The mission of the Derby Community Foundation is to enrich the quality of life in the Derby area by being a catalyst for connecting people and resources with community needs and initiatives. To fulfill this mission, the Derby Community Foundation is committed:
As a grant maker
As a vehicle for philanthropy
As a community leader
To respond to changing needs
In the November of 1995, the Foundation celebrated reaching the goal of $198,000… the Foundations first official project was a success!
The DCF has supported educational efforts since the inception of the organization. Today this includes: grants, scholarships ($115,000 annually), and Career Technical Education Assistance Fund ($1,700 annually).
Public art was a great interest of many early members of the DCF board, including Bill and Reba Smith. The 21 bronze sculptures that adorn Derby’s parks and green spaces were inspired by the DCF with many of them actually purchased by the DCF through the generosity of donors.
Our partnerships include the City of Derby, Endowment Partners, Kansas Health Foundation and CommunityGiving (confirmed in compliance with National Standards by the Council on Foundations).
Through the proceeds of the Foundation’s annual fundraiser, over $180,000 has been awarded since 2007 to local non-profits via our Community Enrichment Grant Program.
Our current efforts include Building Endowed Funds (Permanent Funds), Donor Advised Funds, Memorial Funds, Field of Interest Funds and Designated Funds. Also the Derby Area Veterans Memorial and our brand new Military Hometown Hero Banners.
We set a goal to reach $3 Million in assets in our 30th year and we reached that goal!
Looking ahead to 2024 our scholarship process has been updated, we will be taking applications for the 2nd round of Military Hometown Hero Banners, and we will be hosting our annual fundraiser on 2/24/24! We hope to see you there!