Celebrating 30 Years of Impact — and Looking Ahead
2025 was a year of growth, celebration, and continued impact for the Emporia Community Foundation (ECF). Building on decades of generosity and success, the Foundation honored its past while setting its sights firmly on the future.
This milestone year marked ECF’s 30th Anniversary, celebrated in unforgettable “Back to the Future” style at the historic Emporia Granada Theatre. The evening invited guests to reflect on how the Foundation began and envision where it is headed— complete with time-travel moments, shared laughter, and even a DeLorean photo opportunity that captured smiles and memories alike. During this look back, ECF proudly honored its founders and early champions: Elvin “Perk” Perkins, whose vision started it all, along with Barbara White Walker, Bobbie Agler, George Osborn, Steve Davis, and Carl Didde. Their commitment laid the foundation for what ECF has become today. They also paid tribute to Loretto Langley, an Olpe school teacher who gave the first gift to ECF, a $5,000 donation which paved the way for others to follow.
Now stewarding nearly 400 funds and over $50 million in assets, the ECF continues to expand its ability to do good in their seven-county region which includes: Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee.
One of its most visible initiatives, Match Day, reached new heights in 2025, raising a record-breaking $849,607.68—a testament to the generosity of donors and the tireless efforts of local nonprofit organizations.
In 2025, new funds were established with the hope of meeting real needs in meaningful ways. The funds continue to power grants which honor their original intent to do good and enhance our community.
Legacy Funds were maintained, created, and their stories were shared with KVOE listeners—because stories matter. At ECF, stories are at the heart of everything they do.
They listen to what matters most to their fund holders and donors, then help connect those passions to causes, organizations, and opportunities that make a difference.
Once again, caring individuals and organizations showed that meaningful change happens when a community works together.
This year also brought growth within ECF itself. In October, Sarah Barrett joined the team as Program Officer, adding a third face to the office. She brings fresh ideas, a collaborative spirit, and a deep enthusiasm for the many roles ECF plays in the community.
ECF also proudly participated in the Emporia Christmas Parade for the first time—another opportunity to celebrate and connect with the community that gives so generously.
Looking ahead to 2026, ECF is eager to see how generosity will continue to shape the seven-county region they serve. They look forward to seeing what new grants will be imagined and brought to life, and how the next generation of philanthropists will take their place at the table and leave their mark.
While 2025 gave ECF a chance to look back and celebrate 30 years of impact, they are always moving forward. Records were set this past year, and they fully expect to keep building on that momentum.
As always, they will be asking the question that guides their work every day: “What is your legacy? Let us help you build it.”” To learn about the important work being done visit www.emporiacf.org or call 620-342-9304.
