Hays native takes leadership role at Patterson Family Foundation
By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Patterson Family Foundation is looking to fill gaps in philanthropic support for rural communities such as Hays.
The nonprofit based in Kansas City is a family-led organization dedicated to empowering rural communities to thrive through grants and collaborative efforts.
Maria Flynn, president and CEO of the Patterson Family Foundation, said the foundation works with local groups to meet community needs.
"We work with 501(c)(3) organizations that are established and doing the work by helping them to do more," she said.
The foundation provides grants by considering economic development, health care, education and community development.
The foundation has previously collaborated with Hays, recently awarding a $750,000 grant to support the construction of Fort Hays Tech North Central's new building.
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The Patterson Family Foundation provides a range of grants, including program, operational, equipment and capital grants.
"Community foundations are an important area for us to help build capacity and matching grants for things that communities are interested in," Flynn said.
Flynn is from Hays and became president and CEO in September.
Flynn said the foundation will implement changes starting next year regarding the specific guidance it seeks in grant applications.
The Patterson Family Foundation partners with 119 counties in Kansas and western Missouri, focusing on those with populations less than 50,000.
"We take a 50-year outlook of how our regions are evolving," Flynn said. "What financial, network, and time investments can we make to help the trajectory of our communities become great places to live?"
Flynn said 7% of all philanthropic funding reaches rural areas, which drops to about 5% when excluding universities.
The Patterson Foundation allocated $3 million in 2023 to support career and technical education in rural communities and $6.1 million to fund child care centers.
$5.4 million was distributed to rural hospitals and telehealth across 45 counties in Kansas and Missouri.
The nonprofit has supported rural communities since 2007, founded by Neal and Jeanne Patterson. After their passing, their children continue their legacy as the foundation's board of directors.
"I would love to connect more with people," Flynn said. "We really want to spotlight great things happening around these communities."
You can visit the Patterson Family Foundation website for more information.
You can also follow the Patterson Family Foundation on Facebook and Linkedin for updates.