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Since its inception in 1990, the Westar Energy Foundation has awarded more than $13 million to civic and charitable organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Kansans. The Foundation, along with employee and retiree volunteers, supports programs that prepare youths, kindergarten through college, to successfully participate in our society and improve the communities in which they live.
As a general rule, we target youth and education and support programs that are designed to achieve the following goals:
- Improve academic performance of youths
- Prepare youths for the world of work and community leadership
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The Foundation receives many more requests than it has resources to fund. Therefore, requests must adhere to the criteria listed below and the application form is required when submitting a request.
The Westar Energy Foundation consists of a four-member board of directors and separate Foundation officers serving as president, secretary and treasurer. Foundation directors meet at least quarterly to review contribution requests.
Procedures
The Foundation president initially reviews requests for contributions for appropriateness and compliance with Foundation guidelines and procedures. The Westar Energy Foundation board then reviews the requests. Contribution decisions will be based on the merits of each request.
Foundation Guidelines And Preferences
Preference will be given to requests meeting the following criteria:
- The organization serves children and youths, particularly through educational programs related to enhancing employment opportunities and other programs related to the general well being of the community.
- The Foundation will give primary consideration to contribution requests from organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization. Requests for contributions by individuals (not representing a recognized organization or group) generally will not be considered by the Foundation.
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In addition to contributions to individuals, the Foundation generally does not give to:
- Member United Way programs - The Foundation believes in the one-gift-for-all concept in fund-raising campaigns such as those conducted by United Way and similar umbrella organizations. Therefore, contributions normally will not be made to member programs that receive support from such organizations. The Foundation normally will not consider a contribution to an organization that has refused an invitation to participate in a combined drive at the local or regional level.
- Building fund drives and tax-supported institutions.
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The Foundation generally will not contribute to tax-supported institutions (either capital fund or operating fund campaigns), requests from organizations located outside the Westar Energy service territory (except in areas of special interest to the Foundation) or to capital campaigns.
Submitting A Contribution Request
Each request must be in writing and will be carefully evaluated and judged on the proposed project’s value to the community.
Print a foundation request form.
Requests should be submitted to:
Westar Energy Foundation
Attn: Foundation President
P.O. Box 889
Topeka, KS 66601-0089
Telephone: (785) 575-1544
Fax: (785) 575-8119
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