Scholarships & Foundations
Neodesha benefits from several charitable foundations and scholarship funds.
Neodesha Community Foundation, Inc.
Established in 1979, it was created to provide the civic, cultural, educational, and recreational needs of Neodesha and to advance the interests of the community. Over the years, this foundation has acted as a conduit through which donors have been able to make contributions to an IRS recognized 501(C)(3) organization to further the donors' and the foundation's goals. Neodesha was one of the first cities in the state to establish a charitable community foundation.
Contact: Mr. Dennis Depew, Secretary at (620) 325-2626
Lewis, Philip, and Andrew Griffith Foundation
The Griffith Foundation was established in 1989 by Philip Griffith of Nevada. Mr. Griffith grew up in Neodesha and credits his success in the business world to his Neodesha roots. The Griffith Foundation is his way of “paying back” the Neodesha community. The Griffith Foundation is most noted for its investment in the education of Neodesha youth. Each year since 1990, all graduates of Neodesha High School who permanently reside in USD 461 and who have applied have received Griffith Foundation scholarships. These scholarships are currently $500 per year to students in two year programs and $1,200 per year to students in four year programs. To date, all students have been eligible for up to eight semesters of financial support provided that they take at least twelve credit hours per semester and maintain both a semester and cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. Other areas in which the Griffith Foundation has financially benefited the community are educational mini-grants, the local medical community, and a number of various other community wide projects. Since 1990, the Griffith Foundation has given in excess of $750,000 for the benefit of the Neodesha community.
Contact: Mr. Dennis Depew, Secretary/Treasurer 620-325-2626
The John L. and Mary Beth Matthews Foundation
The Matthews Foundation was established in 1990 by Carl & Jill Stratemeier in honor of Jill’s parents. This foundation provides educational travel opportunities that are beyond the reach of most students in the local school district. The Matthews Foundation has funded a number of educational trips led by a school district teacher that allows that teacher to take his or her students to another part of the country for educational experiences that are not available in this area.
Contact: Mrs. Jill Stratemeier, President at (620) 325-5182
The Neodesha High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund
This charitable corporation was formed in 1994 and has been receiving substantial financial support each year since without embarking on a high pressure fund raising drive. The goal of the fund is simple, that no graduate of Neodesha High School lose the opportunity to further his or her education due to financial limitations. In addition, a program for adult education scholarships for past graduates of NHS who still live in the Neodesha area is being developed. All gifts, large and small, are welcome. Since 1994, the fund has developed endowment assets in excess of $250,000 and will be the recipient of future firm estate planning gifts in excess of an additional $250,000.
Contact Mr. Dennis Depew, President at (620) 325-2626
The Wilson County Hospital Foundation
Established in _____. Since 1916, Wilson County Hospital has been a source of healing to the people of this region. Today, the foundation provides the opportunity for those whose lives have been touched by the hospital to become active participants in the future growth and development of Wilson County Hospital which has had such a personal and community impact on the lives of so many. The Wilson County Hospital Foundation is a charitable, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation formed for the sole purpose of supporting and enhancing the health care mission of Wilson County Hospital, be receiving, holding, investing, and dispensing the assets for the health care and charitable activities of Wilson County Hospital.
Contact: Wilson County Hospital Foundation Director 620-325-2611
Medical Scholarships
Medical scholarships are available for those students planning to return to the Neodesha area/Wilson County Hospital. Application forms are available at the Wilson County Hospital website (www.wilsoncountyhospital.org) or from the WCH Foundation Office, 205 Mill, Neodesha, KS 66757. For student’s convenience, a single application is required. The Foundation Office will copy and submit their application to the selection committees for The Hinrichs Family Scholarship, Jessie & William Post Scholarship, Ruth Stephens Memorial Scholarship Trust, Eunice Swartzleonard Scholarship and Russell Vickers Scholarship. Medical Scholarships include all medical fields: nursing, medical technology, occupational and physical therapy and others. Application deadline each year is June 1 and requires evidence the student has been accepted in an accredited healthcare program.
The Friends of the Brown Hotel Organization
More information on this website may be viewed by clicking on the Brown Hotel link in the sidebar. The hotel, located in the heart of the Neodesha business district, is on the prestigious Registry of Historic Sites and received a grant from the Kansas Historic Preservation Trust Fund. Through manual labor, grants and donations, the group is restoring the building. Plans are to lease the restored structure to professionals.
Contact: Mr. Kent Carpenter, wilsonagency@terraworld.net, or, 620-325-2535