SVCF Participates in Kansas CPIN program and launches Dream Big

In the summer of 2020, after the overwhelming success of Mitchell County Strong, Solomon Valley Community Foundation started to explore additional opportunities to take on greater roles in the community and economic development efforts and as such, applied to participate in the Kansas Community Philanthropy Innovators Network (CPIN).

Late that summer SVCF was informed they had been selected as 1 of 3 community foundations within the state selected to participate in the program. That August, SVCF formed a CPIN committee comprised of Foundation board members and community citizens and embarked on a 2-year CPIN journey.

One of the cornerstones of the CPIN program was the task of creating an Economic Development Action focus that the group could work on during their 2-year cohort. Team Solomon Valley came up with the following as their action focus:

Foster a prosperous and thriving region through the retention and recruitment of North Central Kansas residents, while promoting the opportunities and advantages of choosing rural.

As stated in SVCF's 2022 Annual Report, then Director Colleen Eberle stated, "Our action focus was based around the belief that Mitchell County's strongest potential for future development lies with our people. The people who live and work here and who choose to invest their time, talents, and efforts into making Mitchell County a thriving place. There are wonderful opportunities and advantages of choosing rural and we want our children and alumni to know Mitchell County is a great place to be!"

In October of 2021, Solomon Valley Community Foundation launched Dream Big. Setting aside funding from their own Community Impact Fund, and partnering with Solomon Valley Economic Development, SVCF was able to come up with $50,000 to award to a project that created significant economic and community impact.

The initiative launched at a county-wide forum where over 60 residents from all over Mitchell County came together to offer their ideas, hopes, and dreams for Mitchell County. From that process, two amazing projects were formed.

WILLOW SPRINGS COURTYARD

Willow Springs Courtyard was the initial recipient of SVCF's $50,000 Dream Big grant. In their grant proposal the committee, comprised of ad hoc community members, proposed taking a void in downtown Beloit left by building removal and transforming it into a space that would enhance entertainment value, and downtown allure, as well as provide a vibrant setting for culture. The proposed space would allow for outdoor luncheons, a place for children to play, and a location for music and art. The courtyard will feature a splash pad, amphitheater, shaded outdoor seating, and more.

This project is ever-evolving. For more information or to get involved with the Willow Springs Courtyard project visit them on Facebook or email them at willowspringscourtyard@gmail.com

SOLOMON RIVER TRAIL

After receiving two inspiring and well-qualified Dream Big applications SVCF committed to finding a way to award both project proposals, bringing the total initiative from $50,000 to $100,000. As a result of a generous grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, SVCF was able to inform NCK Outdoors in July 2022 that they too would be receiving $50,000 to move forward with their plans of developing a multi-use trail, in and around Chautauqua Park.

The Solomon River Trail was envisioned as a multi-use trail system weaving through Chautauqua Park and the surrounding area. The project aimed to introduce trailheads, scenic pathways, and improved accessibility to better connect downtown Beloit with its natural surroundings. While the original vision has evolved, the effort to expand recreational opportunities remains strong. NCK Outdoors continues to champion the development of outdoor spaces, ensuring that the Solomon River Trail remains an exciting asset for the community.

What began as a single $50,000 grant opportunity has now ignited more than $1 million in potential community improvements across Mitchell County. Dream Big was never just about a single project- it was about investing in the power of bold ideas, community engagement, and long-term impact.

In 2024 Solomon Valley Community Foundation kicked off Dream Big 2.0, a county-wide initiative offering $10,000 in non-competitive impact grants to each of the 7 incorporated towns in Mitchell County. For more information or to stay up to date be sure to contact us!