The Allen W. and Gladys Hawkins Charitable Foundation aims to benefit the community of Osawatomie, reflecting the interests of its founders in local civic activities and community betterment projects. Established in memory of Allen and Gladys Hawkins, the foundation supports initiatives within Osawatomie city limits, with a legacy rooted in their contributions to local causes, including significant roles in establishing a family fitness center and indoor swimming pool.
The Hawkins Charitable Foundation grant program is focused on supporting initiatives exclusively within the Osawatomie community. It is guided by principles ensuring that the funded projects have clear objectives, a reasonable budget, and are led by organizations with effective structure, management, and a responsible board. The foundation seeks to avoid duplicating efforts already covered by government or private sectors and emphasizes the importance of measuring the success or failure of supported programs. Additionally, it considers the impact of the requesting organization’s programs on the community. Evaluation of grant applications is conducted by local trustees, ensuring decisions are made by those with a deep understanding of Osawatomie's needs.