Heartland Community Foundation
The Heartland Community Foundation is thrilled to announce Give Fest 2024, a 24-hour giving event that unites Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties in a shared mission to support local nonprofit organizations.
Save the date for Oct. 10. This exciting day is designed to increase philanthropy, energize community spirit and spotlight the life-changing work of our local nonprofits.
Give Fest was created to galvanize the community to “give back” in a big way. This event not only raises crucial funds for nonprofits but also brings a fun, playful Oktoberfest twist to the giving season, reflecting the cultural heritage of our region.
Mid-October is an ideal time to solicit donations, ensuring that nonprofits have the resources they need to continue their impactful work. We believe that community members, donors and all those involved will enjoy the day-of Oktoberfest giving celebration.
This Oct. 10, from midnight to 11:59 p.m., all donations made to participating organizations will be matched 1:1 or proportionate to the total money raised from a match pool of $150,000 — or $50,000 allocated for each county.
These donations go directly to the nonprofit's endowed fund at the Heartland Community Foundation. Subsequently, the community foundation will match these gifts with grants that the nonprofits can use for immediate needs, thus providing both a stable financial future and immediate support.
The match pool was established and strengthened with grant dollars from the Patterson Family Foundation.
The benefits of this community giving day extend beyond the immediate financial boost. For the community, Give Fest fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose, highlighting the collective impact of local generosity.
It creates an opportunity for residents to learn more about the vital work being done by nonprofits in their area and to feel more connected and invested in their community’s well-being.
For nonprofits, participating in Give Fest offers several significant advantages, including increased visibility, financial growth through access to matching funds, and deeper community engagement.
Contributions go to endowed funds, ensuring long-term stability and growth for the organizations. If Give Fest 2024 goes well, HCF hopes to make it an annual event.
Nonprofit organizations, schools and religious institutions serving Ellis, Rooks or Trego counties are invited to participate in Give Fest at no cost. Registration opens July 1.
To be eligible, nonprofits must have an organization, designated or field-of-interest fund at the community foundation and complete the registration process by Aug. 31.
Participating organizations will receive a marketing toolkit from HCF starting July 15 to help them promote their involvement and maximize their outreach.
Two Zoom training sessions are planned for participating agencies on Aug. 5 and Sept. 5. If you work with a nonprofit and have questions, please reach out to [email protected]. We can be available to visit with your agency or board to tell you more about the community foundation and Give Fest.
Donors can participate in several ways: donate online at www.HeartlandGiveFest.org between Oct. 4 and 10. Our special event website will go live on July 15 and will eventually house profile information for each participating nonprofit.
Supporters will also be able to attend and donate in person at special events on Oct. 10, with additional details coming soon; by mailing donations to Heartland Community Foundation (received by Oct. 10), or by dropping off donations at the HCF office at 1200 Main St., Hays, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 10.
Because Oct. 10 is still several months away, HCF is encouraging supporters to urge their favorite charities to register as Give Fest participants. If you want to volunteer to help at the day-of events, please send an email to [email protected].
New fundholders in Rooks and Trego counties are eligible to receive a $2,000 matching incentive, available for the first five new funds in each county. This initiative encourages the establishment of new funds and supports long-term community development.
The Heartland Community Foundation invites everyone to participate in Give Fest 2024. Whether you're a donor looking to make an impact or a nonprofit seeking support, this event is a powerful opportunity to come together and celebrate the spirit of giving. For more information and to get involved, email [email protected].
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, health care, youth and community development.
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.