Barry L and Paula M Downing Foundation

About Barry L and Paula M Downing Foundation

The Barry L and Paula M Downing Foundation’s giving is anchored by sustained operating support for the Wichita Art Museum, including $226,000 in 2023 and $200,000 in both 2024 and 2025. That pattern points to a funder that backs core institutional stability rather than only one-time project awards. The foundation also supports other Wichita cultural assets, along with selected education and community-service efforts in Kansas and a handful of out-of-state organizations. Across its recent grants, the foundation’s portfolio is centered on local organizations in Wichita, with contributions that range from program support to operating support, campaign gifts, sponsorships, and capital campaign funding. Botanica Wichita received operating support, while Orpheum Theatre and The First Tee of Greater Wichita each received program support. Other awards reached the Wichita Public Schools Foundation, Kansas Action for Children, and the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation, showing a mix of arts, education, and community-serving institutions. The foundation also appears willing to fund designated campaigns and sponsorship vehicles, including the Saving Lives campaign at Starkey Inc., River City Roll support at the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation, and show ring sponsorships for the Telluride Film Association.

What Barry L and Paula M Downing Foundation Funds

Arts and culture are the clearest theme in the Barry L and Paula M Downing Foundation’s grant history. Beyond the Wichita Art Museum, the foundation gave $24,000 to Botanica Wichita for operations and $10,000 to the Orpheum Theatre for program support, indicating support for both preservation of institutions and the activities they run. Education-related grants also show up repeatedly. In 2025, the foundation awarded $94,000 to the Bps Foundation for program support and $15,000 to the Wichita Public Schools Foundation for program support. Earlier, Student Startup received $20,000 for program expansion, and Fundamental Learning Center received grants for program expenses. Community well-being is another recurring thread. Starkey Inc. received $75,000 for the Saving Lives campaign, while Kansas Action for Children received $28,000 for program support. The foundation also funded the Lords Diner for operating support, reflecting interest in direct service organizations.

How Barry L and Paula M Downing Foundation Gives