Twelve funds are held at the Miami County Community Foundation — eleven named funds, each started by someone from this county for this county, plus the Foundation’s own general fund. Nine can be given to online through the drop-down on the donate page; the other three take a check or a phone call. To start a fund of your own, call Tammy Booe on (913) 404-7287.
Read the full guide: what an endowment is · restricted vs unrestricted funds
Where the need is greatest.
The Foundation’s own fund, and the one to choose when you would rather the county decided. Gifts here are not tied to a single cause — they back the Foundation’s grants to Miami County nonprofits and the work of getting that money to them. It is the first entry in the donate drop-down.
Children’s Bibles, every May.
Started in 2014 by Avelyn’s family, who wanted something lasting to come out of the memorial gifts they received. The fund gives away children’s Bibles, and the family holds the annual Let Your Light Shine 5K each May to support it.
Open for gifts online.
Blue Paws for a Cause is one of the funds you can choose in the donate drop-down. We do not have a published description of what it supports, and would rather say so than guess — call Tammy Booe on (913) 404-7287 and she will tell you.
Students on the board, and a scholarship they vote on.
Counselors at Paola, Osawatomie and Louisburg each select four seniors and four juniors — 24 students in all — to serve on the Miami County Youth Leadership Council. It meets monthly, runs a philanthropic project each year, and its members attend Foundation board meetings. Each March the Council votes to award a $500 scholarship at each of the three high schools, $1,500 a year in total.
Backing local first responders.
Established in 2022 to support the Miami County Sheriff’s Office and the first responders who serve the county.
Churches serving Osawatomie together.
A fellowship of pastors and church leaders from across Osawatomie’s Christian congregations, who organize events that build fellowship and serve the wider community.
In the donate drop-down it is listed as Oz Ministerial Fund.
Teen suicide prevention.
Established in Regan Johnson’s memory to raise awareness of teen suicide prevention across Miami County. It also funds a $500 scholarship for Paola High School seniors affected by suicide or mental illness, and suicide-prevention training for schools.
In the donate drop-down it is listed simply as Shifting Gears.
Awareness, in Joshua’s memory.
Created by a family who lost their son Joshua in 2010, to raise awareness and support suicide prevention in the county. It also funds a $500 scholarship for graduating Osawatomie High School seniors, added in 2026 in memory of Joshua McQuay.
Open for gifts online.
Teammates of Louisburg is one of the funds you can choose in the donate drop-down. We do not have a published description of what it supports, and would rather say so than guess — call Tammy Booe on (913) 404-7287 and she will tell you.
For Miami County nursing students.
A $3,000-a-year scholarship, renewable for a second year and so worth up to $6,000 — the second year is not automatic. For permanent residents of Miami County — the family home must be in the county — who hold a CNA certification and/or have been accepted into a nursing program. Special consideration goes to applicants already working in a Miami County hospital or nursing home. Students apply through their high school counselor.
Not in the online donate drop-down yet. Give by check — payable to Miami County Community Foundation, with the fund name in the memo line — or call Tammy Booe on (913) 404-7287.
Food for children through the summer.
A group of volunteers who make sure children in Louisburg are fed during the summer months, when school meals stop.
Not in the online donate drop-down yet. Give by check — payable to Miami County Community Foundation, with the fund name in the memo line — or call Tammy Booe on (913) 404-7287.
Preserving a 1918 landmark.
Memorial Hall was built in 1918 to honor World War I veterans and dedicated on 4 July 1921. It has been a gathering place ever since — weddings, dances, council meetings, and the city’s first senior center. Phase 1 of a multi-year restoration is under way, focused on the kitchen and restrooms.
Not in the online donate drop-down yet. Give by check — payable to Miami County Community Foundation, with the fund name in the memo line — or call Tammy Booe on (913) 404-7287.
No pressure, no minimum to talk. Tammy will walk you through what fits your situation — and tell you honestly if the Foundation isn’t the right home for what you have in mind.
