The Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF) has awarded $79,195 in grants
to support a broad range of community projects, including the arts, education, recreation
and historical preservation.

“This grant season highlights the important role the foundation serves in helping Russell
County area communities thrive. To help us increase grant-making in future cycles, we
encourage people to give to our ongoing November Match Month campaign, where
donations are matched up to 300% and monies stay local to support the Russell County
area,” said Angie Muller, RCACF Director.

Funds available through RCACF are the result of generous donors and regional funders
since establishment of the foundation in 2001. Today the foundation holds $26 million in
endowments used to fund scholarship and community projects. Grant applications
typically span projects involving community revitalization, school education, cultural arts,
economic development, and quality of life.

The Russell County Area Community Foundation is pleased to award these grants to
organizations that benefit the Russell County area. Funding comes from the Kansas Health
Foundation Children’s Fund, Kansas Health Foundation Public Health Fund, and Dane G.
Hansen Foundation.

Crosspoint Church
Daycare Project, $5,000

Deines Cultural Center
ADA Front Door, $1,000

Lucas Public Library
Programming Support, $1,000

Russell Arts Council
Dream Theatre Marquee, $15,000

Russell County Historical Society
South Side Little Town Expansion, $8,595

Russell Community Thanksgiving
Community Celebration, $500

Russell Recreation Commission
Infield Renovation, $44,600

USD 407
3D Printer, $3,500

Applications for the next grant season open February 1 and close March 30. For more
information, contact Angie Muller, RCACF Executive Director, at 785-445-3611 or
[email protected]

The Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF), an affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Russell Area Youth Activities Fund. The fund was founded by John and Michelle Farmer on September 30, 2009 to help Russell area youth with a financial need participate in extracurricular activities, such sports, performing arts, visual arts, and literacy programs.

Over the years, the fund has helped hundreds of students afford athletic equipment, participation fees, sports uniforms, music, art and acting lessons as well as instrument rentals, camp fees and clinics. Primary consideration is given to pre-teen age children. Students with a financial need can apply for a grant at rcacf.org.

“The Russell Area Youth Activities Fund ensures everyone has a place on the team or in the school band. The fund has helped a generation of kids explore athletics and the arts, opening the door to new friendships and the thrill of learning something new. We are thankful to John and Michelle for doing good in the community that they love,” said Angie Muller, RCACF Director.

When you leave a gift to the community foundation, your life’s work and what you care about most live on forever, creating your legacy. The Russell County Area Community Foundation was founded in 2001 and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents in the Russell County area by encouraging philanthropy and providing a vehicle for donors to support their charitable interests.

We help donors create funds of all sizes directed at your favorite charitable purposes. Gifts to the community foundation are tax-deductible. If you would like to contribute to Russell Area Youth Activities Fund or create a fund of your own, please contact Angie Muller, RCACF Director, at 785-445-3611 or visit www.rcacf.org.

The Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF) is pleased to honor Russell County News reporter and photographer Albert Lin on the thirtieth anniversary of his journalism career in the Russell County area. RCACF Vice Chairman, John Farmer, IV, recently presented Albert with a leather portfolio to commemorate this milestone.

Albert has spent his career writing stories about the Russell County area and its people. In doing so, he’s brought us closer together in community and compassion for each other and made us realize that living in Russell County is special. The community foundation especially appreciates everything Albert has done to encourage philanthropic giving and show how giving back to others always makes a difference.

Thank you, Albert! You are one of the things we love about the Russell County area.

The Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF), an affiliate of the Greater
Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, is pleased to announce the establishment of
the Dean and Betty (Balloun) Boxberger Family Fund.

Honoring the legacy roots of Dean and Betty (Balloun) Boxberger, their family have
established a new charitable fund to benefit the Russell County area. Dean and Betty were
both born in Russell. After a 7-week courtship, they were united in marriage on May 16,
1954, in St. John Lutheran Church. From this union, they were blessed with five sons;
Matthew, Mark, Thomas, Timothy and Scott.

Dean and Betty shared 69 years of married life together. They loved the land, farmed and
ranched. Together, they were involved in church, 4-H, and volunteering, setting an example
for their sons of love of community and service. Grants from the fund will ensure that Dean
and Betty’s faithful stewardship continues forever to support their favorite charitable
causes in Russell County and beyond.

“The community foundation’s mission is to help families like the Boxbergers leave
charitable legacies. Their family has lived in Russell County for generations, doing good in
the community they love. This charitable donor advised fund will ensure that the causes
Dean and Betty loved the most will continue to be supported,” said Angie Muller, RCACF
Director.

When you leave a gift to the community foundation, your life’s work and what you care
about most live on forever, creating your legacy. The Russell County Area Community
Foundation was founded in 2001 and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all
residents in the Russell County area by encouraging philanthropy and providing a vehicle
for donors to support their charitable interests.

We help donors create funds of all sizes directed at your favorite charitable purposes. Gifts
to the community foundation are tax-deductible. If you would like to contribute to the Dean
and Betty (Balloun) Boxberger Family Fund or create a fund of your own, please contact
Angie Muller, RCACF Director, at 785-445-3611 or visit www.rcacf.org.

RCACF partnered with USD 407 to bring Dave Burgess, author of Teach Like a Pirate, as the key note speaker for teacher in-service. He brought new ideas for engaging students in learning and taught staff innovative teaching methods.

“Staff left feeling like they had a brand new tool box to start out the year. I attended several inservice sessions to visit with teachers, and I heard several staff talking about the presentation and what they were going to do with what they were taught. This presentation truly started a buzz amongst staff and got them thinking about what they can do differently in their classrooms,” said Katrina Woelk.

The Russell County Area Community Foundation is accepting applications for fall grants, and we want to help you launch a great community project. Online applications are due September 30. This year, $50,000 is available for charitable community improvement projects within the Russell County area. This cycle will fund local community projects that meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Programs and projects that address education, health care, community social services and security, conservation and environment, arts and culture, and community beautification.
• Projects that improve the health and well-being of children living in the Russell County area.

Funding for the fall grant cycle is provided by the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, Kansas Health Foundation Children’s Fund, and the Kansas Health Foundation Public Health Fund.

Nonprofit organizations including government and public entities, educational institutions, and churches are encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on September 30. Complete funding criteria and the grant application are available at www.rcacf.org under Grants.

The Russell Community Impact Award Committee is pleased to announce Kristen Windscheffel as the June 2024 recipient of the Russell Community Impact Award, recognized posthumously.

This esteemed award celebrates individuals, businesses or organizations in Russell whose selfless efforts have made a tangible, measurable impact on the community.

Kristen Windscheffel’s contributions to Russell and the surrounding communities were immense and enduring. Known for her welcoming nature, she was always the first to embrace newcomers, offer positive remarks and encourage community service and involvement. Her dedication as a wife and mother were paralleled by her commitment to various civic groups, boards and her career in Russell. She was a forward thinker and an innovator, never hesitating to assist someone or a service group in need.

Windscheffel’s legacy as a collaborator, teammate, friend, advocate and counselor is only a fraction of her impact. The Russell community is far greater for her presence and involvement. Kristen’s husband Jake and daughter Journey accepted the award on her behalf.

In Kristen’s honor, Jake and Journey selected the Russell County Area Community Foundation to receive a $250 donation. Mayor Jim Cross and KRSL/KZRS Russell Radio Marketing Representative Erik Stone presented Jake with a $250 check at the July 16 Russell City Council meeting.

Nominations for the July 2024 Russell Community Impact Award are now open. The community is encouraged to nominate deserving individuals, businesses or organizations demonstrating dedication and commitment to making a tangible impact on Russell. By participating in this initiative, you continue to honor and recognize those contributing to the community’s growth and well-being.

Nominations can be submitted online at www.russellcity.org or in person at the City Building or KRSL/KZRS Russell Radio. For more information about the Russell Community Impact Award, please get in touch with Jon Quinday at 785-483-6311.

(Information courtesy City of Russell.)

The Russell Community Impact Award Committee is pleased to announce Brett Mai as the distinguished recipient of the May 2024 Russell Community Impact Award.

This award recognizes individuals, businesses or organizations whose exceptional contributions have significantly enriched the fabric of the Russell community.

Brett Mai’s dedication and commitment to the betterment of Russell exemplify the essence of community spirit. Nominated by a member of the community who appreciates his tireless efforts, his involvement in multiple community organizations allows him to work toward the betterment of the community.

In the nomination, his dedication to Russell is signified through his numerous volunteer efforts and dedication to the youth of the Russell community. As a leader of the local Boy Scouts Cub Scouts and coach to many youth programs, he instills a passion for commitment to Russell and its betterment within the youth of the community.

Mai was elected to serve on the USD 407 School Board and is currently serving as the Board Vice President. He continues his support of local students and teachers outside of the Board through his involvement in and support of Russell Community for Classrooms.

As the winner of the Russell Community Impact Award, Mai receives a $250 donation to the non-profit of his choice. He has chosen the Russell County Area Community Foundation’s David Goddard Fund for the Russell Boy Scouts. Mayor Jim Cross and KRSL/KZRS Russell Radio Marketing Representative Erik Stone presented Mai with a $250 check for the RCACF at the July 16 Russell City Council meeting.

If you know of someone like Mai who is making a positive impact on Russell, you can nominate them for the Russell Community Impact Award. By participating in this initiative, you play a vital role in recognizing and honoring those who contribute to the community’s growth and well-being.

Nominations for the Russell Community Impact Award can be submitted online at www.russellcity.org or downloaded from www.russellcity.org or www.krsl.com. Additionally, nomination forms are available for pickup at the City Building at 133 West 8th Street or KRSL/KZRS Russell Radio at 1984 North Main Street.

Let’s come together to celebrate individuals like Brett Mai, who embody the spirit of Russell and make the community a better place for all. For more information about the Russell Community Impact Award, please get in touch with Jon Quinday at 785-483-6311.

(Information courtesy City of Russell.)

It’s time for the Russell County Free Fair and also a wonderful time to support the George and Cooper Gier 4-H Memorial Fund at the Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF). Marcia Steckel is raffling freshly baked cookies to support the cause.

The fund was established in memory of George and Cooper to help local youth participate in 4-H camps, 4-H state-wide classes and special events. Since inception, the fund has helped many youth grow as 4-Hers.

Past fundraisers to support this permanent endowment have included t-shirt sales for the annual Gier Memorial Ranch Rodeo, but this year includes a little something special – cowboy themed cookies. A raffle winner will be drawn at the ranch rodeo on Friday, July 25.

If you’d like to enter the cookie raffle, please donate $10 to the George and Cooper 4-H Memorial Fund. Venmo @a-sweet-tooth-ks noting Gier Cookie Raffle or deliver a donation to Marcia at 28 Copeland Street, Russell.

Alternatively, donations to support the fund can made to RCACF-Gier Fund, PO Box 172, 507 N. Main Street, Russell, KS 67665. Credit card donations may be made to the fund at www.rcacf.org.

The Russell County Area Community Foundation was founded in 2001 and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents in the Russell County area by encouraging philanthropy and providing a vehicle for donors to support their charitable interests. The George and Cooper Gier 4-H Memorial Fund is continuing the legacy of this father and son to do good in Russell County.

If you would like to create a fund to support your favorite charitable cause, please contact Angie Muller, RCACF Director, at 785-445-3611 or visit www.rcacf.org.

Russell County Area Community Foundation Announces Establishment of the John and Heather Fletcher Foundation Fund

The Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF), an affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, is pleased to announce the establishment of the John and Heather Fletcher Foundation Fund.

The fund was created to further the philanthropic legacy of Heather and her husband John, who unexpectedly passed away in June. John served as Russell County Administrator since 2013 and Russell County Sheriff from 1999 to 2015. In 1984, he was hired by the Russell County Sheriff’s Office as an EMT and Jailer and worked for the City of Russell Fire Department. He was a graduate of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center and the FBI National Academy Program in Quantico, Virginia. John received two Bronze Wreath of Meritorious Service Awards while employed by the Russell Police Department.

“The community foundation’s mission is to help donors like Heather and John leave charitable legacies in Russell County and beyond. We do that through the creation of permanent endowments that allow donors to give grants to the causes that matter most to them, such as first-responders and historical preservation. We are honored to help Heather and her family further John’s legacy of public service and his love of community and country,” said Angie Muller, RCACF Director.

When you leave a gift to the community foundation, your life’s work and what you care about most live on forever, creating your legacy. The Russell County Area Community Foundation was founded in 2001 and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents in the Russell County area by encouraging philanthropy and providing a vehicle for donors to support their charitable interests.

We help donors create funds of all sizes directed at your favorite charitable purposes. Gifts to the foundation are tax-deductible. If you would like to contribute to the John and Heather Fletcher Foundation Fund or create a fund of your own, please contact Angie Muller, RCACF Director, at 785-445-3611 or visit www.rcacf.org.