Kansas Health Foundation.
Benefactors' Fund
The Benefactors' Fund was established in 2008 to provide additional support for the operations of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. Over $50,000 was contributed locally, and that amount was matched with an additional $100,000 by the Kansas Health Foundation.