Westar Energy Foundation

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OVERVIEW: The Westar Energy Foundation supports general education, STEM education and workforce development in Kansas.

FUNDING AREAS: General education, STEM education, workforce development

IP TAKE: Contact this company foundation directly to inquire if grantmaking procedures have changed since the corporate merger.

PROFILE: Established in 1990, the Westar Energy Foundation (WEF) is a corporate foundation based in Topeka, Kansas. This is the company-sponsored foundation of Evergy, which is the entity that formed upon the merger of KCP&L and Westar Energy. This energy industry company has a history that dates back to the 1880s and provides electricity and alternate energy sources to customers today. The foundation "supports programs that invest in the education of tomorrow’s workforce to ensure that the skills and knowledge required to are available to enable our communities and Westar Energy to thrive in the future.” WEF funds local efforts for general education, STEM education and workforce development.

The Westar Energy Foundation’s general education grants support the academic performance of youths and students’ educational development from kindergarten through career or vocation. STEM education grants help develop student interest and careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Workforce development grants help stimulate the community and direct potential employees towards careers in the utility industry. As a general rule, WEF does not support capital campaigns, operating fund campaigns, fund drives or tax-supported institutions.

Grants range between about $1,000 and $100,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on communities in Kansas. Many grantees are located in Topeka and Wichita, with additional grants going to groups based in the Kansas cities of Lawrence, Hesston, Manhattan, Ft. Scott and Junction City. Past local grantees include CASA of Sedgwick County, the Combat Air Museum and the Kansas Book Festival Fund.

This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. WEF links to a grant request form on its website, which should be printed, completed and mailed to the foundation. There are not any submission deadlines. Direct general questions to the staff at 785-575-1544.

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