Full STEAM Ahead for Early Childhood Learning! STEAM (Science, Technology Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) for Innovative Project Grants targeted for early childhood learning.
In BEF's 21 years of outreach in the Baldwin City community, the Innovative Project Grant program has been the organization's flagship funding initiative. This program puts extra dollars directly into the classroom and has allowed teachers to lean into their creativity and expertise in providing additional learning opportunities for students. As the educational data informs us, the hard-wirings of early childhood are extremely significant for establishing long-term educational success, and those neural pathways are nurtured through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) learning (Erol & Erol, 2023). Baldwin City USD 348's National Blue Ribbon Award-designated Parents as Teachers program, Pre-K programs and Baldwin Primary Center have each increased STEAM learning opportunities for our youngest students, and BEF would like to support these efforts with additional funding through the mechanism of our long-standing Innovative Project Grant program. (Article attached) M. & Erol, A. (2023). Reflections of STEAM education on children according to early childhood and primary school teachers. International Journal on Social and Education Sciences (IJonSES), 5(3), 493-506. https://doi.org/10

The Extension Council Giving Fund fuels youth programs, education, and community enrichment through trusted, resource-based initiatives—and more!
K-State Research and Extension Douglas County connects local, state, and federal partners to deliver education, youth programs, and community resources. The Giving Fund supports this vital work—helping us build a stronger, thriving Douglas County. Learn more at www.douglas.k-state.edu.

Help us deliver meals safely! Support Lawrence Meals on Wheels by funding coolers for neighbors in need.
Lawrence Meals on Wheels is growing fast—we've added 2 new routes and more are coming. With over 160 meals delivered daily, we need at least 100 new coolers in the next year to safely serve new clients and replace worn ones. Coolers ensure meals stay fresh, even when clients can't answer the door. They’re also a vital part of our wellness checks—missing coolers can signal a problem. Cooler costs have nearly doubled, and your support will help us continue serving every neighbor in need—something we’ve proudly done for 55 years without ever turning anyone away. Thank you, Lawrence, for helping us keep this promise.

Upgrade of the sound system in the Community Room at the Watkins Museum of History.
The Watkins Museum seeks to improve the quality of the sound system in the Community Room by updating existing speakers and installing additional speakers. These upgrades will provide better sound quality and expand the range of coverage so museum program participants have a better experience.

Please support Wheels for All - our new program designed to provide or restore equipment such as baby strollers, wheelchairs, bicycles, tires and essential auto repairs - to those in need.
Mobility is more than just movement; it's access, opportunity, and independence. Every day, we encounter community members facing barriers due to a lack of reliable or appropriate wheeled equipment, whether it be a parent needing a stroller to safely transport their child, a disabled person who requires a functional wheelchair, someone relying on a bicycle to get to work or school, or a family needing their car for daily responsibilities. The Wheels for All program will identify and assist them through our current local resource agencies' referral process. Our goal is to be able to bridge gaps by providing funding assistance to help with costs, based on assessed need, that these agencies are simply unable to cover. This initiative prioritizes low-income households and underserved populations. 100 Good Women has an almost 30 year history and a long-standing commitment to working with our local partners and service providers. With your support, this program can create lasting, tangible change, and will definitely help our community members stay mobile, connected, and empowered.