(Inman, Kansas) – Kansas Sampler Foundation is among 11 organizations to receive grant funding from Network Kansas’ Networked Community Solutions Grant.
Kansas Sampler Foundation in collaboration with Kansas Spanish Speakers, and JenRus Marketing will offer ‘Rural Digital Front Door Training’. This series will equip rural Kansas businesses and community leaders with the tools to create welcoming, accurate, and engaging "digital front doors" that attract newcomers, visitors, and diverse audiences. The project team will develop and present a series of webinars focused on strengthening rural businesses and communities through practical marketing and outreach strategies. Topics will include building community-friendly businesses, strengthening social media and Google Business Profiles, email marketing, and using tools such as AI and Canva to increase capacity and creating welcoming destinations. Following the webinar series, participating businesses may apply for one of 10 $250 implementation subgrants. These funds will support marketing improvements by allowing recipients to hire a local marketing consultant or specialists on projects such as website updates, branding, social media, or other digital marketing enhancements.
The purpose of Networked grants is to activate cross-sector collaboration among Kansas groups leading to bold changes in communities.
“Networked’s grant-making has brought true collaboration and partnership between organizations that share vision and passion for changemaking in their communities,” said Christina Long, Strategic Director, Networked. Over the past five years, Network Kansas, in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, has awarded $460,000 which brings the total number of projects funded to 50.
“We’re so excited to see these projects move forward and we know they will create momentum for transformational change in the communities they serve,” said Steve Radley, CEO of Network Kansas, which is a Kansas-based nonprofit dedicated to the growth of entrepreneurship and small business.
Simone Elder, KSF Executive Director said, "This collaboration with JenRus Marketing and Kansas Spanish Speakers, two organizations who understand rural Kansas, will help rural Kansas businesses think about simple steps they can take to be more welcoming through their online presence and outreach."
The mission of the Kansas Sampler Foundation is to preserve and sustain rural culture by educating Kansans about Kansas and networking and supporting rural communities. We are inspired by every town that has shown the will and spirit to help itself. Kansassampler.org
The Networked Partnership for Community Investment connects unconnected networks and closes gaps between people, information and assets to develop pathways that boldly solve community challenges. NetWorked is an initiative of Network Kansas. Visit: networkkansas.com/services/networked/
Network Kansas is growing an entrepreneurial environment in Kansas by cultivating resources to start and grow small businesses. We are a statewide network of non-profit business-building resources that help entrepreneurs and small business owners startup and grow successful businesses. Visit: networkkansas.com