Heartland Community Foundation Director Sarah Meitner Recognized as Rural Innovator at the White House
Hays, Kansas – Sarah Meitner, Executive Director of the Heartland Community Foundation in Hays, was honored as one of 14 Rural Innovators recognized by the White House for their outstanding contributions to rural communities across the United States. Meitner, the sole Kansan selected for this distinction, participated in the White House Rural Innovators Initiative event on December 18, 2024, where she highlighted the impactful work happening in Northwest Kansas.
In addition to her role at the Heartland Community Foundation, Meitner serves as president of the board for The Arc of Central Plains. Work on Phase 3 of the ARC Park continues, with more fundraising dollars needed.
“It was absolutely the coolest experience,” said Meitner, of the White House event. “I was honored to represent Kansas and share the incredible stories of perseverance, humility, and collaboration from our Heartland communities. While I didn’t feel worthy, I realized the collective work we’re doing together truly makes a difference.”
Under Meitner’s leadership, the Heartland Community Foundation, which serves Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties, has championed initiatives that cultivate a culture of charitable giving, support local nonprofits, and create inclusive spaces that empower the next generation of rural leaders. Notably, the foundation has established the Heartland Youth Action Council, engaging young leaders in philanthropy and community development. Additionally, the foundation has more than doubled its total assets in four years, a critical step toward ensuring sustainable funding for community projects now and in the future. Each year, the foundation grants out over $400,000 to support a wide range of initiatives in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties, with that number steadily growing.
The Heartland Community Foundation holds endowed funds for more than 60 local nonprofits, connecting donors to causes that align with their passions and helping individuals leave charitable gifts in their estate plans. The foundation also works with businesses to ensure their charitable giving is both informed and tax-smart. Beyond financial support, the foundation partners with nonprofits to empower their capital projects through fundraising guidance, marketing assistance, grant opportunities , and strategic support. These efforts collectively strengthen the region’s capacity to thrive and ensure a legacy of generosity and growth.
During the White House event, Meitner connected with fellow Rural Innovators, sharing stories of rural challenges and successes. The recognition ceremony took place in the historic Indian Treaty Room, and the day also included a White House holiday tour, a reception hosted by the USDA, and unique experiences such as visiting the Truman Bowling Alley and underground tunnels.
Reflecting on the experience, Meitner emphasized the strength of rural communities: “The Deputy Secretary for the Department of Agriculture spoke about rural capacity building, but also reminded us that there is already so much capacity happening in rural communities. The innovation and determination I witnessed reinforced the incredible potential we have in Northwest Kansas and similar regions.”
Meitner, a Wichita native, has lived in Hays for nearly 10 years with her husband Chad, who is the principal at Thomas More Prep-Marian School, and their five children: Julia, 20, a junior at the University of Notre Dame; Henry, 18, a freshman at Fort Hays State University; Charlie, 15, a sophomore at TMP; Leo, 13, a 7th grader at TMP; and Abe, a 4th grader at Roosevelt Elementary.
For more information about the White House Rural Innovators Initiative and to see the full list of recipients, visit www.rural.gov/rural-innovators-initiative.
About the Heartland Community Foundation
The Heartland Community Foundation inspires philanthropy by providing tools and resources to create community prosperity through the power of giving. Serving Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties, the foundation supports initiatives that enhance quality of life, promote inclusion, and foster sustainable growth.
