Areas of interest include higher education, churches, youth serving agencies, health facilities, community buildings, museums, civic projects, and low maintenance, energy efficient housing projects sponsored by qualified tax-exempt organizations.
In recent grant cycles, the Board of Trustees has awarded the majority of grants in four broadly defined areas:
Higher Education
In 2006, the Foundation awarded more than $1.4 million to more than 25 educational organizations. Grantees included community colleges, private colleges, and public universities.
Youth Services
The Foundation awarded almost $1.2 million to human services nonprofits in 2006, and the majority of grants in this area went to groups that provide essential services to youth and families. Grantees included a range of youth-focused groups, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater KC; the Kansas 4-H Foundation in Manhattan, Kansas; and YMCAs in five communities in Kansas, Missouri and Iowa.
Arts and Culture
Arts and culture projects received $740,000 in 2006, including grants to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri; the Omaha Children's Museum in Nebraska; and Powell Gardens in Kingsville, Missouri.
Health Care and Hospitals
This is a growing area of need in many of communities the Foundation serves. In 2006, more than $670,000 was awarded to hospitals and health-care groups to build and improve their facilities.
Geographic Focus
The Sunderland Foundation primarily makes grants in the geographic areas that have connections to the Ash Grove Cement Company. Grants are awarded in Western Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas, and Western Iowa, and, to a lesser extent, in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Utah and Montana. Grant proposals from organizations located outside these geographic areas are unlikely to receive consideration.
Areas of Exclusion
The Foundation generally awards grants to larger, well-established nonprofit organizations. Start-ups and small, grassroots organizations are encouraged to seek funding elsewhere.
In addition:
- The Foundation does not award grants for annual operating expenses
- The Foundation does not award grants for programs or endowments.
- The Foundation does not award grants or provide sponsorship for special events.
- Grants to primary and secondary schools are generally not considered.
- No grants are made to individuals.
- No scholarships are available from the Foundation.