The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas was established in 2001 as the result of a generous opportunity from the Kansas Health Foundation and the collective effort of more than 40 area donors. Thirty-two of those donors contributed $3,000 or more to the effort, qualifying as founders of the Community Foundation:
- Joe Beauchamp
- The Bicknell Foundation
- Jim and Nancy Bishop
- Brenner Mortuary – Steve and Chris Ward
- Ken and Debbie Brock
- Richard and Faith Coleman
- Tom and Jane Collinson
- Commerce Bank
- Crossland Construction Co., Inc.
- Vicki Dennett
- Frank D. Dunnick
- Gordon and Beverly Elliott Foundation
- C. L. and Paula Farabi
- Dr. Glenn L. Hough
- Robert S. Huebner, MD
- Ron Marrone
- Roberta McNay
- Richard and Nancy Miller
- The Mitchelson Foundation, Inc.
- Mr. and Mrs. George Nettels
- Bill and Pam Phalen
- PITSCO, Inc.
- Pittsburg Noon Rotary Club
- Pittsburg Sunrise Rotary Club
- Ray and Zoe Ryan
- Jim and Judy Scudamore
- Joseph G. Smoot
- Fred J. Spigarelli
- Elias and Magda Tawil
- Bud and Marge Walker
- Dick and Kaye Lynne Webb
- Wendell and Lynda Wilkinson
Thank you to all our founders for your vision of an ever-improving Southeast Kansas, which laid the groundwork for everything the Community Foundation does today!