Dear Supporters,
In 2022, the volunteer Board members of the Jo Zakas Legacy Foundation voted to extend our focus to include funding more educational organizations. Before, we had limited ourselves to funding grants to local social service charities.
Using both grants and endowments, we have selected universities and local educational institutions to continue our mission “to empower at-risk children and/or struggling adults achieve success in their lives”.
Educational Grants for the Arts
City Arts | Art Camp Scholarships now in annual budget beginning 2022 | $2,000
Wichita State University School of Performing Arts | Musical Theatre Incubator Program | A new, three-week educational event where established guest artists mentor and interact with students. | $14,000 Grant for the first year
Scholarship Endowments
These one-time Financial Gifts fund Annual Scholarship(s) given in perpetuity through the principle of the endowment less fees | Beginning in 2023-24
Friends University – Fine Arts | $20,000 Endowment
Newman University – Fine Arts | $25,000 Endowment
Wichita State University Technical College – National Institute for Culinary and Hospitality Education (NICHE) | $25,000 Endowment plus naming rights to their new Student Lounge (Jo Zakas Student Lounge)
Area Organization Grants
We have been funding area organizations since 2019. These Foundation grants range from $500 to $5,000. Search “grant” on our website to find the complete listing of past recipients and their intentions for the funds.
Throughout the year we are often invited to participate in a program or event funded by the Foundation. Fortunately, usually one or more board members can attend. The experience is heartwarming.
Each year brings satisfaction knowing we had a part in helping to improve lives.
- American Heart Association | $5,000
- Breakthrough (Episcopal Social Services, Inc.) | $3,580
- Children First CEO Kansas Inc. | $4,940
- Cricket Alley Ministries | $4,500
- Destination Innovation Inc | $5,000
- Hope Ranch for Women | $5,000
- ICT Food Rescue | $3,239
- Juniper Arts Academy, Inc. | $3,352
- Kansas Hispanic Education & Development Foundation |$5,000
- Wichita Women’s Initiative Network Inc. | $5,245
- Youth Horizons Inc | $5,000
Find out more about these organizations and their missions at 2022 Grant Recipients.
Scholarship Luncheon
This past year we honored the Kansas Hispanic Education & Development Foundation’s scholarship recipients during a luncheon at Larkspur Restaurant. The students had one-on-one time with Board Members and participated in an open discussion about their plans with the group.
We hope to expand this luncheon next year to include other Foundation Scholarship recipients. Everyone enjoyed their time.
Thank you
We thank all of you who faithfully give to the Jo Zakas Legacy Foundation. Your support means a lot to all of us on the Board and to those who benefit from your gifts.
Most of all we thank Jo Zakas. Her belief that you only take what you need, and you always give more than you take, remains an example of what one person can do. Now her legacy will live on in perpetuity through the endowments and the Foundation. What a wonderful gift to our community. Thank you, Jo.
Take care,
The Board of Directors
Jo Zakas Legacy Foundation
