Parsons Area Community Foundation Celebrates 2026 Grant Recipients and Honors First Parsons Proud Award Recipient
The Parsons Area Community Foundation (PACF) welcomed community members, nonprofit partners, donors, and local leaders to its 2026 Grant Awards Reception on April 28, celebrating the organizations selected to receive grant funding and recognizing outstanding community leadership through the presentation of the inaugural Pete & Mary Hughes Parsons Proud Award.
During the reception, the Foundation announced the recipients of its 2026 competitive grant cycle, awarding nearly $300,000 in funding to nonprofit organizations and initiatives that will strengthen Parsons and the surrounding communities through projects focused on education, health, community development, youth programs, arts and culture, and quality of life improvements. These investments reflect the intentional and impactful generosity of local donors through the years and PACF’s ongoing commitment to creating lasting opportunities for residents in our community.
“This evening is a celebration of what is possible when a community comes together to invest in its future,” said Becky Dantic, Executive Director of PACF. “The organizations receiving grants are doing meaningful work every day, and we are proud to support these efforts that create lasting impact.”
The following organizations received 2026 competitive grant funding:
Community Events, Arts, and Culture: Celebrating Parsons (Katy Days), City of Altamont (Stone Tablet at Veterans Memorial Park), Historic Oakwood Cemetery, Labette County Fair, Oswego Historical Society, Parsons Pathways to Freedom, Parsons Recreation Commission, The Remnant, SEK Point of Pride, SEK Juneteenth Foundation, VFW Auxiliary for Brown Bishop Post 704, and Westside Christian Church (Parsons Paint Project).
Health and Human Services: Altamont Police Department, Care Cupboard Hygiene Pantry, Cherryvale Fire Department, Crosstimbers Food Pantry, Erie Area Christmas Basket Fund, Faith United Methodist Church, Galesburg Volunteer Fire Department, Hamilton Chapel, Kansas Food Bank, Labette Center for Mental Health Services, Labette Community College, Labette County Emergency Assistance Center, Labette Health Foundation, Parsons Fire Department, Parsons State Hospital, Proud Animal Lovers Shelter (PALS), Special Olympics Kansas, Stella Wells Christmas Baskets, and Wesley United Methodist Church.
Youth and Education: Bartlett Grade School, Curious Minds Discovery Zone, Meadow View Grade School, Oswego Junior/Senior High School, Parsons Presbyterian Manor, Parsons Swim Team, Reach One Teach One Foundation, St. Patrick’s Catholic School, and Vikings Dance and Color Guard.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the first annual Parsons Proud Award to Dave Mattox, a local historian and volunteer in Parsons known for leading and engaging in community preservation efforts.
The Parsons Proud Award was established to recognize individuals who embody the spirit of community stewardship and whose leadership, service, and character have made a significant and lasting impact on the community. Mattox was selected for his longstanding contributions to the betterment of the community.
“Dave Mattox embodies the spirit of community pride and service,” said Dantic. “His leadership and dedication continue to inspire others and make Parsons a better place for everyone.”
The Foundation expressed its sincere gratitude to its donors, volunteers, board members, and community partners whose continued support makes grantmaking and community recognition possible.
Since its initial granting season in 1998, more than $4.6 million has been awarded to support projects that improve the quality of life for members of the communities PACF serves.
PACF is a local, multifaceted nonprofit that helps to direct the wishes of a charitable giver to an intended cause. PACF strives to be in tune with local community needs, to provide leadership on important community issues, and to be exemplary stewards of the resources entrusted to it.
To learn more about grant opportunities, giving opportunities, or the work PACF is doing in our communities, visit www.parsonsareacf.org.
