grant program:
Community Giving Circle
Applications open January 2026
Community Giving Circle Grant
Frequency
Annual
Amount
$10,000
Who can apply
Teachers • Administrators
What it's for
Financial catalyst for new or enhanced district programs.
previous grant winners
The Community Giving Circle is dedicated to championing the mission of USD232EF in advancing educational excellence.
Join us each spring at the USD232EF Community Giving Circle event, where three educators present their projects, competing for a coveted $10,000 grant. Secure your spot today by making a $100 donation to the Community Giving Circle. Notably, 100% of all Giving Circle donations directly contribute to the project chosen by the Community Giving Circle Supporters!
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Giving Circle hosts are truly the backbone of this grant program. With a host, we are able to give 100% of our membership donations directly to the grants awarded to our USD 232 educators. Hosts will work directly with our Giving Circle Chair to take care of all the planning for the spring Giving Circle Event, which includes:
Venue
Decor
Beverages
Food
Dessert
If you are interested in hosting a Community Giving Circle Gathering, please contact us >
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Perennial Members help support the cost of putting on this event each year to cover administrative costs over and above their contribution to the Giving Circle grant. 100% of your $100 membership gift still goes to fund the Giving Circle grant. The extra amount you give helps us ensure we are able to hold this event year after year.
Other benefits include:
You are able to vote for your favorite applicant even if you are unable to attend the event
Special recognition on your name badge as a Perennial Member
Special recognition on our website, Facebook page, and at the event as a Perennial member.
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Community Giving Circle Members donate $100 prior to each gathering, and their resources are pooled to provide a grant to a USD 232 educator who has an innovative idea that connects community resources to enhance educational excellence in their classroom. 100% of your $100 membership gift goes to fund the Giving Circle grant.
At each gathering, members hear three proposals, narrowed down from those received from around the district. Members vote that evening to provide $10,000 to fund one of the projects. -
Sponsor a USD 232 Educator for $100 so they may attend our exclusive Community Giving Circle event.
This sponsorship option not only extends the reach of our community impact, but also fosters a supportive environment for our dedicated educators.
Your generous sponsorship ensures that teachers can actively engage in our giving circle, promoting collaboration and innovation within our educational community.
You can either name the educator recipient of your choice, or give us the freedom to offer a gift admission to a teacher who has already expressed interest in attending.
Join the Community Giving Circle:
Our initiative empowers individuals within our community, encouraging them to amplify their voices and provide support through high-impact grants. These grants are directed towards educators who seek to introduce innovative programs or tools, thereby enhancing the overall student learning experience. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to foster a dynamic and enriching educational environment for all.
Contact the Foundation
USD 232 Education Foundation
35200 W 91st Street
De Soto, KS 66018
Phone: (913) 667-6200
2024 Grant Committee
Melanie Blackmore
Heather Buchwitz
Susan Mohn
Natalie Nelson
Becky Walker
2024 Annual Members
Cause Coffee
Rick Amos
Melanie Blackmore
Jessica Brandmeyer
Heather Buchwitz
Regina Clarke
Kim Claussen
Chelsea Cole
Lana Dehoff
Tina Dinkel
Jodi Ellis
Kimberly Goff
Carrie Handy
Ryan & Bailey Henning
Kevin & Laura Jeffries
Joseph & Inga Kelly
Dan & Morgan Kuchynka
Steven & Mary Elizabeth Lackey
Millie Laughlin
Todd & Kim Manson
Tia McGivern
Brandon & Kris Meyer
Shelly Milburn
Corey & Susan Mohn
Nancy Neighbors
Natalie Nelson
Peggy Newton
Anh-Nguyet Nguyen
Doug & Vergie Opdycke
Chad Philhour
Katie Reed
Joe & Marcy Riedel
Sam Ruff
Brian Schwanz
Susan Slater
Jennie Strathman
Roger & Mitra Templin
Lee & Megan Urban
Kaleb & Melanie Wade
Paul & Becky Walker
Brian & Jaime Weese
Kelsey Zabel
Julie Zitlow
“We are very excited to launch the bike safety program for our elementary students!”
“Over the summer, we were able to purchase, assemble, and organize our new equipment, and we will be hosting our first bike safety lesson this fall!”
—Corrin Weaver, grant recipient