The Miami County Community Foundation (MICOCF) was established in 2007 with a steadfast mission to enhance the business climate, quality of life, and cultural and educational development in greater Miami County, Kansas. Since its inception, MICOCF has been dedicated to creating a thriving and prosperous community for all residents.
Our mission revolves around three core pillars:
MICOCF consists of several Donor Advised Funds and Scholarship Funds, varying in size but united in purpose — you can see every fund we hold and how to give to each one. We are dedicated to supporting the community where we work, live, and play. Our foundation assists donors in achieving their philanthropic objectives by establishing both restricted and unrestricted endowments, either during their lifetime or through planned giving.
For more than a century, Memorial Hall has been a gathering place at the heart of Osawatomie—built in 1918 to honor World War I veterans and officially dedicated on July 4, 1921. Over the years, it has hosted weddings, dances, city council meetings, and even served as the city’s first senior center, making it one of the community’s most cherished landmarks.
We are now launching Phase 1 of a multi-year restoration project to preserve this historic treasure. This phase will focus on modernizing the kitchen and restrooms, improving ADA compliance, and relocating the main entrance to ensure greater accessibility. The total cost is over $200,000, and thanks to a generous $100,000 gift from the Hawkins Foundation, we are already halfway there.
During September 2025, the Miami County Community Foundation will also match 20% of all donations (up to $20,000), helping us reach our goal even faster. Every contribution, large or small, brings us closer to ensuring Memorial Hall continues serving future generations as a place of gathering, remembrance, and community pride.
Make donation here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/5732D6NH3G73G
Counselors at Louisburg, Osawatomie and Paola high schools each select four seniors and four juniors — 24 students in all — to serve on the Miami County (MICO) Youth Leadership Council for the year. The Council meets monthly, runs a philanthropic project, and its students attend Foundation board meetings. At its March meeting the Council votes on one senior at each school to receive a $500 scholarship, and students at each school hold fundraisers to contribute to the fund. Full details are on the grants and scholarships page.
If you would like to contribute to this scholarship fund, please mail your check made payable to the Miami County Community Foundation, with “MICO Youth Leadership Council” in the memo line, to 702 Baptiste Dr, Paola, KS 66071.
From Avelyn’s mother…
“In May of 2014 after our daughter Avelyn passed away, we wanted to do something impactful and something long-lasting with the memorial funds we had received; we wanted to bring about something positive out of the extremely difficult time we were going through. In October 2014, through a friend and the Holy Spirit, we were led to give away children’s bibles. Since then each May we have our Annual Let Your Light Shine Family 1 Mile Walk & 5k to continue to raise funds. If you would like to donate to this cause and help with our mission, please mail your check made payable to the Miami County Community Foundation, with “Avelyn Sonshine Journey” in the memo line, at 702 Baptiste Drive, Paola, KS 66071
You may learn more about this Journey at www.letyourlight-shine.com.
The Osawatomie Ministerial Association (OMA) is a fellowship of pastors and church leaders dedicated to fostering unity, cooperation, and shared ministry among the Christian churches in Osawatomie, Kansas.
Most of the churches in our community actively participate in the OMA. Together, we organize events that both strengthen our fellowship and serve the broader community.
Fellowship Events
We host annual gatherings such as the Good Friday Service and the Easter Sunrise Service to bring our congregations together in worship and unity.
Community Service
The OMA also leads efforts to care for our neighbors through events like the Community Thanksgiving Meal and the Easter Egg Hunt. Additionally, we raise funds to assist local families facing unexpected crises, helping with needs such as rent, utilities, and emergency travel assistance for transients passing through town.
By working together, we extend our reach and impact, offering meaningful help and hope to those in need throughout Osawatomie.
Donations can be sent to the Miami County Community Foundation, 702 Baptiste Drive, Paola, KS 66071. Make checks payable to the Miami County Community Foundation, with “Oz Ministerial” in the memo line.
“We all will have times in our lives where we find it necessary to shift gears. For Regan, it was always on the race track doing what she loved. For those of us she left behind… We now find ourselves having to shift gears in search of our own “new normal”; trying to adjust to a life without our fiery little redhead. Suicide has become the 2nd leading cause of death among teenagers. Shifting Gears is focused on raising awareness to teen suicide prevention and in helping families navigate life after the sudden loss of their child to suicide.” – BJ Thomas (Regan’s mother).
https://mailchi.mp/0ded95cbc7d7/cruising-into-2025?e=f5f8aa6878
“On March 19, 2010, we lost our beloved son Joshua to suicide. That day changed our lives forever. A part of us left with him—a piece we can never get back.”
Suicide is now one of the fastest-growing causes of death in the United States. We are committed to changing that.
Stomp Out Suicide started in 2019 and is a community walk (added cornhole tournament in 2024) dedicated to raising awareness, offering hope, and providing critical resources and training in our schools and neighborhoods. Our goal is to equip local communities and schools with the tools needed to recognize and respond to mental health challenges early and effectively.
All donations, entry fees, and proceeds will go directly toward:
Join us—and thousands across the country—as we walk to raise awareness, fund life-saving research, advocate for stronger policies, and support those impacted by suicide.
Let’s walk for Joshua. Let’s walk for every life that still has a chance to be saved. View here Suicide Statistics
Please come join the effort to lower the suicide rate. We look forward to seeing you at the walk or cornhole tournament.
Donations can be sent to the Miami County Community Foundation, 702 Baptiste Drive, Paola, KS 66071. Make checks payable to the Miami County Community Foundation, with “Stomp Out Suicide” in the memo line.
Established in 2022, the Miami County, Kansas Sheriff’s Fund is a dedicated non-profit committed to strengthening the well-being and safety of our local communities.
The Fund provides critical financial assistance to community members, first responders, and their families during times of crisis. Additionally, it supports first responder agencies by funding the acquisition of specialized equipment necessary for effective emergency response and public safety operations.
Mission:
To offer financial assistance to citizens, first responders, and their families during times of crisis. Additionally, to provide funding for first responder agencies to acquire specialized equipment, ensuring they have the resources necessary to effectively serve and protect our communities.
Vision:
To establish a financial support system that enhances the safety, security, health, and wellness of our communities and first responders.
Donations can be sent to the Miami County Community Foundation, 702 Baptiste Drive, Paola, KS 66071. Make checks payable to the Miami County Community Foundation, with “MICO Sheriff’s Fund” in the memo line.
Summer Blessings is a group of individuals that volunteer to build support for the children and families of Louisburg, Kansas when it comes to food security during the summer months.
At MICOCF, we believe that every individual and every donation has the power to create meaningful change. By working together, we can ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for Miami County. Whether you are looking to establish a fund, donate, or get involved in our community initiatives, your support is invaluable.
Our Board of Directors comprises dedicated individuals who are passionate about the mission of MICOCF and committed to steering the foundation towards its goals. Their leadership and vision are instrumental in driving our initiatives forward.
Tammy Booe
(913) 404 7287
info@micocf.org
Mail Your Donation
Miami County Community Foundation
702 Baptiste Dr
Paola, KS 66071, USA
