Anonymous Donor Establishes $500,000 Family Endowment at the Heartland Community Foundation to Benefit 15 Organizations
The Heartland Community Foundation is proud to announce the opening of a new designated fund created by a generous Hays donor who has invested $500,000 as a family
endowment to benefit 15 charitable organizations — both locally and nationally. The fund was formally announced last Friday during a Chamber event, marking a meaningful milestone in community philanthropy.
Established as a way to honor the donor’s late spouse and give back to the community where they raised their children, the fund reflects a deeply personal approach to charitable giving. While the donor has chosen to remain anonymous at this time, the intent and impact of the gift are already being felt.
“This fund is a beautiful example of how philanthropy can honor loved ones, involve family, and make a lasting difference,” said Sarah Meitner, executive director of the Heartland Community Foundation. “It is creative, intentional, and rooted in gratitude for both place and people. We are so grateful to the donor for this investment and for trusting us with their legacy.”
Originally planned as an estate gift, the donor made the decision to open the fund during their lifetime in order to witness the impact firsthand and invite family members into the giving process. Through this fund, annual distributions will be made to support the missions of organizations that hold special meaning to the donor and their family.
The designated fund will provide ongoing support to the following organizations with an annual
gift that they can put toward any operating needs:
- Humane Society of the High Plains, Hays, KS
2. First Call for Help, Hays, KS
3. Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas Inc., Hays, KS
4. Ellis County Legacy Fund at the Heartland Community Foundation, Hays, KS
5. ARC Park Fund, Hays, KS (non-endowed)
6. Fort Hays State University Shotgun Team, Hays, KS
7. Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Food Security Fund, Hays, KS
8. Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation, Topeka, KS
9. Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Staten Island, NY
10. Shriners Hospitals for Children, Tampa, FL
11. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Kanab, UT
12. Wounded Warrior Project, Jacksonville, FL
13. Samaritan’s Purse, Boone, NC
14. International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, Washington, D.C.
15. St. Joseph’s Indian School, Chamberlain, SD
By establishing a designated fund, the donor ensures that each organization will receive ongoing, reliable support through annual distributions, while the principal remains invested for long-term impact and growth, forever. This structure allows donors to align their values with causes they care about most, while simplifying giving and creating a legacy that can be shared across generations. So often, people believe the only way to honor a loved one is through a scholarship, but there are countless meaningful and unique ways to create a legacy — ways that reflect a donor’s passions, values, and the causes closest to their heart. Giving can be personal, creative, and lasting, and it doesn’t have to follow a one-size-fits-all model.
“This gift demonstrates that philanthropy doesn’t have to wait,” Meiner said. “It shows how donors can honor those they love, involve their families in meaningful conversations about giving, and see the difference their generosity makes—right now.”
The Heartland Community Foundation is honored to steward this fund and grateful for donors who believe in strengthening communities through thoughtful, intentional giving. The foundation is also deeply appreciative of our professional partners. This donor was first introduced to the Heartland Community Foundation through their attorney at Jeter Law Firm, in Hays. It would not have been possible without their help.
For more information about designated funds, other fund options, or legacy giving opportunities, contact the Heartland Community Foundation at heartland@gscf.org or 785-
621-4090.
