August 12, 2026
AbilityPoint Earns $672,000 Mabee Foundation Challenge Grant for $3.5 Million Capital Campaign
A transformational investment brings AbilityPoint closer to constructing new activity center.
AbilityPoint of Wichita has received a $672,000 capstone challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, bringing the organization one significant step closer to completing its $3.5 million To the Point Capital Campaign.
The Tulsa-based Mabee Foundation is one of the region’s leading philanthropic organizations, supporting major capital projects that strengthen nonprofit organizations across six states. The foundation’s capstone challenge represents a significant vote of confidence in AbilityPoint and its nearly 75 years of serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“This capstone challenge allows us to complete the final phase of our first capital campaign in more than 30 years,” said Kevin Fish, AbilityPoint Executive Director. “We are over 50% of the way to our goal, with leadership gifts already secured. The Mabee Foundation’s investment is a tremendous vote of confidence in our mission, and now we’re inviting the Wichita community to help us finish what we’ve started.”
A Challenge to the Wichita Community
The $672,000 Mabee Foundation grant is a challenge grant, meaning AbilityPoint must secure an additional $1.1 million in gifts and pledges by June 2027 to receive the foundation’s funding.
If AbilityPoint does not meet the $1.1 million fundraising challenge by the deadline, the entire $672,000 grant will be forfeited.
“Receiving the largest capstone challenge grant the Mabee Foundation offers organizations of our size is an incredible endorsement of AbilityPoint’s mission and nearly 75 years of serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said David Austin, Outreach and Development Director. “Every dollar raised now unlocks even greater impact for the families we serve throughout south central Kansas.”
Building for the Future
The To the Point Capital Campaign will fund the construction of AbilityPoint’s first new facility in more than 30 years while also renovating the organization’s existing main building.
The expansion will provide flexible space for workshops, educational programming, community events, youth and adult services, and other programs designed to promote independence, confidence and community inclusion.
AbilityPoint provides more than 300 educational, recreational and support activities each year, along with case management, respite care, advocacy, youth programming, adult enrichment and family support.
“With more than 600 clients and their family members relying on our programs and services, this multi-purpose facility is a requirement,” Fish said. “Over the last decade, the growth in the numbers we serve has been dramatic. Our youth and adult programming is highly sought out, and we need the space to continue meeting that demand.”
Help AbilityPoint Finish the Journey
The Mabee Foundation’s challenge means the final phase of the To the Point Capital Campaign is now within reach—but AbilityPoint cannot do it alone.
With $1.1 million still to raise by June 2027, the Wichita community has an opportunity to help unlock an additional $672,000 for AbilityPoint’s future.
Every gift brings AbilityPoint closer to a facility designed to better serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the families who depend on the organization.
To learn more about the To the Point Capital Campaign or how you can help AbilityPoint meet the Mabee Foundation challenge, contact David Austin at [email protected] or by calling 316-943-1191.
To the Point Capital Campaign Leadership
The campaign is led by:
- Pat Jones
- Jean Artz
- Ryan Henry
- Darrell Boger
- Morgan Koon
- Monique Garcia
- Sean DiGiovanni
- Kevin Fish
- David Austin
- Leea Smarsh
- Bri McCart
