Atchison Area United Way to Close, Entrusting Its Legacy to the Atchison Foundation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATCHISON, Kan. (Nov. 4, 2026) — After 75 years of supporting nonprofits across Atchison County, the Atchison Area United Way board of directors has voted unanimously to dissolve the organization. Before closing, the United Way has made one final distribution to its partner agencies to help fund their services for 2027. Its remaining assets will then go to the Atchison Foundation to keep working for Atchison County.
The United Way has always believed communities are stronger together. As the rural fundraising landscape has changed, board members concluded that the best way to carry that belief forward was to give the United Way's legacy a permanent, local charitable home.
"This was our board's decision, and it wasn't one we made lightly," said Jolleen Graf, board president of the Atchison Area United Way. "For 75 years, this community has trusted us with its generosity. We wanted to make sure that generosity stays right here in Atchison County."
Final distribution to partner agencies
The United Way board has sent an explanation letter with final grants directly to its current partner agencies.
"As a board, we wanted to make sure our partner agencies did not have to worry about filling funding gaps on short notice," said board member Rick Berger. "So the board awarded each agency its full 2027 grant, up front."
What happens next
Once final grants and closing costs are paid, the Atchison Area United Way's remaining assets will transfer to the Atchison Foundation. The gift will be memorialized under the Atchison Area United Way name, so its legacy remains part of the community's story.
"Donors gave to the United Way because they trusted it to take care of Atchison County," said Karen Seaberg, a United Way board member whose grandfather helped found the organization. "This decision honors that trust. The generosity my grandfather's generation started isn't ending. It's staying home."
Ethan Hausmann, chairman of of the Atchison Foundation board, echoed that sentiment. "We're honored the Atchison Area United Way board entrusted the Atchison Foundation to keep that generosity working here in Atchison County."
Payroll deduction donors have been notified by letter that their gifts to the United Way will end at the close of 2026. Donors who want to continue supporting local agencies can give to an agency's fund at the Atchison Foundation or directly to the organization. Donors with questions about planned gifts may contact Christa Rieger at the Atchison Foundation.
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About the Atchison Area United Way
Founded in 1951, the Atchison Area United Way has worked to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community to advance the common good. For 75 years, it supported local partner agencies focused on health, education and financial stability across Atchison County.
About the Atchison Foundation
Founded in 2019, the Atchison Foundation, formerly the Atchison Area Community Foundation, is the community foundation for Atchison County. It connects local generosity with community needs, building bridges of giving today for a stronger Atchison County tomorrow. Learn more at atchisonfoundation.org.
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