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Hutchinson Community Foundation unveils 'Love Where You Live' survey results, offers small grants to Reno County communities
Summary
The Hutchinson Community Foundation presented results from its resident perception survey and announced grant opportunities for community catalyst projects, including awards up to $2,500 and a first impact cycle due Feb. 28.
Carrie Mayhew, director of strategy at Hutchinson Community Foundation, briefed the commissioners on the foundation's three-year "Love Where You Live Community Empowerment Initiative," which is designed to provide data and a resident-driven process for local communities to prioritize improvements and build civic engagement.
Mayhew said the initiative began with a resident perception survey that the foundation received responses to from 1,021 Reno County residents, about 29% of whom live outside Hutchinson. Respondents identified the top five countywide priorities as: (1) attract new businesses, (2) remove and renovate blight, (3) access to affordable child care, (4) improve public infrastructure, and (5) expand local businesses. Participants in later workshops prioritized metrics such as average household income and the number of businesses that pay above-average wages.
Mayhew summarized workshop feedback from multiple towns across the county, noting repeated calls for housing development, blight removal, destination/dining options, and infrastructure planning in smaller communities. She said all community reports and workshop recaps are available at renosurvey.com and that the foundation will continue adding data and progress updates there.
Funding opportunities announced
To help communities act on priorities, the foundation opened a fund for Reno County grant cycle with a first impact-cycle deadline of Feb. 28. The foundation said local nonprofit community catalyst projects may apply for grants up to $2,500; other funds are available in program areas described as dynamic culture, thriving kids and strong organizations. Larger grants for community and economic development will be considered in August.
Mayhew closed by encouraging community groups and leaders to use the data, apply for grants and work with partner organizations such as the Hutchinson Reno County Chamber of Commerce, Startup Hutch, SCED, Interfaith Housing and Community Services, and the Reno County Childcare Task Force to move priorities forward.
