We get our first glimpse of how La Nina will affect spring weather across the country. (Photo: Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Nonprofits across Kansas and Missouri have an opportunity to win big, but it all depends on which projects get the most votes.
Evergy announced 10 finalists for its community improvement project grant program called Spread Good Energy.
The four projects with the most likes on Evergy’s Facebook page will each win a grant of up to $10,000. Winners also receive help from a team of Evergy volunteers to make the projects a reality.
The 10 finalists in Kansas and Missouri are:
- Blue Rapids Community Action Team
Manhattan, Kansas
Project: Improved playground makeover
The Blue Rapids Community Action Team hopes to redesign a community playground near baseball/softball fields and a community campground.
- Friends of Kaw Incorporated
Lawrence, K.S
Project: Works to protect the river
Friends of the Kaw works to protect the Kansas River. In addition to major community and river cleanups, the funding will be used to launch the Do-It-Yourself Cleanup Toolkit so anyone can do their own cleanup along the Kansas River.
- Generate income for tomorrow (GIFT),
Kansas City, MO
Project: Black-owned business pop-up
Generating Income for Tomorrow (GIFT) hosts monthly pop-up events where black-owned small businesses can come together without the expense of a retail store. Expanded marketing efforts resulted in the GIFT Events will draw even larger audiences to these monthly events and expand the visibility of successful Black-owned businesses.
- Prairie Groupies
Wichita, K.S
Project: Improving pollinator habitats
Grassland Groupies focuses on improving pollinator habitats and providing more environmentally friendly management practices. Funding will help create new habitats and restore old ones for pollinator species like the endangered monarch butterfly. The team will also aim to beautify green spaces throughout Wichita. - Bourbon County Healthy Action Team
Fort Scott, Kansas
Project: Sensory playground and paddling pool
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team hopes to add a sensory playground and splash pool to provide a fun, safe, and accessible space for children and their families to be active, laugh, and interact—regardless of ability. This project will further advance revitalization efforts, strengthen community spirit and improve quality of life.
- Kanbe’s Markets
Kansas City, MO
Project: Advancing Mobile Markets
The Mobile Markets program expands Kanbe Markets’ mission to build a more equitable and efficient food system by bringing healthier options directly to communities that didn’t have those options in the past. A new mobile market would expand that reach even further, bringing healthy products to those in Kansas City who face transportation barriers to buying fresh and affordable groceries. - Passages LTD
Wichita, K.S
Project: Creating a safe and peaceful place for our vets
The Passageways Living Center provides temporary housing and support to our veterans at risk of homelessness. This project will work to improve the out of space and meditation garden centers with additional fencing and materials. The grant will help erect a new privacy fence and small tool shed to maintain the meditation garden used by the veterans. - Synergy Services
Parkville, MO
Project: Learning Garden by Synergy Services
Synergy Services’ mission is to strengthen families and communities through prevention, crisis intervention and support. To support the mission, Synergy Services intends to expand an existing garden into a nine-bed learning garden that will include the use of a recycled bus shelter shading structure and water retention tank. The improved garden will help expand the current curriculum and learning for homeless and runaway youth and generate an increased harvest to support local food supplies. - St. Joseph Habitat for Humanity International
St. Joseph, MO
Project: Creating an impact through a new crisis distribution center
St. Joseph Habitat for Humanity works to provide safe and affordable housing for families and hopes to continue its mission through a new community distribution and education center. A grant would provide the additional funds needed to complete the new building, including fitting out a new classroom, providing training materials and installing the necessary safety items.
- Top City Trails Alliance
Topeka, KS
Project: Improvement of trail system at Shawnee County North Community Center
With a mission to preserve and build trails in Shawnee County, the Top City Trails Alliance hopes to improve trails at Shawnee North Community Center. The project includes adding a new beginner trail of approximately 0.4 miles to the existing 2.5 mile trail at the facility, trail improvements through revamping unmaintained areas, and adding trail facilities including signage.
Evergy said more than 150 nonprofits across Kansas and Missouri have submitted community improvement projects in hopes of winning a grant.
Anyone can vote on the projects by going to Evergy’s Facebook page and liking the projects. Voting will take place on March 24, 2023 until 5 p.m.
