What Stands Out About the Baughman Foundation’s Kansas Grantmaking?

Here at IP, we have profiled more than two dozen grantmakers that focus on issues and local needs in the state of Kansas. One of these funders is the Baughman Foundation, which is based in the town of Liberal and maintains a low public profile.

To help Kansas nonprofits get to know this funder better, here are the things that stand out about the Baughman Foundation’s grantmaking and how to approach it for support.

Broad charitable interests

Based on recent tax records, the Baughman Foundation is open to considering nearly any type of nonprofit need. It has a wide range of interests that include education, children and youth, the arts, civic affairs, community development and human services. The foundation has given to capital campaigns, local events, children’s programs, equipment costs and scholarships. Past funding also includes building repairs, art museum programs, dog training programs and senior center facilities. Therapeutic horse riding programs, youth sports teams, children’s television programming and domestic shelters have also received Baughman grants recently.

Approximately $1.5 million in annual giving

In its most recent tax filing available, the Baughman Foundation reported over $20 million in total assets and nearly $1.5 million in annual giving. These figures have remained fairly steady in recent years. Foundation grants typically range from $5,000 to $400,000. Almost all grants stay within the state of Kansas, with local grantees based in Emporia, Meade, Mission, Cimarron, Liberal and other Kansas towns.

No website, limited transparency

The Baughman Foundation may fly under the radar of some Kansas nonprofits because it does not have a website, nor does it publicize its grantmaking or make itself particularly well-known to grantseekers. Carol Feather-Francis serves as the foundation’s president, while Nathan Foreman is the secretary/treasurer and Richard R. Yoxall is its vice president. There are no paid staff members at the Baughman Foundation.

Accepts unsolicited applications

Despite its limited online presence, the Baughman Foundation is an accessible local funder in Kansas. The foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications via mail. Nonprofits should submit proposals that describe their funding need, availability of other funding and amount requested in letter form and mail it to the attention of the foundation’s president, Carol Feather-Francis. Staff are available by phone for grantseeker questions as well. Also, the foundation board typically hosts a monthly meeting to review new grant applications.

You can find more information about this funder in IP’s full profile of the Baughman Foundation.

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