CFSEK Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas is celebrating its 25th anniversary throughout 2026. This release is the first part of CFSEK’s new story series honoring the 25-year history of the organization, while also looking ahead to the next 25 years of positive impact in Southeast Kansas.
Wednesday, February 28th, 2001, was a day of philanthropic beginnings in Southeast Kansas that would create a positive impact for decades to come, even if the 23 community leaders present didn’t fully realize it at the time. That afternoon at Crestwood Country Club, the Pittsburg Area Community Foundation was founded to serve the people of the Pittsburg area.
Growing quickly, in May of 2005, it was determined that the name should be changed to the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas because the organization was already serving communities outside of Pittsburg and Crawford County. What started as a goal of serving people in one community quickly grew into a dream of helping people throughout the entire Southeast Kansas region.
“It’s incredible to see how a simple goal set by a small group of community leaders blossomed into a regional powerhouse for good,” said CFSEK Executive Director Devin Gorman. “Over the last 25 years, CFSEK has become the bridge between passionate donors and the most pressing needs of our communities, proving that when Southeast Kansans pull together, we can do incredible things. ”
In the 25 years since CFSEK’s founding, more than $28 million has been reinvested directly back into Southeast Kansas to causes and projects that help make our corner of the state a great place to call home!
“The $28 million we’ve granted since 2001 represents more than just a number; it represents new programs and services, new community amenities, vital healthcare support, thousands of student scholarships, critical support for our local nonprofits, and so much more. Past leaders of this organization have succeeded in growing from a single office into a regional catalyst for change that touches every corner of Southeast Kansas,” said Gorman.
CFSEK has seen many changes over the past 25 years. The Foundation’s physical growth mirrors its community impact—moving from a single, borrowed office at the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce to its current home in the Commerce Bank building, and expanding from a lone part-time employee to a dedicated full-time staff of six. Through it all, the goal has stayed the same: benefiting the common good and the quality of life in Southeast Kansas.
“Our first quarter-century was about building a foundation of trust and generosity that would be a permanent resource for our region. The next 25 years will be about building on that legacy—ensuring that Southeast Kansas remains a vibrant, thriving place to call home for future generations,” said Gorman.
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded over $2.8 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $28 million in total granting to Southeast Kansas since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with various charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. The Columbus Area, Fort Scott Area, and Girard Area Community Foundations are affiliates of CFSEK. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.