Philanthropy Today

Hosted by Dave Lewis

Business

Website RSS feed

Episodes

326

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The official Philanthropy Today Podcast channel.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 202613 min

Flint Hills Volunteer Center on the GMCF Community Hour Show Episode - 313

We welcome Brent Sigman as the new executive director of the Flint Hills Volunteer Center and hear why he’s bringing a boots on the ground mindset to volunteer coordination. We talk through where the biggest needs are right now, how we build stronger community partnerships, and how we can bring more young people into volunteerism. • Brent’s local background and the path from public service and theatre to nonprofit leadership • A hands-on approach to storm cleanup and showing up early for community needs • Building and rebuilding partnerships with local organizations across Manhattan • How we connect volunteers with opportunities and why education improves retention • Why the mall location helps visibility and makes it easier to walk in and ask • Youth outreach through a K-State football camp and early volunteer education • Current volunteer gaps including medical transportation drivers and lawn care help • Festival of Trees planning and the need for a strong committee Flint Hillsvolunteer Center.com is uh the website. Our phone number is 785-776-7787. Mine is director.fvc at gmail.com. GMCFCFAs

June 16, 202616 min

Homestead Ministries on the GMCF Community Hour Show Episode - 312

We talk with Deb Klutz of Homestead Ministries about long-term, holistic care for adult female survivors of sex trafficking in Manhattan and Celina. We dig into why trafficking is underreported, why some survivors seek faith-based support, and how the community can offer practical help that makes recovery possible. • Homestead Ministries’ residential model and what holistic long-term care looks like • Why many survivors ask for faith-based recovery and spiritual support • How highways, large events, and local conditions can increase trafficking risk • Why the numbers look “low” and how fear drives underreporting • Klutz’s description of SRA claims and why higher-structure care may be needed • Success stories after one to three years of care and the impact of stable housing • A leadership pipeline that equips graduates to lead anti-trafficking work • Concrete ways to help now through mentoring and household supply donations homesteadministry.orgGMCFCFAs

June 9, 202619 min

Manhattan Parks and Recreation Foundation on the GMCF Community Hour Show Episode - 311

We talk with Gail Urban and Willie Thomas from the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Foundation about how better parks, stronger programs, and smarter funding can lift a whole community. We dig into scholarships that help kids participate, plus the July 4 cardboard boat regatta that turns fun into long-term support. • why the foundation forms and what it funds for Manhattan Parks and Rec • How the Steel and Pipe Ballpark at Seco Park changes youth sports and tournament travel • What happens when the quality of life sales tax sunsets and why maintenance planning matters • how facility sponsorships and local business support create sustainable funding • Star Spangled Spectacular details, including the cardboard box regatta and corporate challenge • what it feels like to volunteer coach and why relationships matter as much as wins • how the scholarship program works, including free and reduced lunch discounts • the scale of scholarship need and the push toward an endowment model Go to the Manhattan Parks and Rec Foundation website and you can also go to July4mhk.com GMCFCFAs

June 9, 202612 min

Museum of Art + Light on the GMCF Community Hour Show Episode - 310

We talk with Erin Dragotto from the Museum of Art and Light about why the Picasso experience feels so powerful when you see the full creative timeline in one place. We also dig into how arts access, school partnerships, and citywide collaboration can help Manhattan grow as a destination for culture and community life. • what it means to see Picasso’s work in context with his life and creative range • how long the Picasso display runs and why timing matters • the transportation reimbursement bus grant for grades 3 to 8 • Why removing barriers is the fastest way to expand arts education • how arts and culture support tourism and economic development • museums working together through Museum Month and future partnerships • early attendance numbers and how visitors are finding the museum • Manhattan High students are building a full exhibition with “Planet Oket’ra" You can always find out more at your website, which is artlightmuseum.org. GMCFCFAs

June 1, 202618 min

Manhattan Catholic Schools on the GMCF Community Hour Show Episode - 309

We talk with Melissa Solden and incoming principal Jared Taylor about what makes Manhattan Catholic Schools feel joyful, mission-driven, and deeply connected to the wider Manhattan community. We also run through the biggest events and simple next steps for families and supporters who want to tour, enroll, donate, or volunteer.• Jared Taylor’s path from English teacher to incoming principal• Discernment, faith, and choosing Catholic education after public schools• Why Manhattan feels like a big small town• The 38th annual golf tournament and what it funds• The annual auction date and why it matters• Second graders partnering with 4-H on a community garden• Celebrating 10-year and 25-year staff milestones• Pre-enrollment, school tours, and how enrollment worksManhattan Catholicschools.org. Sign up, do whatever, learn, tour, engage, yes, support. Pray.GMCFCFAs

June 1, 202612 min

Little Apple Splash on the GMCF Community Hour Show Episode - 308

We talk with Little Apple Splash organizer Kitty Pursley about the dock diving competition returning to Blue Earth Plaza and why it is one of the most fun free events to watch in Manhattan. We break down how the sport works, what makes this year special, and how local partners help bring a national-level canine competition to town. • what Little Apple Splash is and why it is family friendly • how Big Air, Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieve work • the scale of the setup, from dock length to pool size • how the sport spread through Doc Dogs and national events • June 12 to 14 competition dates plus the June 11 kickoff party • world champion Crystal McLaren returning for a fourth year • Aggieville Brewing’s Chili’s Bomb Brew honoring a retired military working dog • community support that makes the weekend possible, from Visit Manhattan to the fire department • silent auction fundraising, including online bidding and on-site items • event schedule, waves, finals, and America 250 features like presenting colorsGMCFCFAs

May 26, 202618 min

Manhattan Juneteenth Celebration On the GMCF Community Hour Show Episode - 307

We share what makes Manhattan’s Juneteenth weekend feel like a true community homecoming, from live music and barbecue to a walk that helps strangers become friends. We also connect the celebration to the history of Yuma Street and close the weekend with a free screening of 42 at the Douglas Activity Center. • Party Train concert details and why the show is free • Fellowship focus through food sports and music • Barbecue contest format including $5 sampler kits and audience voting • How to register a barbecue team at JuneteenthMHK.org • Community walk plans and the updated route highlighting historic churches • Local history ties including Jackie Robinson and the Yuma district • Movie night logistics for 42 with lawn chairs and free popcorn • Sponsors partners and volunteers who make the weekend possible Please put the word out that it's happening on June 19th from 5 to about 9:30 or 10 on June 20th. All day, please come outGMCFCFAs

May 26, 202612 min

Midwest Dream Car Collection on the GMCF Community Hour Show Episode - 306

We talk with Jennifer Elliott about how the Midwest Dream Car Collection has become one of the top car museums in the country by pairing world-class vehicles with real storytelling and up-close access. We also dig into the Route 66 centennial exhibit, hands-on family activities, and the member events that make a return visit feel like a tradition. • Travel + Leisure recognition and what sets the museum apart • Storytelling behind the cars and why it matters • Route 66 100th anniversary exhibit with Pixar Cars characters • Rotating displays and what’s kept in the vault • Family features like scavenger hunts, activity sheets, and a kids audio tour • Larry’s car and other hands-on moments for kids and adults • Dream Cars Club membership benefits and member reveals • Amphicar picnic at Tuttle Creek with rides • Summer calendar highlights including Start Your Engine kickoff and community programs The website is Midwest Dream Car Collection.org if you'd like to find out more. But stop by, take a look around. GMCFCFAs

May 18, 202613 min

Manhattan Optimist Club on the GMCF Community Hour Show Episode - 305

We talk with Gary Lloyd and Gene Clausen about a practical way to remove a major barrier to music education: getting real instruments into kids’ hands. We also hear how the Manhattan Optimist Club funds youth programs, builds community partnerships, and keeps the work fun and welcoming. • the story behind the Manhattan Optimist Instrument Recovery Program and why it started as a pilot project • how donated band and orchestra instruments can help students who cannot afford rentals or purchases • where to drop off gently used instruments across Manhattan through local bank partners • the partnership with the Kansas State University Instrumental Repair Program to help restore instruments • how GMCF grant funding helps cover repair parts and outreach costs • what Optimist Club membership looks like, including meetings, service projects, and fundraisers like the Chili Crawl • a quick thank you to the community for support during Grow Green Match and how that strengthens youth programs You can go online to ManhattanOptimistClub.com GMCFCFAs

May 18, 202615 min

UFM on the GMCF Community Hour Show Episode - 305

We sit down with Dr. Alaya Mestrovich C. from UFM to break down what’s new in their summer catalog and why community education still matters in Manhattan. We also dig into inclusive ceramics, practical AI training, and a new after-school option designed for working families. • what UFM is and how it serves Manhattan, the region, and Kansas • new ceramics classes and how the studio supports neurodiverse learners, veterans, and people with disabilities • summer catalog highlights across art, sports, life skills, history, cooking, and beekeeping • professional development options including how to use AI in the workplace • how UFM gathers class ideas and fills community gaps without competing with partners • the updated partnership work with Kansas State University • Lou Douglas Lecture details featuring Dr. Kerry Magro and a focus on autism resources • Project Excel and customized Saturday programming for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities • how to find or request a catalog and where to sign up online Go online to tryUFM.org. We hope people will sign up early because space will be limited. GMCFCFAs