Sheridan County Community Foundation Launches 10th Annual November Match Month Campaign

The Sheridan County Community Foundation (SCCF) will kick off its 10th consecutive November Match Month next week, inviting donors to help raise $100,000 in local contributions that will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and the Patterson Family Foundation—tripling every gift and growing SCCF’s capacity to fund community needs for generations.

Through the Hansen Foundation’s Match Month initiative, every dollar raised in November—up to $50,000—will receive a 100% match for the endowed unrestricted community grant fund (Cultivate Sheridan County). Reaching the full $50,000 unlocks an additional $45,000 to SCCF’s operating endowment and $5,000 for immediate operating needs. This year, the Patterson Family Foundation (Kansas City) will also provide additional matching support up to $100,000, making it possible for $1 donated to become $3 in total impact when the community meets the $100,000 local goal.

“Match Month is the moment when Sheridan County’s generosity turns into long-term momentum,” said Karl Pratt, Executive Director of SCCF. “Every gift—no matter the size—helps grow our Cultivate Sheridan County Fund, which permanently fuels annual grants to the nonprofits, schools, and volunteer groups that make life here strong.”

Since its founding, SCCF has been able to award $1,613,899.00 in total grants and scholarships across Sheridan County thanks to so many generous donors. In 2025 alone, the Foundation granted $92,392.20 in support of local projects (detailed below). All past Match Month campaigns have helped build SCCF’s endowed grant fund—the Cultivate Sheridan County Fund, which now holds over $1.2 million in principal and has the capacity to award up to $50,000 annually. As the endowment grows, annual grantmaking grows with it—forever.

“This is about permanence,” Pratt added. “Endowment gifts are invested; the principal is preserved, and earnings are granted out year after year. When we meet the $100,000 Match Month goal, we expand what we can award—now and for future generations.”

2025 Grants Awarded to Date — $92,392.20

• $2,500.00 – AmberMed – Purchase of a Nikon Microscope for disease diagnosis and timely treatment.

• $2,500.00 – USD 412 Hoxie Community Schools c/o Hoxie FFA Chapter – Supplies for the FFA Container Garden Library promoting healthy food growth.

• $10,000.00 – Hoxie Christian Church – Replacement of HVAC system supporting community-wide and school activities.

• $727.50 – USD 412 Hoxie Community Schools – Sixth-grade trip to the Smoky Hill Education Service Center Ropes Course.

• $6,000.00 – Main Street Arts Council – Support for the 2025 Main Street Summer Theater Festival production of Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr.

• $5,000.00 – Sheridan County Wellness Center – Surveillance system upgrades at the Hoxie workout facility.

• $14,419.00 – USD 412 Hoxie Community Schools – Purchase and installation of a new LED message board for the high school auditorium.

• $6,000.00 – Hoxie Housing Authority – Construction of shade structures at Ridgewood Manor entrances.

• $704.50 – AmberMed – Signage expenses for the 2025 Sunshine & Shenanigans 5K Run/Walk.

• $4,000.00 – City of Selden – New audio equipment for community events.

• $10,000.00 – Sheridan County Beautification Committee – Large-scale community mural celebrating Selden’s history and identity.

• $889.00 – USD 412 Hoxie Community Schools – SWANK movie performance license for legal public showings at the auditorium.

• $250.00 each – Golden Star Surprise Grants: Sheridan County 4H Council; St. Francis Cabrini Church (Cemetery Project); St. Francis Cabrini Church CYO/Youth CYO; Sheridan County Public Library; Sheridan County Amusement Co.; Hoxie Christian Church.

• $2,000.00 – Western Plains Arts Association – Cultural programming for Sheridan County, including public and school performances.

• $1,500.00 – High Point Advocacy & Resource Center – Rock ’N Recovery Family Event promoting addiction-recovery awareness.

• $250.00 – Selden Public Library – Special grant incentive for completing Non-profit Needs Assessment Survey.

• $11,000.00 – USD 412 Hoxie Community Schools – Support for the Hoxie Schools Track Renovation Project.

• $5,000.00 – USD 316 Golden Plains Elementary School – Playground equipment for Pre-K–5 students.

• $4,404.20 – Hoxie Gun Club – 5-Stand Wobble Trap Thrower for recreational shooting sports.

• $4,000.00 – Main Street Arts Council – Launch of the new Community Choir Project uniting singers across Northwest Kansas.

How to Give (November 1–30, 2025)

• By Mail: SCCF, P.O. Box 445, Hoxie, KS 67740

• In Person: During the Kick-off Event on Monday, Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and throughout the month of November by stopping by the SCCF offices inside Bottle KAP Studios, 721 Main St., Hoxie

• Online: Match Month giving link goes live November 1, 2025, at www.growsheridancounty.org/matchmonth2025.

• Please ensure checks are dated within November 2025.

“We extend our gratitude to the many donors, partners, and community members whose generosity makes this annual campaign possible, noted Pratt. “With the matching support of the Hansen and Patterson Family Foundations, every dollar contributed during November strengthens our collective capacity in Sheridan County to meet local needs, enrich lives, and foster a lasting legacy of giving.”

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.