Established in 1993, the Big Lakes Foundation solicits and facilitates donations and grants to support Big Lakes' mission. The Big Lakes Foundation, a separate but affiliated nonprofit corporation, was established in 1993 to solicit, encourage and facilitate the contribution of funds for fulfilling Big Lakes' mission. The foundation provides ongoing financial support for Big Lakes' operations and special projects such as client parties, staff appreciation events, leadership development, and affordable/accessible housing for the people we serve.​
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2025 Annual Giving Campaign
BIG IMPROVEMENT: MORE POWER!
This year's Annual Giving Campaign donations will help us continue providing affordable and accessible housing options for our clients. Everyone wants a place they love to come home to each day. A safe place full of love, laughter and family. The 114 individuals in Big Lakes Residential Services are no different. The bonds they have created through years of living life together are unbreakable. For 50+ years, we have assisted them as they seek to live independently with our support.
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A few of our clients have been with Big Lakes the entirety of our existence and now face the challenges of health and mobility issues of aging. An important component of that support has and continues to be providing a warm and loving home environment.
Since its inception in 1993, the Big Lakes Foundation has made it their mission to provide affordable and accessible housing options for our clients. The Big Lakes Foundation buys, builds and maintains homes our clients can afford to live in.
Maintenance and home improvements are a challenge for anyone with a home. Big Lakes owns and maintains 16 homes; providing housing options for those enrolled in residential services. Some of our older homes are in dire need of updates, accessible bathrooms to serve our aging population.
In 2026, we have plans for numerous bath remodels, flooring and furniture replacements at multiple locations that add up to $225,000 in expenses that are not covered by government funding. We need the support of donors like you.
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Donate today by clicking the button below, and help us reach our goal of $70,000.
LEadership Development and Sustainability
The Foundation Sponsors
Current Campaigns You can Support
The Raise the Roof Capital Campaign is committed to raising $2 million for needed remodeling, upgrades and overdue building maintenance for Big Lakes’ Manhattan service center and administrative offices located at 1416 Hayes Drive. The Hayes Drive location is the primary location for coordinating and providing day activities and employment services for individuals with IDD. Case Management, Transportation, Day and Residential Service coordination and Administration is also housed in this facility. Regular maintenance and upkeep of the building is essential to ensure continuity of services for years to come. This building is accessed by all clients served in day and residential services in the Manhattan area.
This 2-year, 5-phase project includes replacement of the 43-year-old roof, installation of solar panels to replace energy needs, interior remodeling of 28-year-old paint, wallpaper and carpeting, replacement of HVAC systems and sidewalk/parking lot concrete. Projects of this type are not eligible for government funding and must be raised from private sources. Help us to update and maintain a building that is essential to the comfort and safety of our clients for decades to come. By making a pledge to our Raise the Roof Capital Campaign you are helping to ensure the future of Big Lakes.
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******In 2024, your gift towards RtR may qualify for a 50% tax credit from the State of Kansas!For example, if you give $500 you would get $250 back in the form of a refund from Kansas when you file your 2024 taxes.Send in your pledge today to take advantage of this special opportunity to maximize your gift to Big Lakes.*****
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Learn More Here: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/csp/
The 10 in 10 Endowment Campaign is committed to growing the Big Lakes Foundation $10 million in 10 years to provide Big Lakes with ongoing operational support. The first gift towards the endowment campaign was received in 2017.Annual payments to Big Lakes operations began in 2019 and was critical to the sustainability of Big Lakes during the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020-2021.The endowment will continue to provide financial support in order to effectively address the ongoing workforce crisis and increase capacity to serve those currently in services and those waiting for Big Lakes’ services. The endowment also seeks to reduce Big Lakes’ dependency on government funding, promote financial stability and prevent backsliding of direct support employee wages/benefits.
The endowment will continue to support special projects including accessible and affordable housing and other needs as identified. By making a pledge to our 10in10 Campaign you are helping to ensure the future of Big Lakes.
Ways to give
Credit Card. We make it easy to donate by credit card. Click the “Donate” button above and complete the information necessary to make a gift via your credit card.
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Life Insurance. Consider changing the beneficiary to the Big Lakes.
Real Estate. Property provide countless opportunities for future Big Lakes consumers to give.
Wills. Gift through your will to Big Lakes.
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