Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO
Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO, which identifies itself as GO Topeka, is a public charity based in Topeka, Kansas. Its stated work is to promote economic development in Topeka and Shawnee County by attracting companies, supporting existing businesses, cultivating entrepreneurship, and developing the workforce.
Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO at a glance
In short: Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO gave $322K across 15 grants in 2024 (avg $21K), mostly in Kansas. 67% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $322,346
- +91.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 15
- +87.5% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $21,490
- +2.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $11,250
- Total assets
- $23,142,480
- +6.4% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 67% first-time grantees (10 of 15, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Kansas (81% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO
- Contact
Mailing address: 719 S Kansas Ave 100, Topeka, KS 66603
Phone: (785) 234-2644
Website: https://gotopeka.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO
Topeka and Shawnee County First Opportunity Fund (T/SC FOF)
Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO
Amount
Up to $100,000
Deadline
Rolling (quarterly review)
Topeka and Shawnee County Small Business Incentive Program
Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Washburn University Foundation ($100K). Together the top 10 received $284K.
Grant Size Distribution
190 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 181 grants of 190 (95%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization is based in Topeka, Kansas. Its website describes its economic mobility and small-business programs as serving Topeka and Shawnee County. In 2024, 81% of grant dollars went to recipients in Kansas; the other listed recipient-state shares were Nebraska 5%, Illinois 5%, New Jersey 4%, and Arizona 2%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 15 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO open to new grantees?
67%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 10 of 15 grantees (67%) were first-time recipients. With only 15 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 7 points. First grants averaged $11K; repeat grants $43K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $41K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $169K (2023) to $751K (2020). In 2024 it made 15 grants totaling $322K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Washburn University Foundation Topeka, KS | Scholarships for Washburn Tech and Washburn Tech East | $100,000 |
| Greater Topeka Parnership Inc Topeka, KS | Support | $54,627 |
| Advisors Excel LLC Topeka, KS | Choose Topeka Employer Match | $41,250 |
| Seismi Inc Lincoln, NE | Product Development Support | $17,500 |
| Arch Pet Food Chicago, IL | Product Development Support | $15,000 |
| Corefirst Bank Topeka, KS | Choose Topeka Employer Match | $12,500 |
| Right Coast Hemp LLC Barnegat, NJ | Product Development Support | $11,650 |
| Stormont Vail Healthcare Inc Topeka, KS | Choose Topeka Employer Match | $11,250 |
| Revelations Evangelistic Ministry Inc of SWF Topeka, KS | Youth Workforce Development Project | $11,244 |
| Kansas Dept of Health and Environment Topeka, KS | Choose Topeka Employer Match | $9,325 |
Ready to take the next step with Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $23,142,480 | $4,933,459 | $4,616,807 | $322,346 | 15 | $349,723 |
| 2023 | $21,743,189 | $4,468,885 | $4,125,460 | $168,578 | 8 | $244,451 |
| 2022 | $19,927,435 | $4,538,551 | $4,408,149 | $196,500 | 9 | $72,148 |
| 2021 | $18,345,904 | $5,398,082 | $5,339,875 | $695,000 | 53 | $32,822 |
| 2020 | $19,719,443 | $4,989,102 | $9,747,444 | $750,529 | 105 | $86,817 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s stated mission is to create county-wide economic success for companies and citizens through an economic development strategy that builds on the community’s strengths. Its filing describes work in economic development, talent attraction and retention, workforce partnerships, support for start-ups and small businesses, and the growth of potential primary employers. It also states a priority for minority-owned and women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs with low to moderate incomes, and identifies biosciences, including animal health and agricultural technology, as industry areas of focus.
The organization’s 2024 grants show support for a range of recipients and purposes, including scholarships, employer matching incentives, product development, and youth workforce development. Among the grantees described in their own words, Washburn University Foundation says it promotes and develops financial resources for Washburn University of Topeka; Greater Topeka Partnership says it aims to be a catalyst for community economic prosperity; and Stormont-Vail Healthcare says it works to improve community health care by providing quality services.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the organization reported 15 grants totaling $322,346. Grant amounts ranged from $7,500 to $100,000, with a median of $11,250. The largest reported awards included $100,000 to Washburn University Foundation for scholarships for Washburn Tech and Washburn Tech East; $54,627 to Greater Topeka Partnership for support; and $41,250 to Advisors Excel LLC for a Choose Topeka employer match. Other listed awards included $17,500 to Seismi Inc. and $15,000 to Arch Pet Food, each for product development support.
The organization’s website describes an Economic Mobility Funds Program intended to provide grant incentives to underserved entrepreneurs and economically disadvantaged businesses in Topeka and Shawnee County. Its Entrepreneurial Support Program offers $500 to $4,000 for professional business support services, with disbursement based on demonstrated need and service quotes; the maximum is not guaranteed. The website also lists a Small Business Incentive Program for small businesses and start-ups. Program materials describe incentives for areas such as advertising, construction and renovation, equipment, professional services, and market development. The program information states that purchases require pre-approval. No application deadline or process details are provided in the available program information.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Officers and directors listed on the 2024 filing are Ashley Bettis, director; Calla Haggard, chair; Cassandra Taylor, director; Chris Faulk, director; Chris Hill, director; Council Member Neil Dobler, director; Curtis Sneden, director; Daina Williams, director; Darin Stephens, director; and Doug Wolff, director.
Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO is led by Molly Howey, President on every filing since 2020; none of the 44 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Molly Howey
President
On filings since 2020
38 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Calla Haggard
Chair
Director → Chair-Elect, 2023
Chair-Elect → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cassandra Taylor
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Daina Williams
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Doug Wolff
Director
Chair → Immediate Past Chair, 2023
Immediate Past Chair → Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jacob Wamego
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Hahn
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kurt Kuta
Director
Immediate Past Chair → Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Martha Piland
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marvin Spees
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert Kenagy
Director
Chair → Immediate Past Chair, 2022
Immediate Past Chair → Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shane Hillmer
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tammy Dishman
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Manny Herron
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sara Girard
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott Hunsicker
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Faulk
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeff Martin
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Rake
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Linessa Frazer
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mayor Michael Padilla
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Paul Bossert
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sam Al-Murrani
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Council Member Neil Dobler
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joe Caldwell
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marshall Meek
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Odupitan
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott Campbell
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Troy Simoneau
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ashley Bettis
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Hill
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Curtis Sneden
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Darin Stephens
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joe Hishmeh
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Cook
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Megan Bottenberg
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michelle Whitehead
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rich Eckert
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard Nienstedt
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert Perez
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jim Klausman
Immediate Past Chair
Chair-Elect → Chair, 2023
Chair → Immediate Past Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joshua Patterson
CFO
Senior Vice President of Finance → CFO, 2023
On filings since 2022
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Neal Spencer
Chair Elect
Director → Chair Elect, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Travis Morris
Treasurer
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (36)
- Former: Eric Johnson (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Jeff Russell (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Marsha Pope (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: County Commissioner Aaron Mays (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Daniel Foltz (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Carlos Vasquez (2023) — Director
- Former: City Manager Stephen Wade (2023) — Director
- Former: Juliann Mazachek (2023) — Director
- Former: Abbey Frye (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Jerry Farley (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Linda Briden (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Renita Harris (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Scott Anderson (2020–2022) — Treasurer
- Former: Steve Anderson (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Brittany Crabtree (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Roger Wilson (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: City Manager Bill Cochren (2022) — Director
- Former: Council Member Spencer Duncan (2022) — Director
- Former: Natalie Zeller (2022) — CFO
- Former: Dan Foltz (2020–2021) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Diana Ramirez (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Don Beatty (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Katrin Bridges (2020–2021) — Senior Vice President of Innovation
- Former: Shane Sommars (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Terry Bassham (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Treena Mason (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Wade Jueneman (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Brent Trout (2021) — Director
- Former: Council Member Michael Padilla (2021) — Director
- Former: Del-Metrius Herron (2021) — Director
- Former: Mayor Michelle De La Isla (2021) — Director
- Former: Allen Moore (2020) — Director
- Former: Andrea Engstrom (2020) — Director
- Former: Delmar White (2020) — Director
- Former: Madan Rattan (2020) — Director
- Former: Stephen Wade (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO
How much does Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO give each year?
Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO gave $322K across 15 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $169K across 8 grants.
What is Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO's typical grant size?
Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO's median grant in 2024 was $11,250, and its average grant was $21,490, across 15 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO that year got $11K on average.
Where does Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO give grants?
Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO gives mostly in Kansas: 81% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was Nebraska (5%). The most frequent recipient cities were Topeka, KS (10 grants).
Does Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 15 grants with a stated purpose on Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Choose Topeka Employer Match" (7 grants) and "Product Development Support" (5 grants).
Who are Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO's largest grantees?
Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO's largest 2024 grantees include Washburn University Foundation ($100,000), Greater Topeka Parnership Inc ($54,627) and Advisors Excel LLC ($41,250), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 61% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO?
Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO reported $23.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $4.9M.
What does Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO fund?
The organization’s stated mission is to create county-wide economic success for companies and citizens through an economic development strategy that builds on the community’s strengths. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO?
Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check gotopeka.com for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO's EIN?
Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 48-1227900. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 13, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/growth-organization-of-topekashawnee-co-morg_64dd97965ca04ab49f17ceb86d85d4dc
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_481227900_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/growth-organization-of-topekashawnee-co-morg_64dd97965ca04ab49f17ceb86d85d4dc},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-14. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Growth Organization of Topekashawnee CO down — hundreds of funders to go?