Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) recently received a $100,000 grant from the Sunderland Foundation to repair and improve concrete areas on campus. The funds will be used to construct two new wheelchair ramps and enhance sidewalks and curbs. These improvements will make CUKC more accessible to all and enhance the campus’ overall appearance and curb appeal. The grant will also allow CUKC to complete patching and sealing in parking areas and other campus roadways.
Dr. Carl S. Cleveland III, president of CUKC, is honored that the University was the recipient of the award, and looks forward to moving forward with the campus construction projects.
“On behalf of the University, we are extremely grateful to the Sunderland Foundation for their generosity,” Cleveland said. “Funding for capital improvements is necessary to maintain a safe, accessible and visually appealing campus. This gift will allow for improvements and upgrades to the campus infrastructure that are key to maintaining the quality, appearance and longevity of the University facilities.”
Established in 1945 The Sunderland Foundation was created by Lester T. Sunderland, who served for 33 years as president of the Ash Grove Concrete Company. Seventy years later, his descendants still manage the foundation and offer grants in areas served by Ash Grove. Included are parts of Missouri and Iowa, along with Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Utah and Montana.
Rather than making grants for annual operating expenses, the Foundation prefers to provide support for capital and special projects. Grants are awarded annually to organizations with tax-exempt status and are focused primarily on higher education, health facilities, museums, community buildings, youth service facilities and other projects. The grants ease that burden of such repairs for the recipients, allowing their resources to be focused on other areas.
