ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
The Fort Larned Foundation for Education is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to supporting all USD 495 schools by gathering resources that directly benefit our students and teachers. Established by the USD 495 School Board in 2006, the Foundation has been committed to enriching educational opportunities within our district.

OUR MISSION
To gather resources that support the schools of Fort Larned USD 495, empowering students and teachers in their pursuit of educational excellence.

OUR VISION
We aim to create lasting opportunities for growth and learning. Through educator grants, scholarships, and innovative programs, the Foundation helps students achieve their highest potential. Our work ensures that each donation and grant strengthens the educational experience across all aspects of learning.

FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS

  • James E. Forrest, President

  • Sharon Lessard

  • Carolyn Haas

  • Kaitlyn Hatfield

  • Jessie Pleasant

  • Chris Scheideman

  • Terry Rainbolt

KEY MILESTONES

  • June 2006: The USD 495 School Board votes to establish the Foundation.

  • August 2006: First official meeting of the Foundation.

  • January 2007: Foundation bylaws signed, and 501(c)3 status granted by the IRS.

SUPPORT LOCAL EDUCATION — BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!

Become a member of the Ft. Larned Foundation for Education and help empower our students and teachers. Your membership directly supports scholarships, classroom mini-grants, and programs that inspire learning and growth in our schools.

$25 Annually

Brave Member

$50 Annually

Warrior Member

$100 Annually

Chief Member

$250 Annually

Business Membership

JOIN TODAY!

Online membership registration is coming soon! In the meantime, if you’re interested in purchasing a membership, please contact Allisa Spain, ex officio member, at the USD 495 District Office by emailing allisa.spain@usd495.com or calling (620) 285-3185.

THANK YOU, LIFETIME MEMBERS!

From 2007 to 2024, the Ft. Larned Foundation for Education proudly offered Lifetime Memberships to individuals and organizations dedicated to supporting education in our community.

We are deeply grateful to our Lifetime Members for their lasting commitment to our mission.

Our Lifetime Members:

  • James Forrest

  • Sharon (Bowman) Lessard

  • Robbi (Roberta Grogan) Hewson

  • Todd Keeley

  • Kimberly Forrest

  • Donna (Bowman) Maskus

  • Fusion Bank

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SUPPORTING TEACHERS THROUGH MINI-GRANTS

The Ft. Larned Foundation for Education uses endowment interest to fund teacher mini-grants, providing vital resources to enhance classroom learning and innovation.

Since 2010, the Foundation has awarded over $15,000 through more than 100 teacher mini-grants. These grants have supported creative projects, classroom materials, and programs that enrich the educational experience for students in our community.

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2024 Foundation Mini-Grant Recipients

EVERY DONATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Your donation helps us fulfill our mission to support excellence in USD 495 Public Schools. Every gift is critical to ensuring that our schools continue to thrive and provide outstanding education. Donations to the general Foundation fund can be designated to specific areas, such as music, science, athletics, or classrooms, allowing you to support what you value most.

Consider making a donation in honor of a loved one or your graduating class as an alumni contribution. Every gift strengthens our community’s commitment to quality education.

All donations to the Fort Larned Foundation for Education are fully tax-deductible.

LEAD THE WAY FOR LARNED'S FUTURE
Quality schools benefit our entire community, impacting property values, local growth, and overall quality of life. With the help of generous donors like you, we can continue to fund important educational programs and resources—even when public funding is limited. Together, we can ensure our students have the opportunities they need to succeed.

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Thanks to community support, we currently offer several scholarships for our students, including:

  • Baird Family Scholarship

  • Doyle Foster Scholarship

  • Robert "Bobby" Foster Scholarship

  • Victor Memorial Scholarship

  • Langford Scholarship

  • Glen Presley Scholarship

HOW TO DONATE
You can donate in a few ways:

Direct Donations: Cash gifts, checks made payable to the Fort Larned Foundation for Education, or a pledge payable by year-end or as arranged.

  • Mail Direct Donations to:
    Fort Larned Foundation for Education
    120 E. 6th
    Larned, KS 67550

Endowment Donations: Contributions to our endowment fund are handled by the Golden Belt Foundation, which provides long-term support for our schools.

  • Mail Endowment Donations to:
    Golden Belt Foundation
    1307 Williams St.
    Great Bend, KS 67530
    Memo: Fort Larned Foundation for Education Endowment

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The Fort Larned Foundation for Education is participating in Giving Tuesday on December 3!

Donations will be accepted from November 1 through Giving Tuesday, December 3.

All donations go into our endowment fund, and we use the interest earned to support teacher mini-grants. You can donate in the following ways:

  • By Mail: Send checks to Golden Belt Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1911, Great Bend, KS 67530

  • Online: Visit goldenbeltcf.org and click “Donate”

  • In Person: Drop off donations at Golden Belt Community Foundation (9-5, weekdays)

Special December 3 Drop-Off Locations
On December 3 only, you can drop off donations at any of the following Pawnee County banks:

  • Equity Bank in Larned

  • Fusion Bank in Larned

  • Farmers Bank & Trust in Larned

  • SJN Bank of Kansas in Burdett

Thanks to an amazing opportunity from the Patterson Family Foundation, the Golden Belt Gives: Giving Tuesday Campaign has up to $70,000 available for a percentage match! Matching funds will go to nonprofits in the four-county service area, including USD 495.

Thank you for helping us support education in our community!