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The Council Grove Area Foundation is proud to bring together 24 local organizations and funds for the 2026 Match Month. Each plays an important role in strengthening Council Grove, Morris County, and our surrounding communities.

From supporting families and preserving history to expanding educational opportunities, improving healthcare, and strengthening local services, these organizations make a lasting difference in the place we call home.​

 

Learn more about the organizations participating in this year's Match Month and discover how your generosity can make an impact close to home.

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Alta Vista Core Community Fund

Alta Vista Core Community helps individuals and families overcome poverty through education, mentoring, and meaningful community relationships. Its two-phase program combines financial education and personal development with ongoing coaching and support. By helping families reduce debt, increase income, and build long-term stability, the organization is creating opportunities for brighter futures throughout Morris and Wabaunsee counties.

 

Building Blocks Community Child Care Fund

Since 2003, Building Blocks has provided dependable childcare for working families in Council Grove. Serving approximately 34 children, the center offers a nurturing environment where young children can learn, grow, and develop essential skills. With an increasing demand for childcare and waiting lists extending up to 18 months for certain age groups, Building Blocks plays a critical role in supporting local families, employers, and the community's workforce.

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Community Arts Council of Council Grove Fund

The Community Arts Council of Council Grove makes the arts accessible to residents of all ages through affordable classes, educational opportunities, and community events. Programs such as Art Camp, the Summer Youth Musical, and Sethfest encourage creativity while supporting local artists and musicians. The organization also provides student art scholarships and partners with community groups to enrich the cultural experiences available throughout the Flint Hills.

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Council Grove Community Center (Bowers Community Center) Fund

Located in the historic First Baptist Church building constructed in 1909, the Bowers Community Center provides valuable space for nonprofit organizations, community activities, and public gatherings. Ongoing preservation and renovation projects are helping transform this historic landmark into a more accessible and functional community resource. Future improvements will expand opportunities for arts, events, and activities while preserving an important piece of Council Grove's history.

 

Council Grove Fire/Rescue Fund

Established in 1858, Council Grove Fire/Rescue has a proud history of protecting lives and property throughout Council Grove and Morris County. Today, approximately 16–18 volunteer personnel provide essential fire protection and rescue services while also educating the public about fire safety and emergency preparedness. Community support helps sustain this important local service and the dedicated volunteers who answer the call when emergencies arise.

 

Council Grove Public Library Fund

The Council Grove Public Library has served the community since 1918, providing access to books, technology, educational resources, and programs for residents of all ages. With a collection of more than 17,000 books, digital resources, public computers, and a popular Summer Reading Program, the library remains an essential center for learning and connection. Community support helps maintain its historic facility and keep valuable resources accessible to everyone.

 

Council Grove Senior Center Fund

The Council Grove Senior Center provides essential nutrition, wellness services, and social opportunities for older adults throughout the community. Through the Friendship Meals program, the center prepares approximately 80–90 meals daily while helping seniors maintain independence and meaningful connections. Activities, health services, and volunteer support create a welcoming environment where older residents can stay active, engaged, and connected.

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Council Grove Youth Football Fund

Council Grove Youth Football provides opportunities for students in grades three through six to learn the fundamentals of football while developing teamwork, confidence, discipline, and sportsmanship. The volunteer-supported program helps prepare young athletes for future participation in school athletics while building friendships and a sense of community pride. Donations help sustain youth football opportunities and support the equipment and resources needed for a successful program.

 

DESTINATION: Council Grove Fund

DESTINATION: Council Grove helps residents and visitors experience the community's rich history through historic trolley tours, special events, and accessible transportation. The trolley connects passengers with local landmarks, attractions, and businesses while helping make historic experiences available to people of different ages and abilities. Community contributions support the specialized maintenance, repairs, and operating expenses necessary to keep this unique tourism resource available.

 

Emmanuel Church Preservation Board Fund

The Emmanuel Church Preservation Board is working to protect and restore a treasured historic church near Alta Vista. Established to preserve the building and its significance to local families, the organization is focused on important restoration needs, including urgent roof repairs. Its long-term vision is to maintain the church as a meaningful place for gatherings, celebrations, and community connections while protecting an important piece of rural history.

 

Friends Helping Friends Fund

Founded in 2019 in memory of Bob Nittler, Friends Helping Friends provides financial assistance to individuals and families battling cancer in Morris County and surrounding communities. The organization helps with expenses such as transportation to treatment, medications, lodging, meals, and household bills. In 2025, it provided more than $12,900 in financial blessings, with 100% of donations to its blessing fund going directly to local cancer patients.

 

Friends of Kaw Heritage Fund

Friends of Kaw Heritage works to preserve and share the history, traditions, and cultural contributions of the Kaw Nation. Through educational programs and events such as the Voices of the Wind People Pageant, Kaw Council Talk Series, and Kaw Inter-Tribal Powwow, the organization helps residents and visitors better understand the area's important Native American heritage. Its efforts support historical education, cultural preservation, and meaningful connections to the region's past.

 

Greater Morris County Development Corporation (GMDC) Fund

GMDC promotes economic growth throughout Morris County by supporting local businesses, encouraging new investment, improving housing opportunities, and strengthening workforce development. Since 2023, the organization has helped generate approximately $4.8 million in business investment and $571,000 in housing investment. Its work helps create opportunities for employers, families, and communities while building a stronger economic future for Morris County.

 

Historic Preservation Corporation Fund

Founded in 1994, the Historic Preservation Corporation is dedicated to protecting Council Grove's historic landmarks and celebrating the community's art and culture. Its restoration projects include the Trail Days Café & Museum, historic school and residential buildings, and the Arts & History Center. Through exhibits, public art, and cultural attractions, the organization preserves local heritage while encouraging tourism and supporting the community's economic vitality.

 

Little Huskies Childcare Fund

Located in White City, Little Huskies Childcare Co. provides essential childcare for infants through school-age children from Morris and surrounding counties. Since opening in 2020, the organization has expanded to three buildings with a licensed capacity of 52 children. With growing demand for dependable childcare, Little Huskies is working toward an expanded facility that will better serve local families and support the rural workforce.

 

Live Well Morris County Fund

Live Well Morris County is a community coalition dedicated to improving health, wellness, and quality of life throughout Morris County. Working with local organizations and community partners, the coalition focuses on food insecurity, youth and family needs, healthcare access, and other important community priorities. Its initiatives include the Morris County Summer Food Program, Morris County Baby Shower, Project Oasis, and support for community programs such as Council Grove After Prom.

 

Morris County D.A.R.E. Program Fund

Operated through the Morris County Sheriff's Office, the D.A.R.E. Program provides drug prevention education and important life skills to local elementary and middle school students. Through classroom lessons, interactive activities, and positive relationships with law enforcement officers, students learn about responsible decision-making, bullying prevention, and peer pressure. Funded entirely through donations, the program relies on community support for educational materials, student recognition, and outreach activities.

 

Morris County Fairgrounds Improvement Fund

The Morris County Fair Association supports agricultural education, youth development, and longstanding community traditions through the Morris County Fair. The fair provides opportunities for 4-H and FFA members to showcase their projects, develop leadership skills, and celebrate their accomplishments. The association also maintains fairground facilities used for community gatherings and events throughout the year, helping preserve an important local tradition.

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Morris County Historical Society Fund

The Morris County Historical Society preserves and shares the stories, artifacts, photographs, documents, and historic properties that reflect the county's unique heritage. Through educational exhibits, historical research, and community programming, the organization connects residents and visitors with the people and events that shaped Morris County. Its work includes the Santa Fe Trail Rendezvous Historic Site & Welcome Center, which supports historical education and heritage tourism.

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Morris County Hospital Foundation Fund

The Morris County Hospital Foundation supports quality healthcare close to home by raising funds for medical equipment, facility improvements, and essential healthcare services. Its projects have included improvements to emergency and labor and delivery facilities, support for rural clinics, and fundraising for advanced mammography technology. These investments help ensure residents of Morris County and surrounding rural communities have access to dependable, modern healthcare services.

 

Riverwalk Improvement Fund

The Riverwalk Improvement Fund supports continued enhancements to the Neosho Riverwalk & Amphitheater, an important public gathering place along the scenic Neosho River. The Amphitheater hosts live music, community celebrations, and events such as Washunga Days while supporting local tourism and businesses. Current priorities include improved accessibility, enhanced acoustics, and restroom facilities to make the venue more comfortable and welcoming for residents and visitors.

 

Together With Veterans and Morris County Fund

Established in 2021, Together With Veterans and Morris County works to prevent suicide, support veterans, and improve access to mental health resources. Through prevention education, veterans' benefits assistance, and partnerships with local providers, the organization has made a meaningful impact throughout the region. Its programs include a Virtual Living Room in Council Grove and financial assistance for mental health appointments through Crosswinds Counseling and Wellness.

 

White City United Methodist Church Project Fund

With roots dating back to 1873, White City United Methodist Church has served generations of families through worship, youth programs, community meals, and charitable outreach. The church provides activities for local children, food assistance, and a welcoming place for celebrations and gatherings. Current preservation efforts focus on restoring the decorative tin ceiling in its historic 1906 building, helping protect this community landmark for future generations.

 

White Memorial Camp Fund

Established in 1963 along Council Grove Reservoir, White Memorial Camp provides outdoor recreation, educational experiences, and inclusive camping opportunities on approximately 160 acres. Serving hundreds of campers each summer, including adults with developmental disabilities, the camp creates opportunities for friendship, independence, personal growth, and connection with nature. Community support helps maintain the facilities and grounds while ensuring these meaningful experiences remain available to future generations.

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Together, We Make a Difference

Each participating organization plays a unique role in making Council Grove, Morris County, and our surrounding communities stronger.

Through the 2026 Match Month, the Council Grove Area Foundation invites you to support the causes that matter most to you. Whether your passion is education, healthcare, history, youth development, community improvement, or helping neighbors in need, your generosity creates lasting impact.

Love Where You Live, Give Where You Live.

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