Dwane L. Wallace Youth Venture Grant

The Dwane L. Wallace Youth Venture Grant is a philanthropic initiative administered by United Way of the Plains. The grant was established in 1990 through an endowment created by Velma Lunt Wallace in honor of her late husband, Dwane L. Wallace, the former head of Cessna Aircraft Company. This enduring fund reflects Dwane Wallace’s legacy of civic leadership and dedication to inspiring community engagement among youth in south-central Kansas. Each year, the grant supports innovative, school-based programs that promote youth development and empowerment. Local schools and teachers are invited to submit proposals for initiatives that benefit students in meaningful ways, particularly those designed to foster education, leadership, safety, and engagement. The initiative aims to uplift youth by enhancing their school experiences and cultivating skills that prepare them for long-term success. In the 2025 cycle, United Way of the Plains invested a total of $50,000 into selected school programs. Notable recipients included USD 259 Wichita Public Schools’ “Bus Bucks” project, which received $7,000 to purchase books that incentivize positive behavior among special education students during bus rides. Another USD 259 project, “CMA Robotics,” was awarded $3,000 to support middle school students in STEM learning through robotics competition. Additionally, USD 373 Newton Public Schools received $1,860 to offset costs for inclusive field trips at Santa Fe 5/6 Center School. The grant is structured as an annual funding opportunity, with cycles repeating each year. Submission procedures are coordinated directly through United Way of the Plains, with teachers and school representatives encouraged to craft proposals that clearly articulate the program’s goals, expected outcomes, and impact on youth. While detailed application components are not specified in the available materials, the grant typically follows a straightforward submission process. Programmatic evaluation emphasizes alignment with the fund’s mission to empower youth and provide inclusive opportunities for personal and academic development. Funding decisions are made internally by United Way of the Plains based on proposal merit, community impact, and alignment with the grant’s intent. There are no indications of matching fund requirements or restrictions on funding uses beyond the requirement that proposals benefit local youth in educational settings. For additional information or assistance, interested applicants may contact Logan Bradshaw, Director of Community Impact, at lbradshaw@unitedwayplains.org or (316) 267‑1321 ext. 4210. The program continues to play a key role in advancing youth-focused community efforts in Kansas and remains open to new applications annually.