Heartland Community Foundation
The Heartland Community Foundation is excited to host the second annual Give Fest — communitywide giving day — on Friday, October 10 in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties! Get ready to experience a day filled with philanthropy, community spirit, and Oktoberfest-themed fun. With up to 100% of donations matched by the Heartland Community Foundation, this is a powerful opportunity to maximize your impact while supporting your favorite local nonprofits.
During the 24-hour giving period, all donations made to participating nonprofits will be matched from a $150,000 match pool, with $50,000 designated for each county. These donations go directly to the nonprofit's endowed fund at the Heartland Community Foundation, ensuring a stable financial future for the organization, while the match dollars are available for immediate use, providing vital, immediate support. To give even more people the chance to give, early-bird giving begins online at midnight this Wednesday, Oct. 1, at www.HeartlandGiveFest.org and continues through 11:59 p.m., Oct. 10.
With 58 participating organizations, there’s a cause that will speak to everyone’s unique charitable passion. Whether your interests lie in education or healthcare, first responders or food insecurity, and many more, there is a nonprofit that aligns with the causes that matter most to you.
Give Fest was created to mobilize the community to “give back” in a big way. Not only does the event raise essential funds for nonprofits, but it also brings a playful Oktoberfest twist to the giving season, celebrating the cultural heritage of the region.
This is an opportunity to come together and make a difference. In 2024, Give Fest raised over $240,000 in donations, and with $160,000 in matching funds, more than $400,000 went directly to strengthen local nonprofits. This year, we’re ready to build on that success together.
"Give Fest is one of my favorite days of the year because it shows the power of community," said Sarah Meitner, executive director of the Heartland Community Foundation. "When neighbors come together to give, the impact multiplies — not just through the matching dollars, but through the spirit of generosity that carries forward long after the day is over."
This year's festivities will feature in-person events at the following locations from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
• Ellis County: Hays Rec Center Main Gym, 1105 Canterbury, Hays
• Rooks County: Rooks County Fairgrounds, 4-H Building, 918 S. Elm, Stockton
• Trego County: Trego County Fairgrounds, 13th and Russell, WaKeeney
Nonprofits will share information with visitors, and attendees can enjoy Oktoberfest food, drinks, and entertainment while connecting with local organizations and learning more about the causes they can support.
Returning this year, nonprofits will get to compete in a lively cornhole challenge for a chance to win up to $400 in bonus match dollars for their organization. Attendees can also take part in the Nonprofit Passport activity: visit nonprofit tables (8 in Ellis County, 6 in Rooks and Trego counties) to be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card for yourself and $100 in bonus match dollars for your favorite organization. Come cheer on your favorite nonprofits and join in the fun!
In a heartwarming effort to inspire the next generation of givers, Heartland Community Foundation is proud to bring back the 5th Grade Give Bucks initiative. Every 5th grader in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties will once again receive funds to donate to a local nonprofit of their choice. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, Ellis County students will each receive $15, while Rooks and Trego County students will each receive $10. On October 10, students will visit the Give Fest events to meet nonprofits throughout the day, learn about their missions, and choose where to donate their Give Bucks. This initiative teaches young people firsthand the joy and power of philanthropy.
How to Give
• Online: Donate at www.HeartlandGiveFest.org from midnight on October 1 through 11:59 p.m. on October 10. Online gifts will be eligible for matching funds for a full week!
• In-Person: Drop off donations at the Give Fest events or the Heartland Community Foundation office, 1200 Main St., Hays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on October 10.
• Mail: Send donations to Heartland Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1673, Hays, KS 67601. They must be received by October 10.
• Out-of-Town Donors: Send your gift directly to the nonprofit, and they will bring it to be counted. Checks should be made out to Heartland Community Foundation with the charity’s name in the memo, along with a donor form.
One of the most convenient features of Give Fest is that donors can make a single donation and designate it to one or more participating nonprofits. Your donation is 100% tax-deductible, and you can easily support multiple organizations at once with one simple gift.
To keep with all the Give Fest excitement, follow the Heartland Community Foundation on Facebook or the social media pages of your favorite nonprofits! Many participating organizations will mark Give Fest with their own events and fundraisers, so check in with them for updates on how you can participate.
Participating Nonprofits Include
ELLIS COUNTY
About Heartland Community Foundation
Since 2007, the Heartland Community Foundation has been dedicated to improving the quality of life in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties through philanthropy. As an affiliate of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, HCF connects donors with the philanthropic causes they love, supporting initiatives in various areas including education, healthcare, youth, community development, and more. By fostering a spirit of generosity and engaging local donors, nonprofits, and community members, HCF aims to create a vibrant, supportive community for all. The Heartland Community Foundation is committed to promoting generosity, building endowment funds, and empowering communities to thrive.
For more information, visit heartlandcommunityfoundation.org.