Heartland Community Foundation
We are thrilled to share the final results of Match Month 2025, and we couldn’t have done it without your support!
This year, we raised $240,007 across Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties, thanks to the generosity of 379 individuals and businesses.
With matching funds from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation ($300,000) and the Patterson Family Foundation ($100,000), we’ve unlocked an incredible total impact of $640,007 for local grants and operations that will support vital community projects for years to come.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed — this success is a testament to the generosity of our community! We are grateful for your confidence and support. We can't wait to grant even more for local projects and programs.
Here are the Match Month totals by County. Great job to all!
Ellis County Legacy Fund — $85,533
Rooks County Legacy Fund — $77,921
Trego County Legacy Fund — $76,553
All donor names are recognized on our Facebook page and will be featured on our website and in local media.
Spring Grant Cycle now OPEN!
Speaking of grants...our Spring Grant Cycle is now open! Nonprofits and community organizations in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties are encouraged to apply for funding to support projects that benefit their communities. The deadline to submit applications is May 15. To help you prepare, we’ll be offering grant writing workshops — follow us on Facebook for more details and upcoming dates. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your project a reality! We have about $150,000 available to grant this cycle.
Learn more and begin your application here: Heartland Grant Information
New Fund Incentive Available
Heartland Community Foundation, in partnership with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, is excited to announce a new way to help donors create lasting impact in our community. Starting now, donors can receive a 1:1 match (up to $2,000) for new endowed funds at HCF, such as field of interest, donor-advised, designated, or organization funds.
The goal is to grow the fund to at least $10,000 within three years.
Whether you’re creating a donor-advised fund or supporting an initiative close to your heart, we are here to help you achieve your charitable goals. This is a great opportunity to make a lasting impact while benefiting from matching dollars that enhance your gift.
Matching funds are limited — so we encourage you to get started soon! For more information, reach out to Heartland Community Foundation today. Learn more here: New Fund Incentive Details
Bison on the Loose -- Public-Art project led by the Ellis County Youth Action Council
We’re excited to share an incredible new project coming soon to Ellis County — called Bison on the Loose! The Heartland Ellis County Youth Action Council, a passionate group of local teens dedicated to positive change, is leading this project. This initiative will feature two dozen life-size, fiberglass bison sculptures placed throughout Ellis County in Hays, Ellis, and Victoria, each artistically painted to celebrate our local history and heritage. The statues will serve as landmarks, embodying the spirit of our area and honoring the people who make it great. Suggested bison themes include: agriculture, oil, Volga German, railroad, Big Creek, Fort Hays, and many more!
If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved, the students will be meeting with community members and prospective donors on April 2 and April 7 to discuss the project. For more details, please reach out at [email protected]. We’d love to have you join us in bringing this exciting vision to life!
Visit us anytime to say hello!
Ellis County location: 1200 Main St. #102, Hays
Trego County location: 110 N. Main St., WaKeeney
Rooks County location: 202 W. Mill St., Plainville
As we step into spring, a season of growth and renewal, we’re reminded of the incredible potential within our communities. Whether it’s through Match Month, new fund opportunities, or exciting projects, there are so many ways to make a lasting impact.
Thank you for being part of the Heartland Community Foundation’s mission to strengthen Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties. Together, we’re planting seeds for a brighter, stronger future. Stay connected with us on Facebook and reach out anytime — we’re always here to help you achieve your charitable goals.