Fred C. and Mary R. Koch Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Fred C. and Mary R. Koch Foundation supports the arts, education and youth development in Kansas.
FUNDING AREAS: Arts, education, youth development
IP TAKE: Funding opportunities are available all throughout the year with this Kansas-focused funder. Given the Koch brothers’ conservative influence in politics, the organization tends to support libertarian-conservative ideals of which grantseekers should be aware when writing proposals.
PROFILE: Established in 1953, the Fred C. and Mary R. Koch Foundation is a private foundation based in Wichita, Kansas. Mary Koch was the daughter of a Kansas City surgeon and professor who studied art and engaged in drawing, painting and silversmithing. Her husband, Fred Koch, was a chemical engineer who worked for and co-founded oil and refining companies. The foundation aims to "improve the quality of life for Kansans through arts and education-based initiatives, inspiring new generations of lifelong learners who make lasting contributions in the communities where they live and work.” It funds local efforts for the arts, education and youth development.
The Fred C. and Mary R. Koch Foundation provides education grants to nonprofits as a way of fostering social and economic progress at the local level. The Koch Foundation awards both education-related grants and scholarships to students. The funder’s arts grants address needs in the visual and performing arts to encourage all ages to participate and appreciate artistic innovation and creativity. As a general rule, the foundation does not support fundraising events, individual schools, venture capital grants or capital campaigns from non-returning grantees. In addition to grants, the foundation also awards scholarships to students pursuing higher education.
Grants range between about $2,000 and $200,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on the state of Kansas. Past local grantees include Symphony in the Flint Hills, Wichita Art Museum and Young Entrepreneurs of Kansas.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits all throughout the year. It awards most of its grants in December, so the funder recommends submitting application materials by September for consideration during the current year. Submit grant application paperwork by mail. Direct general questions to the staff at email@fmkfoundation.org or 316-828-8415.
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