Sunflower Bank awards $90,000 to nonprofits

Dallas-based Sunflower Bank provided $90,000 in grants to 22 nonprofit organizations this year across the seven states it serves as part of its Community Partner Awards..The program, now in its third year, recognizes organizations that strengthen local communities through affordable housing, economic development, financial education, and community services.“The Community Partner Awards are one of the most impactful ways we honor and elevate the organizations that are making a difference where we live and work,” said CRA Program Director Pamela Gorder.Nominations were open to the public and winners were chosen through an employee-led selection process. Grants ranged from $2,000 to $15,000.This year’s recipients include:Creating Possibility Award: Love, Chloe Foundation of Salina, Kan., and StepMC of McPherson, Kan. In the Lives We Touch Award: Jewish Tuition Organization of Phoenix, Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wichita, Kan., New Mexico Activities Association Foundation of Albuquerque, El Paso Children’s Hospital Foundation and Family Promise of Spokane, Wash.Bringing Out the Best Award: Backpacks 4 Kids AZ of Phoenix, Voices for CASA Children of Phoenix, Pantry of Fremont, Colo., All For Moms of Lenexa, Kan., Juvenile Justice Advisory Board of Los Alamos, N.M., Avant-Garde Foster Family Agency of Los Angeles, Austin (Texas) Area Urban League and Venessa Behan of Spokane.Empowerment Award: Boys and Girls Clubs of East County in Santee, Calif., Heart of Colorado CASA of Cañon City, Colo., First Call for Help of Hays, Kan., Bienvenidos Outreach of Santa Fe, N.M., NeighborWorks Waco and Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners.The $8.4 billion Sunflower Bank has 71 branches across seven states.