ONE Gas grant establishes new endowed fund

Osborne County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of the Tools for the Future Fund, a new endowed fund established to support students pursuing technical and skilled trades education while strengthening the long-term workforce and economy of north-central Kansas.

The fund was launched with an initial $10,000 grant from the foundation of Kansas Gas Service’s parent company, ONE Gas. This leadership gift provides the foundation needed to begin building a permanent endowment — one designed to support students not just today, but for generations to come.

The Tools for the Future Fund will benefit students from USD 392 and USD 272 who have started or plan to pursue postsecondary technical education. Eligible programs include specific technical and career-focused programs at Fort Hays Tech and Colby Community College.

A key goal of the fund is to encourage students to return to the area to work, build careers or start businesses — helping address workforce needs in rural communities and strengthening the economic vitality of the region.

Grants from the Tools for the Future Fund will be awarded through a competitive process, ensuring funding supports students with clear educational goals and a commitment to applying their skills locally. The grant process is anticipated to begin in 2027.

“Technical education plays a critical role in rural communities,” said Mindy Miller, director of the Osborne County Community Foundation. “By establishing this as an endowed fund, we are investing not just in today’s students, but in the future strength of our local workforce. We are grateful to ONE Gas for their leadership gift that helped make this fund possible.”

“Supporting the Tools for the Future Fund is an investment in our neighbors and the future of our communities,” said Lisa Holleron, vice president of Operations at Kansas Gas Service. “Many students in our region have the talent and drive to pursue technical careers, and this fund helps remove financial barriers while opening pathways to meaningful, local opportunities. We’re proud to play a part in helping students build their skills close to home, because when they succeed, our communities and our workforce grow stronger too.”

Because the Tools for the Future Fund is endowed, contributions made today will continue generating support year-after-year. While the initial grant made it possible to establish the fund, OCCF is actively seeking additional donations from individuals, businesses and organizations who believe in the importance of technical education and workforce development.

Gifts to the Tools for the Future Fund are tax-deductible. Additional contributions will accelerate the fund’s ability to begin awarding grants in 2027 and increase the size of future awards, strengthening long-term workforce development across north-central Kansas.

To contribute or to learn more about supporting technical education opportunities through the Tools for the Future Fund, contact OCCF.