About the Nonprofit Center
Driven by the power of learning and collaboration, in October 2021, Sunflower Foundation opened the Sunflower Nonprofit Center in the location known as “Healing Hill,” in Topeka, Kan. Serving as the home for the foundation’s corporate office, the Nonprofit Center is an extension of the foundation’s mission to serve as a catalyst for improving the health of all Kansans.
The Nonprofit Center offers state-of-the-art meeting and conference space, a soon-to-open shared workspace environment that will promote collaborative learning and partnerships, and additional resources that support the needs of nonprofits, charitable organizations, and public agencies whose work aligns with the foundation’s mission.
Inspired by the concept known as social purpose real estate, in 2015, Sunflower Foundation purchased 13.5 acres of land near Wanamaker Road and Southwest Sixth Avenue that formerly was the home to the Menninger Foundation (1959-2002) and the Security Benefit Association (1892-1954). The foundation renovated and restored two century-old buildings on the property that today serve as the anchors of the new Nonprofit Center, from which the foundation will build on its own legacy work while honoring the rich heritage and innovation of Kansas’ health care pioneers.
Sunflower Foundation believes a strong nonprofit sector contributes to the quality of life and economic stability in a community, and since its inception, the foundation’s philanthropic work has supported capacity building, leadership development, and learning opportunities — all essential elements for a strong, sustainable nonprofit sector.
The foundation invites others who share in that vision to visit our new campus and join us in carrying that work into the future, as we focus our energy on improving the health of all Kansans.
Photo Gallery
The History of the Hill
The Sunflower Foundation believes the restoration and renovation of the former Menninger campus is a unique and symbolic way to invest in the Topeka-metro community while having an impact that spans the state. The campus is a historic landmark that reminds us of the innovation and pioneer spirit that is so much a part of Kansas heritage. It also represents the significant investment made in the health and overall well-being of Kansans.
Healing Hill, as it has come known, has a long history of innovative and comprehensive health care that has served not only Kansans, but people from across the country (see A History of Healing Hill: A Historic Location in Health Care below). Though abandoned more than 15 years ago, re-imagining Healing Hill as a collaborative space for learning and innovation is exciting.
Learn More
Thank you for your interest in the Sunflower Foundation Nonprofit Center.
General inquiries and requests can be made using the form below. For more information about partnering with the Sunflower Foundation on this initiative, please contact Tami Sterling, Director of the Sunflower Nonprofit Center, at 785.588.4884.