Welcome to the Miami County Community Foundation (MICOCF), where we are dedicated to enriching lives through targeted philanthropy.

Notice: Test mode is enabled. While in test mode no live donations are processed.

$
Select Payment Method
Personal Info

Donation Total: $100.00

Why Miami Kansas Needs Your Donations 

Why is donating to Miami Kansas, a good idea? You will find out once you learn about Miami County. It’s known for its scenic landscapes, Rural tranquility, and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore local wineries, hiking trails, and unique historical sites.

Miami County is located in the heart of east central Kansas. It is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area and has a population of 34,191, according to the 2020 census. Due to its rich history, the county was named by the Indigenous Miami tribe, reflecting that Native Americans first settled there primarily around the 1820s through the 1840s.

Here, people have a strong sense of community; that’s one of the reasons you will see so many charitable organizations dedicated to mental health, education, social services, and animal welfare whose primary focus is to make a difference.

Maybe you are thinking; Why is it important to give charity and donations? Well, donations play a huge role in empowering and building a community, therefore many charitable organizations focus on achieving long-term sustainability by funding programs that help communities become independent. Whether through education or skill development, the primary purpose of the donations is future growth.

We encourage you to take a step and support Miami County, Kansas. This way, organizations will have more resources to turn this small town into a better place. Donating to Miami County, Kansas, is not just about giving money. It is about providing hope and faith. Provide people the opportunity to achieve their dreams and be better.

What Makes Miami County, KS Special?

A bustling outdoor market in Paola Kansas, a vibrant community within Miami County.
Paola Kansas, in the heart of Miami County, hosts lively markets that showcase the culture and spirit.

Miami County, Kansas is a unique and special place full of opportunities and fun activities. This amazing place offers recreational activities, great food, and deep historical roots within easy driving distance. Here are some things that make the county special: 

  1. There are not many places like Miami County where you can connect with the history of an ancient small town. You will have the opportunity to play detective by tracing the path through different landmarks. It will be a journey that will make you travel from the pioneer era to modern times.
    1. Native Americans: It all started with Native American Indian Tribes, the first settlement around the 1820s to 1840s after they were displaced from Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana. The Miami and several other tribes settled there. However, by 1854, most of the land had been sold to the US government. Some native Americans stayed and became US citizens, while others moved.
    2. Trail of Death: This trail marks the forced relocation of the Potawatomi tribe that was placed in 1838 from Indiana to Kansas, where 42 tribe members passed away. Monuments and signs mark the Route through Miami County. Nowadays, people retrace their journeys every five years, and you can find artifacts at the Miami County Historical Museum.
    3. Pre-Civil War Period: In 1854 In Kansas territory there was a conflict between abolitionist and pro-slavery forces, resulting in the “Bleeding Kansas” violence. The area is known for its historical sites related to this challenging period. 
  2. There’s an amazing historical monument called “The Wea Mission Monument,” which educates visitors about the difficult living conditions and the strong spirit of the people from Miami County around the 1800s.
  3. Also, sports fans will be happy to know that  Miami County has “The Jayhawk,” a famous mascot of the University of Kansas, whose origins are deeply rooted in history. The term “Jayhawk” comes from 1856 when Pat Devlin, a free-state Irish man, came up with the name during a turbulent period in Kansas Territory. Well, I guess that’s a story for another time.
  4. This small town hosts the Miami County Farm Tour each spring, where local farms and farm businesses invite people to come with their families for a free self-guided tour. The goal is to explore and learn about farm operations, produce, and animals at each farm stop. It has become an event that visitors and residents enjoy every single year.
  5. Miami County, Kansas, is full of historical landmarks, including the Creamery Bridge and Civil War sites Osawatomie, the musical landmark and cider mill near Louisburg, a Library in Paola, and finally, The Poor Farm Cemetery, a place where many farm workers are buried.
  6. Miami County offers residents and visitors a combination of rural and city lifestyles, where people can perform various activities and hobbies that include golf, camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, astronomy, watersports, events, and festivals that take place during the year. Here, you will have the opportunity to go through many different experiences.

All these different events, features, and landmarks play separate roles in building the rich community of people in this town’s entire history.

Join us in shaping a better tomorrow for Miami County. Your support is more than just a donation. It’s an investment in our community.

A Look at Some of the Nonprofits in and Around Paola Kansas, Making a Difference 

Participants at a local festival in Paola Kansas, including the Miami Nation Princess.
Miami Kansas celebrates local heritage through community events in Paola Kansas, bringing together residents from across Miami County.

Around Paola Kansas, you can donate to several non-profit organizations that enrich the lives of many individuals. However, in this list, you will find the ones we believe are the best, considering different criteria such as Reputation, Impact, Transparency, and diversity of causes. Let’s see what this organizations have to offer. 

  • 4-H: The largest youth development company organization, with over 6 million members across the United States. They give young people with societal issues access to opportunities by equipping them with the skills to lead for a lifetime. Miami Kansas 4-H goal is to provide a long-term local charitable endowment.
  • Agape’s Grace: Fortifying individuals with special needs in Miami County: Their mission is to encourage individuals with physical and mental disabilities. This non-profit organization offers two programs: the day service program and residential services. Both have the purpose of helping individuals live their lives with the level of support they desire.
  • Cedar Cove. This organization plays a huge role in Miami County wildlife conservation and isn’t just a sanctuary for displaced animals. Cedar Cove creates awareness regarding the endangered species of animals and how we can protect them and make the environment a better place.
  • Drown Cancer Foundation.  A Miami County non-profit organization that uses swimming events to raise funds and awareness for cancer treatment and research. It was originally founded by Tyghe Lindberg Thielsen, a doctor, swimmer, and entrepreneur. Tyghe was inspired by the loss of a friend who fought cancer for almost 6 years. 
  • Miami County Community Foundation (MICOCF): An organization that seeks to enhance the quality of life, business climate, and educational and cultural development in Miami County, Kansas. The Foundation supports donors allowing them to create endowments that generate income that is used for grants to local non-profits, impulsing positive change.

By sharing these stories of some non-profits in Miami County, our purpose is to inspire this community to support their organizations. Now you have the power to improve the lives of Miami County citizens.

Keep in mind that these non-profit organizations each play a vital role in raising funds and awareness regarding a variety of issues. Additionally, The Miami County Community Foundation supports local initiatives by providing grants to help the community in the area improve their lives. Each organization brings unique contributions to create a positive impact on all the people of the community.

Join the MICOCF in Improving Miami Kansas

: A scenic view of a fountain and gazebo in downtown Paola, located in Miami Kansas
Paola Kansas, in Miami County, is home to beautiful landmarks like this fountain.

At the Miami County Community Foundation (MICOCF), we are focused on enriching the quality of life, cultural vibrancy, and educational opportunities across Miami County. We are looking to support the community by raising charitable giving. We help connect donors with meaningful causes, generating a powerful impact. Together we can create a brighter future for Miami County.

The organization has made a huge impact by providing over $50,000 in scholarships and grants to local groups. This results in better education preserved history, and support for those in need. If you want to make a difference, donating to the Miami County Community Foundation (MICOCF) is a reliable way to give back. 

Whether you want to establish your fund, support scholarships, or contribute to programs that give families support and resources to deal with their losses. Your donations will help strengthen and build a more resilient Miami County.

Are you interested in learning more or contributing to our cause? Reach out with any questions you may have. With just one click, you can transform lives. Your donation has the power to create a significant change.