Dane G. Hansen Foundation helping northwest Kansas thrive

BELOIT, Kan. (KSNW) — While its population is small, northwest Kansas plays a major role in the state.

“Rural Kansas is a bigger part of Kansas than urban Kansas. Maybe fewer people per capita are living there, but that’s what’s supporting the economy of our state,” said Betsy Wearing, the Coordinator of Communications, Programs, and New Initiatives with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

The Dane. G. Hansen Foundation is on a mission to invest in people living in northwest Kansas.

“We were established almost 60 years ago with a $12 million estate gift, and the foundation gives away about $23 million a year today,” Wearing explained.

The foundation gives away grants to 26 counties in the Sunflower State’s northwest region.

“From Saline County, north all the way to Nebraska and west all the way to Colorado,” she said.

The organization also leads several strategic initiatives. They range from various topics, including child care, the arts, and leadership.

The nonprofit is focusing heavily on community foundations, connecting them to experts in each county to work with local nonprofits.

“Small town, their own people know what the issues are, you know, their own community members know what the needs are,” said Julia Rabe, Solomon Valley Community Foundation executive director.

Dane G. Hansen partners with the Solomon Valley Community Foundation . It receives grants from Dane G. and distributes them to local projects.

“We see things such as quality of life infrastructure, like trails, and we see playgrounds and we see STEM projects through our schools,” Rabe said. “We actually have some gorgeous murals, even here in Beloit.”

The initial investment is a give that continues to grow and give. The Dane. G. Hansen Foundation accepts grant applications year-round. Its board members review them monthly.

If you would like to nominate a nonprofit for our Here For You Spotlight, fill out our online contact form.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.