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About Us

Tipton Community Foundation Leadership Staff

Board of Directors

Founding members of the Board of Directors: (front row) Doug Schmitt, Rolenda Corpstein, Stanley Krier, (back row) Christine May, Dana Hollerich, Mary Brummer, and Kelli Hake.

Current Board of Directors:

  • Rolenda Corpstein
  • Kelli Hake
  • Dana Hollerich
  • Lara Ketter
  • Christine May
  • Doug Schmitt

Founding Donors

  • Anonymous Donor
  • Blue Hills Lodge
  • Lonnie & Mary Brummer
  • Michael Corpstein
  • Patrick & Rolenda Corpstein
  • Dave & Carolyn Ellenz
  • Leland Ellenz
  • Kent & Kelli Hake
  • Robert & Dana Hollerich
  • Stanley & Pamela Krier
  • Curtis & Christine May
  • Douglas & Lori Schmitt
  • John & Chandra Tietjens

Our Mission

The Tipton Community Foundation was established in the Fall of 2023 when a group of small-town individuals with big dreams met around a living room table. The group wanted to form a 501c3 non-profit organization where citizens could come together to provide funds to enrich the quality of life for all residents of Tipton, today and into the future.

In order to set this vision in motion it was noted that each couple/individual present would need to pledge $1,000 to cover the initial $13,000 set-up fund, non-profit status, and legal fees. All present were unanimously in favor to do so! Their donations allowed them to give back to the community and the supportive individuals who helped raise them.

The volunteer Board of Directors and Advisory Committee are excited to help preserve the heritage of Tipton, build relationships, link arms with local leadership, and create lasting legacies. 

Tipton Community Foundation will allow donors to invest for the long term. Estate gifts from donors will leave a lasting impact and abundant opportunities for continued growth in our schools, church, government entities, and community non-profits. Annual fund drives will also help with local emerging needs for the betterment of Tipton. 

Tipton Community Foundation is a Designated Endowed Fund of the Solomon Valley Community Foundation, with members recognizing the leadership and infrastructure they provide. Tipton Community Foundation Designated Fund is like a savings account for the community. The principal remains intact, and a portion of its earnings will be used for grants for local needs. In addition, the 501c3 non-profit status will allow those who wish to donate directly to the community fund to do so for day-to-day operations or immediate needs. All dollars will benefit the community of Tipton.

We ask that you please join our founding donors and be a partner in giving. Your donation will help launch the economic development of Tipton as well as help us meet charitable goals.  We may not be able to predict them all now, but what a wonderful feeling it is to know we are leaving a legacy for the next generation.

Local Foundations

What are they? How do they work? Who controls them?

Houghton Family Foundation

  • Founded in 2021 by Keith, Debra, and Patsy Houghton to develop a family ranch transition plan that has been implemented in stages over recent years. The plan includes the development of the Houghton Family Foundation.
  • Dedicated to supporting rural America and its citizens.
  • Private 501(c)(3) established with the Kansas Secretary of State that can only donate to charitable projects through government-approved nonprofit organizations.
  • Includes ranch asset donations from Keith and Debra Houghton, and timed/valued cash and investments from Patsy Houghton.
  • Houghton Stock Farms includes long-time, family-owned ranch land and facilities. Ranch grass and farm ground are currently leased for cattle and farming purposes, with other assets leased to Ringneck Ranch, Inc.
  • Ringneck Ranch, Inc. is an operating company that focuses on guided pheasant hunts combined with full guest services. Prior to the donation of any ranch assets used by Ringneck Ranch, Inc., Keith and Debra transferred ownership of the operating company so that Houghton Family Foundation would not violate the private nonprofit conflict-of-interest tax code. Ownership and management of the operating company were sold and transferred to Avery and Audrey Lacombe in 2022.

Tipton Community Foundation

  • Established in the fall of 2023 when a group of small-town individuals with big dreams met around a living room table, each individual or couple pledging $1,000 to cover the initial $13,000 set-up fund, nonprofit status, and legal fees.
  • Community-directed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization where citizens come together to provide funds to enrich the quality of life for all residents of Tipton today and into the future.
  • The foundation allows donors to invest in the long term. Estate gifts from donors will leave a lasting impact and abundant opportunities for continued growth in our schools, church, government entities, and community nonprofits.
  • Annual fund drives will help with local emerging needs for the betterment of those living within the 67485 zip code.
  • Tipton Community Foundation is a Designated Endowed Fund of the Solomon Valley Community Foundation, with members recognizing the leadership and infrastructure the Solomon Valley Community Foundation provides. The designated fund is like a savings account for the community. The principal remains intact, and a portion of its earnings will be used for grants for local needs.
  • In addition, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit status allows those who wish to donate directly to the community fund to do so for day-to-day operations or immediate needs. All donations will benefit the community of Tipton.

Solomon Valley Community Foundation

  • Founded in April 2013 as a public, nonprofit organization to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving to benefit communities in Mitchell County, by increasing visibility and promoting the work of individual area nonprofits while consolidating their resources to maximize investment returns.
  • The foundation’s mission is to be a catalyst for positive change, engaging partners, and inspiring local philanthropy. The foundation believes that communities are stronger when they work together to maximize organizational capacity and community impact.
  • The Solomon Valley Community Foundation hosted its first ever Give to Grow one-day matching event in Beloit in April 2024 for its designated endowed fund members. Tipton Community Foundation received donations totaling $21,215 that day, with matching funds from the Solomon Valley Community Foundation and the Houghton Family Foundation totaling $17,057, for a grand total of $38,272 for the Tipton Community Foundation.