By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
Starting next week, donations given to the Heartland Community Foundation will have an even larger impact in the area through the support of another area foundation.
During the month of February, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation will once again match donations, which will further go on to help support nonprofit organizations.
“We are tasked by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation to raise money for our county funds,” said executive director Sarah Meitner. “Those county legacy funds ... are the ones that we make grants out of. So when you hear Heartland granted to the library or to First Call for Help or to First Care Clinic or to yada yada school district, it a lot of the time is either coming from pass-through money from Hanson, or it's coming out of these legacy funds.”
With that in mind, she said, it is critical that every dollar possible is captured and doubling that money has a tangible positive impact she hopes area residents will take advantage of.
“And that means that for every dollar that we raise during the month of February, they will match dollar for dollar.”
An even higher amount of matched funds will be given if the foundation can reach its fundraising goal during the month.
“If we hit our goal, they will give us a bonus,” Meitner said. “So it really amounts to about $1.50 for every dollar raised.”
The goal is $150,000 across the three counties serviced by the foundation — Ellis, Rooks and Trego.
“We have the month to do it. We have to raise $50,000 in each of the three counties,” Meitner said. “Counting all of the match money that we can get back, it's such a big investment for our area into these funds.
“So, if you have been a past donor, or maybe you have never been a donor, but you're interested in and trying to see how you can help to make an impact in your community, consider making a donation to Heartland Community Foundation — but during the month of February, so that we can count it toward match month.”
Those who give, she said, will be responsible for helping the community in a number of ways.
“We make grants that impact the lives of babies, children, teens, young adults, seniors, people with disabilities, you name it,” Meitner said. “You have likely been impacted by a grant that Heartland has made, whether you even realize it or not. So, yeah, so definitely consider making a gift in the month of February, but not the day before.”
For more information about the Heartland Community Foundation, visit their website, heartlandcommunityfoundation.org.
For more information about the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, visit their website, danehansenfoundation.org.
Cover photo courtesy Pixabay