27 Mar Mastermind categories, What do they mean?
We’ve talked about the surveys and how they influence the Foundation’s grantmaking. Now that the surveys are open again, we want to show how we take community priorities and categorize them to guide our funding decisions.
Take the survey here—it only takes 10 minutes!
From our past surveys, we identified four broad categories that align with most of our grantmaking priorities:
Placemaking
Placemaking is about shaping vibrant communities where people want to live and stay. Based on last year’s survey data, the county’s top priority was removing or renovating run-down properties, followed by improving public infrastructure. Both fall under placemaking, emphasizing the need to invest in our community spaces.
Health
Health goes beyond access to healthcare—it includes housing, childcare, and mental health resources. These factors directly impact community well-being. Survey results highlighted affordable housing and childcare as top concerns in McPherson County.
Economy
This category covers business success, job availability, and economic growth. Attracting new businesses was the top countywide priority, and multiple communities specifically identified it as their main focus.
People
People are the heart of McPherson County. This category focuses on community connections, civic engagement, and leadership development. Survey results showed that increasing student civic engagement and fostering community pride were key priorities.
McPherson County’s Top Priorities:
- (Placemaking) Improve public infrastructure
- (Economy) Attract new businesses
- (Placemaking) Remove/Renovate blight
- (Health) Expand access to quality and affordable childcare support services
- (Health) Need access affordable and quality housing
*Click here to see the priorities of each individual community*
The Foundation believes these priorities are achievable through collaboration. Last July, we presented these findings to community leaders with our break out sessions. One example of action taken: MCCF has been working closely with childcare providers to secure funding for capital projects and staffing. MCCF has also continued to host meetings with multiple county leaders to continue to keep the Mastermind process rolling throughout the year.
Funding Impact
With survey data from Mastermind McPherson County, the Foundation awarded over $60,000 in grants across these categories:
- Health: McPherson County Health Department – Reproductive Freedom: Expanding Access to Long-Acting Reversible Contraception – $10,000
- Economy: MIDC – Industrial Recruitment Readiness Analysis – $10,000
- Placemaking: Canton-Galva – Canton-Galva site Council – $9,500
- Placemaking: McPherson Main Street – Umbrellas on the Plaza – $3,100
- Placemaking/Health: Windom Lions Club – Windom Park Upgrades: Bathroom and Playground Enhancements – $10,000
- People: Offender/Victim Ministries – McPherson County Truancy Prevention Project – $8,100
- People/Health: Inman Recreation – Inman After School Program – $5,000
- Placemaking/Health: City of Lindsborg Recreation Department – Sidewalk at Swensson Park – $5,000
We’ve already received updates on some of these projects, and over the next few weeks we will be sharing more from them!
Want to learn more about Mastermind McPherson County or see survey results for your community? Click here!