November has been a month of progress and community engagement for the Sheridan County Community Foundation (SCCF). Alongside its annual 2024 November Match Month campaign, SCCF hosted several events to promote philanthropy and strengthen community ties.
Kicking Off Match Month
The festivities began on Monday, Nov. 4, with a Match Month Kick-Off reception at Oscar’s. SCCF staff and board members welcomed donors throughout the morning and afternoon, sharing updates and encouraging participation in the campaign.
Showcasing Community Organizations
On Monday, Nov. 18, SCCF hosted the Sheridan County Organizations Fair at Hoxie High School. Around 20 local organizations showcased their missions, goals, and needs to community members.
“The event was a fantastic way to highlight the incredible work being done across Sheridan County,” said SCCF Executive Director Karl Pratt. “We hope to make this a recurring event and look forward to seeing even greater community involvement in the future.”
Pratt also announced a new funding opportunity coming in 2025, 2026, and 2027. Thanks to a generous contribution from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, SCCF will be able to offer up to $20,000 per year in matching funds of $2,000 per fund to establish new endowed grant funds for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and donors. These funds require a $10,000 principal investment, with 5% of annual net proceeds available for grants, creating a sustainable funding source for community initiatives.
“We’re thrilled about this partnership with the Hansen Foundation,” Pratt said. “It’s a unique chance to help nonprofits secure their futures and for donors to create lasting legacies that benefit Sheridan County for generations.”
Details about this initiative will be shared in early 2025.
SCCF extended thanks to USD 412 Hoxie Community Schools for hosting the event and to Leah Heskett, the Junior High Civics Class and Student Council members for their support. Gratitude also went to Austin and Tracy Poppert for their delicious soup and cinnamon roll dinner.
Match Month Dueling Pianos Event
On Saturday, Nov. 23, the 2024 Match Month Dueling Pianos event brought members of the community together at the Sheridan County 4-H Building. Guests enjoyed a gourmet meal by Emily Campbell and her team at The Elephant Bistro and Bar, desserts by Erika Carter of Handmade, and a lively performance by John and Amy Tuck of Colorado Keys.
“We are incredibly grateful for everyone who attended and for the donors who make the successes of the Foundation, our events, activities, and fundraising campaigns possible,” Pratt said. “We’re on track to meet our $70,000 fundraising goal, which will unlock at least $240,000 in total campaign funds, thanks to matching opportunities from the Hansen Foundation and the Patterson Family Foundation.”
Building a Better Future
The November Match Month campaign supports SCCF’s Cultivate Sheridan County endowment fund, which once opened up for applications (in the near future) will have the capacity to provide at least $50,000+ annually in grants for local nonprofits and projects approved by SCCF’s Board of Directors.
Donations for the 2024 Match Month campaign are still being accepted through Friday, Dec. 6, and can be mailed to PO Box 445, Hoxie, KS 67740, dropped off at Pratt Law Office, 736 Main, Hoxie, or made online at www.gnwkcf.org/donate/sheridan-match.
SCCF looks forward to closing out the year on a high note and continuing its mission to enhance the quality of life in Sheridan County.
SCCF is an affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation based in Bird City. The foundation seeks to encourage, prudently manage, and distribute charitable contributions to improve the quality of life of Sheridan County residents, now and in the future. To learn more, contact Pratt at 785-677-5090, director@growsheridancounty.org, or visit www.growsheridancounty.org. Connect with SCCF at www.facebook.com/sheridanccf.
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