The past efforts of the Give & Grow Sheridan County Match Day fundraising campaigns have enabled the Sheridan County Community Foundation to establish five new field of interest funds that have been endowed and will provide grant funding for years to come. A sixth fund, SCCF’s first donor-established Field of Interest Fund, will also provide grant support for perpetuity.
What is a Field of Interest Fund?
By establishing a Field of Interest Fund, you can target your gift to address needs in an important area of community life: Arts, Aging, Education, Recreation, Youth, etc. The SCCF board awards grants to community organizations and programs that are making a difference in the area you select. Your gift stays flexible enough to meet community needs in your intended interest area(s) — even as they change over time.
How it Works
You identify an area of personal interest as broad or narrow as you wish.
You make a gift to your community foundation during your lifetime or through a bequest in your will. You can give cash, appreciated stocks, real estate, or other assets.
We set up a special fund in your name, in the name of your family or business, or in honor of any person or organization you choose.
You receive tax benefits in the year your gift is made.
Our professional program staff evaluates needs in your area of interest that would be most impacted by grants from your gift.
Our board issues grant funds in the name of the fund you establish (if you prefer, grants can be made anonymously).
We handle all the administrative details.
Your gift can be placed into an endowment that is invested over time. Earnings from your fund are used to make grants addressing community needs. Your gift — and all future earnings from your gift — is a permanent source of community capital, helping to do good work forever.
Current Field of Interest Funds
Hoxie Community Fund - This endowment Fund was established in 2022 to financially assist organizations and/or projects focused on improving the community of Hoxie within Sheridan County, Kansas.
Selden Community Fund - This endowment Fund was established in 2021 to assist with projects and needs within the Selden community. The City of Selden board will provide oversight of this Fund. Donors may continue to make contributions and leave memorial donations that will provide grant funding for generations to come.
Sheridan County Arts & Culture Fund - This endowment Fund was established in 2022 to financially assist organizations and/or projects focused on arts and/or culture-related initiatives within Sheridan County, Kansas.
Sheridan County Health & Wellness Fund - This endowment Fund was established in 2022 to financially assist organizations and/or projects focused on health and wellness-related initiatives within Sheridan County, Kansas.
Sheridan County Youth & Education Fund - This endowment Fund was established in 2022 to financially assist organizations and/or projects focused on youth and educational-related initiatives within Sheridan County, Kansas.
Gerald A. & Darlene Schaffer Fund - Thanks to the Schaffer Family, this newly established endowment Fund will provide grant funding to projects and organizations within Hoxie and Sheridan County. Grant oversight and awards will be determined by the SCCF Board of Directors.
At this time, the SCCF board of directors has grant-making discretion for these funds and no formal application is required. If your organization has a project or event that falls within any of these fund parameters, consider contacting the Foundation board with your funding request.
Donors interested in establishing a Field of Interest Fund or any other fund type, leaving an estate gift to the foundation, or to make a donation are encouraged to contact SCCF Executive Director Karl Pratt at 785-675-1240 or director@growsheridancounty.org for more information.
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, visit www.growsheridancounty.org. Connect with SCCF at www.facebook.com/sheridanccf.