15 Jan Foundation Files: Foundation reaches goal on Establishing Match (Jan. 2002)
The McPherson County Community Foundation turns 25 this year. To mark this milestone, the foundation will be sharing stories and moments from the past 25 years that helped shape its work and impact across McPherson County.
This opening piece looks back at a pivotal moment in the foundation’s history: the completion of its first fundraising effort. That early matching opportunity, provided by the Kansas Health Foundation in 2001 and completed in 2002, brought the McPherson County Community Foundation to life. Its success jump-started the organization and established it as a lasting community resource.
*Original article from Jan. 19, 2002 McPherson Sentinel*
GOAL MET
Local Foundation raises $300,000 to qualify for matching funds
The McPherson County Community Foundation has raised the $300,000 needed to meet the goal for the GROW Initiative program offered by the Kansas Health Foundation.
“We genuinely appreciate the generosity and commitment of local donors to help establish a community foundations in McPherson,” stated Glen Snell, board of directors president. ‘Residents of the area and nonprofit organizations will soon realize a community foundation gives donors a resource for their contributions and organizations additional funding sources.”
The Kansas health foundation offered McPherson County and 15 other communities $1 for ever $1 raised; up to $300,000 as a part of their GROW (Giving resources to our world) Program to promote healthy Kansas communities and children. Communities were selected for a grant based on their participation in the leadership program. At the conclusion of Phase I, 100 percent of the participants had met their goals for the matching funds.
The Kansas health Foundation is now offering additional funding opportunities for each of the participant. Phase II of the GROW initiative will consist of raising endowed funds through donor advised, field of interest or unrestricted contributions. The Kansas Heath Foundation will match 50 cents for each $1 raised up to $500,000
Phase II begins Feb. 1 and will conclude Dec. 31 2003.