Council Grove Area Foundation

10/15/2026

💚 BIG NEWS FOR CHARITABLE GIVING IN 2026! 💚

Did you know you may be able to deduct charitable donations on your taxes EVEN IF you don't itemize?

That's right! Beginning in 2026, a new federal tax deduction makes it possible for more people to receive a tax benefit for supporting the charitable organizations they care about!

💰 How much can you deduct?

✅ Up to $2,000 for married couples filing jointly.

✅ Up to $1,000 for single filers.

And the best part? You don't have to itemize your deductions to qualify!

❤️ What donations qualify?

Cash donations made directly to qualifying public charities, including gifts made by check, credit card, debit card, or online donation.

This is great news for charitable giving in our community! Whether you're supporting local nonprofits, scholarships, or community projects, your generosity can make a difference right here at home while potentially providing a tax benefit.

🌟 Love Where You Live, Give Where You Live!

The Council Grove Area Foundation is proud to help connect generous donors with the causes that make our communities stronger.

📌 Remember: Eligible donations must be made during the 2026 tax year to qualify for this new deduction.

Tax information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. The Council Grove Area Foundation encourages donors to consult their tax advisors regarding charitable giving and eligibility for deductions.

Send a message to learn more

08/31/2026

We are pleased to recognize Marlee Gant as a recipient of the Don & Lucile McNeal Wildcat Scholarship!

Marlee will continue her education at Kansas State University as she works toward her goal of becoming a registered nurse. She is looking forward to exploring the different areas of nursing and discovering where her skills and interests will ultimately lead her.

“My goal is to become a registered nurse and provide compassionate, high-quality care to patients. After graduation, I hope to begin my career at a larger hospital in the Kansas City area. I am currently interested in a more fast-paced and active area of nursing, such as the emergency room, but I am excited to see where nursing school takes me and what area of nursing I ultimately enjoy most.”

The Don & Lucile McNeal Wildcat Scholarship supports local students continuing their education at Kansas State University and helps them take the next step toward achieving their educational and career goals.

We are proud to celebrate Marlee and wish her all the best as she begins this next chapter at K-State and works toward a rewarding career in nursing!

08/27/2026

We are proud to recognize Haylie Grant, recipient of the Jim & Betty Robidou Scholarship!

Haylie is turning her lifelong love of animals into a career by pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Nursing through the Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology. Her goal is to become a veterinary technician and provide compassionate, hands-on care to animals while also supporting and educating their owners.

“I have always had a passion for animals and want to dedicate my career to improving their health and well-being. Through this program, I will gain the knowledge and hands-on clinical experience needed to provide quality patient care, assist veterinarians during medical procedures, educate pet owners, and advocate for the best possible care for every animal.”

After completing her program and passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination, Haylie hopes to work in a veterinary clinic or animal hospital where she can make a difference each day.

The Jim & Betty Robidou Scholarship helps local students continue their education and take important steps toward achieving their career goals.

Congratulations, Haylie! We are excited to see you pursue a career that combines your education with your passion for caring for animals.

08/26/2026

Congratulations to Marlee Gant, recipient of the Katie Buchanan Gant Scholarship!

Marlee plans to pursue a career in nursing, with the goal of becoming a registered nurse and providing compassionate, high-quality care to her patients. She hopes to eventually work at a larger hospital in the Kansas City area and is especially interested in the fast-paced environment of emergency nursing.

“My goal is to become a registered nurse and provide compassionate, high-quality care to patients. After graduation, I hope to begin my career at a larger hospital in the Kansas City area. I am currently interested in a more fast-paced and active area of nursing, such as the emergency room, but I am excited to see where nursing school takes me and what area of nursing I ultimately enjoy most.”

The Katie Buchanan Gant Scholarship was established to support students pursuing higher education and preparing for careers in the healthcare field. Marlee’s desire to care for others and make a difference in the lives of her future patients makes her a wonderful recipient of this scholarship.

Congratulations, Marlee! We wish you the very best as you pursue your education and a future in nursing.

08/25/2026

Congratulations to Macelyn Taylor, recipient of the Don & Lucile McNeal Wildcat Scholarship!

Macelyn's dedication to serving others has earned her another well-deserved scholarship as she prepares to begin her college career at Kansas State University. She will start on the pre-nursing track, taking the first steps toward her goal of becoming a registered nurse.

"My ultimate goal is to become a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse, where I can provide compassionate, specialized care to premature and critically ill newborns while supporting their families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives."

The Don & Lucile McNeal Wildcat Scholarship supports students pursuing their education at Kansas State University, encouraging future Wildcats as they work toward careers that will make a lasting impact on their communities.

Congratulations, Macelyn! We are excited to see where your journey at K-State takes you and wish you continued success as you pursue your dream of becoming a NICU nurse.

08/21/2026

Congratulations to Maxton Villalobos, recipient of the Wallace & Norma Ingmire Technical Education Scholarship!

This fall, Maxton will attend Manhattan Area Technical College, where he will be part of the school’s new electrician program. He is looking forward to gaining the hands-on skills and training needed to build a successful career in an essential trade.

“As technology continues to advance, I am excited to enter a field that will be essential and always needed. I am ready to build a successful career and give back to the community that has supported me along the way.”

The Wallace & Norma Ingmire Technical Education Scholarship supports students pursuing technical education and skilled trades, helping provide the training and opportunities needed to build strong careers and strengthen our communities.

Congratulations, Maxton! We wish you the very best as you begin this next chapter and look forward to seeing where your career takes you!

08/20/2026

We are excited to recognize Marlee Gant as a recipient of the t3 Rural Development Scholarship!

With plans to become a registered nurse, Marlee is looking forward to a career that allows her to care for others while continuing to learn and grow within the nursing field. She hopes to eventually work in a larger hospital in the Kansas City area and is currently drawn to the fast-paced environment of emergency care.

“My goal is to become a registered nurse and provide compassionate, high-quality care to patients. After graduation, I hope to begin my career at a larger hospital in the Kansas City area. I am currently interested in a more fast-paced and active area of nursing, such as the emergency room, but I am excited to see where nursing school takes me and what area of nursing I ultimately enjoy most.”

The t3 Rural Development Scholarship is an investment in local students and the bright futures they are working to build through higher education. Supporting students like Marlee helps strengthen the next generation of professionals who got their start right here in our rural community.

Congratulations, Marlee! We are proud to celebrate your accomplishments and look forward to seeing where your nursing career takes you.

08/19/2026

Congratulations to Macelyn Taylor, recipient of the Paul & Janis Bosch Scholarship!

A passion for helping others has led Macelyn to pursue a future in nursing. This fall, she will begin her journey at Kansas State University on the pre-nursing track, with plans to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

"My ultimate goal is to become a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse, where I can provide compassionate, specialized care to premature and critically ill newborns while supporting their families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives."

The Paul & Janis Bosch Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate dedication, ambition, and a commitment to building a brighter future through higher education. Macelyn's desire to care for newborns and support families during life's most critical moments is an inspiring example of those values.

Congratulations, Macelyn! We are proud to support your educational journey and look forward to seeing the difference you'll make in the lives of countless families.

08/18/2026

Congratulations to Valentine Mascote, recipient of the Sorenson Family Scholarship!

Valentin is pursuing a future in civil engineering, with plans to focus on the structural and design side of the field. His goal is to contribute to projects that not only stand out but also make a lasting difference in the communities they serve.

“I’m planning to focus on the structural side of civil engineering, especially the design process. I want to be part of projects that actually stand out and make a difference, and one day be able to look back at the work I contributed to and feel proud of the impact I had.”

The Sorenson Family Scholarship provides support to local students as they continue their education and work toward building successful and meaningful careers.

Congratulations, Valentin! We look forward to seeing the structures, projects, and communities you help shape throughout your career.

08/17/2026

Congratulations to Haylie Grant, recipient of the Don McNeal Kiwanis Scholarship!

Haylie plans to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Nursing through the Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, with the goal of becoming a veterinary technician. Her passion for animals has inspired her to build a career focused on improving their health and well-being.

“I have always had a passion for animals and want to dedicate my career to improving their health and well-being. I plan to work in a veterinary clinic or animal hospital where I can build strong relationships with both my patients and their owners while making a meaningful difference in their lives every day.”

Through her education, Haylie will gain the hands-on clinical experience needed to provide quality patient care, assist with medical procedures, educate pet owners, and advocate for the animals in her care.

The Don McNeal Kiwanis Scholarship supports local students as they continue their education and prepare to use their skills and talents to make a positive impact.

Congratulations, Haylie! We wish you the very best as you turn your love for animals into a rewarding career in veterinary care. 🐾