Changing People’s Lives, One Grant at a Time!
Great things happen when people come together to make a difference! In 2025, the Jo Zakas Legacy Foundation awarded $86,466 in grants to 15 organizations and programs making a positive impact throughout our community.
From opening doors to arts education and helping young people develop life skills to supporting families, and individuals facing difficult challenges, these grants carry forward Jo’s belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed.
We’re proud to partner with these dedicated organizations as we continue Jo’s legacy of Changing People’s Lives!
Area Organization Grants
American Heart Association — $5,000
Scholarships for students participating in the Ambassador Program, providing opportunities to develop leadership, communication, public speaking, and community engagement skills.
Children First CEO Kansas Inc. — $5,000
Educational programming for 100 individuals working to overcome barriers to stable housing and employment. The program helps participants build practical skills, identify resources, and work toward greater financial independence and long-term stability.
Cricket Alley Ministries — $5,000
Providing clothing, personal styling guidance, and encouragement to individuals preparing to enter or reenter the workforce. The program helps participants build confidence, present themselves professionally, and approach employment opportunities with greater self-assurance.
Destination Innovation Inc. — $6,221
Support for Camp Destination Innovation, an educational experience designed to encourage creativity, problem-solving, leadership, and innovative thinking while helping young people discover their potential.
Episcopal Social Services — $3,300
Purchase of gardening tools to support therapeutic gardening activities for individuals living with mental illness. Gardening provides opportunities to develop practical skills, participate in meaningful activities, and experience the benefits of working with plants and nature.
Heartspring — $5,000
Support for art programs that give children opportunities for creative expression, skill development, and participation in enriching activities suited to their individual abilities and needs.
ICT Food Rescue — $2,445
Support for rescuing surplus food and redirecting it to community organizations serving people experiencing food insecurity. The program helps reduce food waste while making nutritious food available to individuals and families in need.
Juniper Arts Academy, Inc. — $5,000
Support for Music Club and Visual Arts Camps, giving young people opportunities to explore music and art, develop creative talents, build confidence, and experience the positive impact of arts education.
KanVets United Foundation — $5,000
Assistance for veterans facing challenges as they transition to civilian life or work toward greater personal and financial stability. Funding supports the foundation’s efforts to connect veterans with needed assistance and resources.
Legacy Works Youth Development — $7,500
Life skills and workforce training for youth ages 14–19. The program helps young people develop workplace habits, responsibility, communication skills, and practical experience that prepares them for employment and future success.
Wichita Women’s Initiative Network Inc. — $5,000
Job readiness and economic empowerment training for survivors of domestic abuse. The program helps women develop employment skills, build financial confidence, and work toward economic independence and a more secure future.
Youth Horizons Inc. — $5,000
Training for 60 volunteer mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and positive relationships for young people. The program prepares mentors to help youth build confidence, make healthy choices, and develop skills for a successful future.
Educational Grants for the Arts
The Academy at Music Theatre Wichita — $5,000
Scholarships that make performing arts education more accessible to young people, providing opportunities to develop skills in acting, singing, dancing, and theatrical performance while building confidence, creativity, and teamwork.
CityArts — $2,000
Annual scholarships that provide children from underserved families the opportunity to attend Art Camp, explore their creativity, develop artistic skills, and experience the joy of making art.
Wichita State University School of Performing Arts — $20,000
Support for the Jo Zakas Musical Theatre Incubator Program, now in its fourth year. The program brings professional guest artists together with students to develop new musical theatre works through mentoring, collaboration, and hands-on experience. The program also includes performances open to the public, connecting students and professional artists with the Wichita community.
