Submitted
The Heartland Community Foundation is gearing up for its 2024 Match Month fundraising campaign in February -- building on the success of seven previous years and aiming for an even bigger goal to go with a supersized match offer.
Between February 1 and 29, all donations to the County Legacy Funds at the Heartland Community Foundation will be matched 300% The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is providing a remarkable $2 for $1 match, while the Patterson Family Foundation is generously contributing a $1 for $1 match. These offers can be stacked, making your donation even more impactful. A $100 donation becomes $400, $1,000 becomes $4,000, and $5,000 becomes $20,000!
To capture all of the match dollars possible for our communities, the Heartland Community Foundation must raise at least $70,000 in each Ellis, Rooks, and Trego County. By achieving this goal and maximizing the impact of the match offers, each County Legacy Fund is expected to pass the $1 million mark -- establishing a lasting impact in the communities.
"We're excited about the 2024 Match Month campaign and the incredible opportunity it presents for our communities. The $70,000 goal is a big one, but we are confident in our donors and their commitment to growing the permanent endowed funds in their county," said Sarah Meitner, Executive Director of the Heartland Community Foundation.
It’s important to note that every dollar raised remains in the community where it is given, endowed with other investments. A portion of the investment income is granted annually to charitable organizations to help them pay for new and vital community projects and programs, ensuring a lasting impact for generations. The more the funds grow, the more we can grant!
The campaign kicks off with a special event: a Chamber Chat and Founders' Reception on Friday, Feb. 2, from 9-11 AM at the Strand in Hays. Donors, supporters, and community members are invited to attend, learn more about the campaign, and be part of this impactful initiative.
Last year's Match Month campaign raised a total of $213,773, with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation's 200% match contributing to a grand total of $513,773 for the County Legacy Funds. Funds raised stay in the respective communities, generating investment income used to make grants for crucial projects and programs.
"As we set our sights on achieving the $70,000 goal in each county, we invite the community to help. We are so grateful to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and the Patterson Family Foundation for their support and the vote of confidence. Their investment is a true testament to the power of endowment. Together, we can surpass our goals and create a lasting legacy," added Meitner.
To make a donation, give online at www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org, deliver it to 1200 Main St., Suite 102, Hays, KS 67601, or email [email protected] to make other arrangements. Non-cash gifts, such as stock, retirement assets, grain, etc., are also accepted and can be matched during the campaign. All gifts must be received between Feb. 1 and Feb. 29.
We are excited that our 2024 campaign has an extra day in February.
Donors who give to the campaign on or before Feb. 15 will be entered to win $500 in a drawing.
Donations of $500 or more will receive an extra entry in the drawing. Prize dollars were provided by a donor.
Those who want to make a donation are also welcome to do so in person at one of our Coffee Chat events or by visiting with any Heartland Community Foundation board member:
· Feb. 2, The Strand, Hays, 9-11 a.m.
· Feb. 6, The Well, WaKeeney, 9-10:30 a.m.
· Feb. 8, The Daily Grind, Stockton, 9-10:30 a.m.
· Feb. 13, Papa’s Corner, Plainville, 9-10:30 a.m.
The upcoming 2024 campaign marks the eighth annual Match Month hosted by the Heartland Community Foundation. With more than $1 million in donations raised over the past seven years, these funds have played a crucial role in growing community impact. In 2023, HCF granted $393,564 to 79 organizations for 147 community projects. Since 2007, the Heartland Community Foundation has granted $3.6 million in the region!
HCF Executive Director, Sarah Meitner, expressed gratitude, stating, “We extend a huge word of thanks to everyone who participated in past Match Month campaigns and continue to do so. Without the generosity of those in each community and the investment from the Hansen Foundation, we would not have been able to grant more than $3.6 million in the region. We are stronger when we work together. Thank you for investing in our communities.”
For more information, please call 785-621-4090.