About Us
Our Mission
The mission of the Derby Community Foundation is to enrich the quality of life in the Derby area by being a catalyst for connecting people and resources with community needs and initiatives.
To fulfill this mission, the Derby Community Foundation is committed:
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As a grant maker—we award grants and scholarships to improve the lives of Derby area residents.
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As a vehicle for philanthropy—we encourage private giving for public good.
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As a community leader—we inspire, educate and cultivate a spirit of philanthropy.
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To respond to changing needs—we promote community involvement and collaboration.
A Little About Who We Are:
In order to better our lives we must better where we spend our lives. For us, that’s Derby, Kansas! This is why the Derby Community Foundation was established; helping our community and its citizens raise a shared standard of excellence in all we do. The spirit of the Derby Community Foundation is refreshing and invigorating. Its contagious persistence brings together people who yearn to share a vision and have the courage to do something about it.
What We Do
Inspiring Vision & Generosity
In order to better our lives we must better where we spend our lives. For us, that’s Derby, Kansas! This is why the Derby Community Foundation was established; helping our community and its citizens raise a shared standard of excellence in all we do. The spirit of the Derby Community Foundation is refreshing and invigorating. Its contagious persistence brings together people who yearn to share a vision and have the courage to do something about it.
The Derby Community Foundation has supported community improvement projects within our city since the Foundation’s inception in 1993. In that time, the Derby Community Foundation has established a reputation within our community for providing great enhancements. Among the accomplishments of the Derby Community Foundation are listed below.
Bronze Sculptures
We have also inspired the purchase, landscaping, installation, and lighting of 20 bronze sculptures throughout the city.
Community Enrichment Grants
We have awarded nearly $500,000 in grants to local non-profit organizations. Our Community Enrichment Grants expand the Foundation’s support to a broad range of organizations throughout the Derby area. The Foundation awards up to $10,000 annually.
Veteran's Memorial
The Derby Area Veteran's Memorial Walk of Freedom at Garrett Park was created in 2011 to honor the brave men and women who have served or are serving in a branch of the United States military. Each branch of the military is represented with a station which includes bricks honoring Derby area veterans. The Memorial Walk of Freedom also includes a tribute to Col. Merlyn Hans Dethlefsen who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his brave service in the U.S. Air Force. Bricks are added to the memorial each fall to honor area veterans.
Scholarships
The Derby Community Foundation awards nearly $90,000 in college scholarships to Derby High School graduating seniors each year. We also award $1,200 a semester to assist Derby High School students purchase supplies required for pursuing technical certifications at area community and technical colleges.
Bicycle/Pedestrian Path
The Derby Community Foundation has been instrumental in the development of a 25-mile Bicycle/Pedestrian Path that links residential areas, businesses and parks together.