Patterson Family Foundation

Today we’re celebrating Emily Masters and her continued impact as Program Officer for Community Engagement. Since joining the Foundation in 2021, Emily has grown through multiple roles, bringing dedication, empathy, and a deep understanding of what makes rural communities thrive. Her work centers on building trust and creating lasting partnerships that reflect the values and voices of the people we serve. Emily’s passion for connection and collaboration continues to strengthen our mission every day. We’re grateful for all she does to help rural communities feel supported, empowered, and seen. #RootedinRural

Today, we celebrate National Rural Health Day and the people who make care possible in rural communities, the providers, nurses, first responders, and organizations working tirelessly to keep their neighbors healthy. We’re excited to celebrate #NationalRuralHealthDay with @NOSORH and rural communities nationwide! Together, we’re amplifying the #PowerOfRural and highlighting the people, providers, and places that help rural America thrive. Thank you for the difference you make every day.

The next breakthrough in Kansas could start in a small town. The ACCEL-KS program helps rural founders and researchers take their ideas from concept to reality with proof-of-concept funding and support. It’s designed to meet innovators where they are and help them take the next step toward growth. If you know a rural entrepreneur or researcher ready to turn an idea into action, now’s the time to connect them with this opportunity. Apply today at https://lnkd.in/gfaz_s92 #RootedinRural #ACCELKS

Big ideas can grow anywhere, especially in rural communities. Our new Patterson Fellows initiative, set to launch in 2026, will empower entrepreneurs to build scalable solutions that strengthen rural life across Kansas and Missouri. With funding, mentorship, and an ecosystem of support, Fellows will have three years to turn their ideas into impact. If you would like to learn more or become a fellow, check out our website! https://lnkd.in/g7QJkQgC #RootedinRural

Are you looking to make an impact in rural communities? Patterson Family Foundation is hiring for three new associates to join our team. These positions will help the foundation advance our mission of thriving rural communities, and will join a team of passionate, mission-driven associates working together to support communities throughout Kansas and north west Missouri. Learn more about these and other open positions at https://lnkd.in/gSd8SjAq

Great ideas aren’t limited by geography, opportunity shouldn’t be either. The ACCEL-KS program provides proof-of-concept funding to help rural innovators move from idea to impact. Whether it’s a university researcher, a small business owner, or a first-time founder, this program can provide the boost needed to test and grow new solutions. If you know someone working on a big idea in rural Kansas, share this opportunity with them today. More details at https://lnkd.in/gfaz_s92 #RootedinRural #ACCELKS

Last week we celebrated Brian Fenaughty's two-year work-iversary! Brian is our go-to guy for insights, info, and interesting facts about our work and the communities we serve! We appreciate everything you do for the team, Brian!

On this Veterans Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to the men and women who have served our nation with honor and courage. We hold special appreciation for those who live in and serve rural communities—individuals whose commitment to country and community reflects the very best of our shared values. The servicemen and servicewomen who call rural America home have strengthened not only our nation, but also the close-knit towns and agricultural communities that form its foundation. Today, we pause in respect, remembrance, and gratitude. Thank you to all who have served.

Are you an entrepreneur looking to create something big? To further rural growth in Kansas and northwest Missouri, we are looking to launch a new entrepreneur fellowship program, beginning next year. Patterson Fellows will be a cohort-based model that will support high-caliber, high-impact entrepreneurs for a three-year period, with the goal of igniting viable, scalable companies for change in rural communities. Any entrepreneur focused on solving systemic problems within the Patterson Family Foundation catchment would be eligible for the Patterson Fellows program. Entrepreneurs should show a commitment to building a business that supports rural prosperity through initiatives that enrich and stabilize rural populations. Learn more or submit your interest on our website! https://lnkd.in/g7QJkQgC

We are thrilled to welcome Amy Hampton to our team as our new Senior Program Officer for healthcare. Amy brings many years of experience in healthcare to the team, and we are excited for her to meet our grantees, community partners, and stakeholders across Kansas and north west Missouri! Welcome to the team, Amy!