Many small towns across America are facing declining populations and a diminishing sense of community. These towns have experienced a common crisis: businesses leaving, people moving away, and a loss of generational identity. However, groups like the Friends of Mapleton Association are spearheading efforts to reverse this trend. The Friends of Mapleton Association, with support from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF), is working to revitalize their beloved hometown in Southeast Kansas.
Debbie Potter, a key member of the association, shares the story of their inception and impact.
“Four years ago, my brother called me and said he wanted to help our hometown of Mapleton make a comeback. We just needed to find ideas that will bring people back!”
One of the association’s first projects exemplifies their approach to community revitalization. They identified a need for an external generator for the community center/storm shelter and fire station. Potter applied for a $10,000 FSACF grant to purchase the generator.
“We generously received $3,000 from FSACF, but then faced the challenge of raising the remaining $7,000,” Potter explains. “The community’s response was overwhelming. They said, we believe in it, let’s make it happen!”
Within a month of receiving the FSACF grant, they had raised the additional funds needed.
“It was like a miracle,” Potter recalls. “Grants allow us to make our dreams a reality. We believe in empowering our community, and that is what grants help us to do!”
The Friends of Mapleton Association’s success story highlights the crucial role that community foundations like FSACF play in supporting local initiatives. By providing seed funding and encouraging community engagement, these foundations help turn small-town revitalization dreams into reality.
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation’s 2024 competitive grant cycle is open through Saturday, August 31st. Applications are available online at FSACF.com/Grant-App. For small towns or organizations looking to make a big impact, this could be the first step towards positive change!