The Russell County Area Community Foundation joins the State of Kansas and the nation in mourning the loss of Senator Robert J. Dole. While many know of Senator Dole’s national public service, he also remembered the students of his hometown through the Doran and Bina Dole Scholarship, a fund established at the community foundation to honor Dole’s parents. Since inception, this scholarship has helped 64 graduating seniors at Russell High School achieve the dream of a college education.

“Senator Dole had a strong love for Russell and the place he called home. He was the first person in his family to attend college and never forgot the people of his hometown who helped shape and change his life, “said Angela Muller, RCACF Executive Director. “Senator Dole’s legacy will live on for generations to come through the generosity of this scholarship, helping students from rural America achieve their dreams.”

In November, the Russell County Area Community Foundation had an opportunity to receive matching funds from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. RCACF set a goal of $50,000 in their “I Love Russell County” campaign. The foundation is pleased to announce that it raised more than $53,000 thanks to the generosity of donors. With the match from Dane G. Hansen, this will result in $128,000 for RCACF to be invested permanently in endowments that support local grant-making for schools, the arts, parks, economic development, public health, the administration of the foundation, and more.

“We live in a very generous county where so many friends and neighbors wish to support each other. Gifts to the Fund for a Better Russell County Area will help with local grant-making so our rural way of life continues and thrives for generations to come,” said Angie Muller, RCACF Executive Director. “We are very grateful to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for this match month opportunity and for investing in Northwest Kansas,” said Muller.

RCACF is celebrating 20 years of service to the Russell County Area. Since inception, it has awarded more than $4 million in grants and scholarships. If you would like to become a donor or establish a fund at the foundation, please contact Angie Muller, RCACF Executive Director, at 785-445-3611 or [email protected].

The Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF) is pleased to award $70,730 in grants to organizations that benefit the Russell County area, including support for public health, historical preservation, seniors and the arts. Funding comes from the Kansas Health Foundation Children’s Fund, Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Appleseed Fund, Kansas Health Foundation Health Fund, and the Fund for a Better Russell County Area. 

Amherst F.C.E.

Electronic Sign for Luray, $2,700

City of Natoma

Baseball Field Dugout, $5,000

Lovegrass Music Festival,

$3,000

Lucas Area Community Theater

Emergency Lights, $3,585

Lucas Arts & Humanities Council

Art Scene Billboard Signage, $2,700

Midway District

Youth Health Promotion, Organwise Guys, $1,700

Russell Celebrations

Russell County Leadership Program, $3,000

Russell Arts Council

Ad Astra Music Festival Performance in Luray, $2,000

Free Family Summer Movies, $1,000

Russell County Historical Society

Museum Roof, $20,000

Russell Senior Center

Building Safety Improvements, $15,000

Switchgrass Collaborative

Art Center Building Improvements, $10,000

USD 407

Play-based Learning, $425

Sand Tray Training and Supplies, $620