About Us

The Franklin County Community Foundation was formed in 2000 to foster the idea that Charitable giving should be the responsibility of many, not just a select few. Driven to improve the area, the Community Foundation has grown to become one of the largest and most entrepreneurial public charities of its kind in the area.

Today the Community Foundation

Manages more than $6 million in assets
Manages an endowment to ensure annual giving to local charities.
Provides Educational Scholarships to area residents.
Donors receive the simplicity and tax advantages of a public charity combined with the personal recognition, involvement, and flexibility of a private foundation. Donors also gain access to the highest level of strategic thinking on ways to meet community challenges.

The Community Foundation partners with the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, which provides cost-effective investment, management, and other guidance. The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation has met the National Standards of operational quality, donor service and accountability in the community foundation sector. The Community Foundation is in compliance with the National Standards of U.S. Community Foundations Program administered by the Council on Foundations, a membership body of more than 2,000 grantmaking foundations and giving programs worldwide. This affirms our commitment to financial security, transparency, and accountability.

Our Values

  • Integrity – We conduct our work in an honest and transparent manner, holding ourselves accountable to our commitments and for our words and actions.
  • Respect – We value each person as an individual, embracing inclusion and diversity. We always ask “What’s important to you?”
  • Passion – We believe in the mission of the Foundation. That belief translates into compassion for people and a commitment to our work.
  • Innovation – We seek new ideas and approach our work with flexibility, urgency, enthusiasm, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Our Mission & Vision

The Franklin County Community Foundation is a public charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Its mission is to improve the quality of life in the area by increasing charitable giving, connecting donors to community needs they care about and leading on critical community issues.

Community dreams fulfilled through the power of philanthropy.

Local Board of Directors

Sharon Geiss

Sharon Geiss

Bed & Breakfast Owner, Wellsville

Liza Perry

Liza Perry

Retired School Counselor, Princeton

Bob Green

Bob Green

Retired Attorney at Law, Ottawa

Ryan Henningsen

Ryan Henningsen

Financial Advisor, Ottawa

Lucille Hinderliter

Lucille Hinderliter

Certified Public Accountant, Ottawa

James Huschka

James Huschka

Retired KSU Farm Economist, Ottawa

John Richeson

John Richeson

Attorney at Law, Ottawa

John Boyd

John Boyd

Attorney at Law, Ottawa

Lucas Neece

Lucas Neece

Ottawa Neighborhood & Community Services, Olathe

Wayne Duderstadt

Wayne Duderstadt

Retired Banker, Ottawa