Heartland Community Foundation Surpasses $10 Million in Assets as It Celebrates 18th Anniversary
Happy 18th birthday to the Heartland Community Foundation! This week, the organization celebrates nearly two decades of inspiring local philanthropy — and the timing is extra special: at the close of fiscal year 2025 on June 30, Heartland surpassed $10 million in assets for the first time, ending the year at $10,271,155.25.
“Reaching this milestone is a moment of pride for everyone involved with Heartland — our donors, board members, staff, and the entire community,” said Sarah Meitner, Executive Director. “Every dollar entrusted to us is a vote of confidence in our local nonprofits and a commitment to building a stronger future for our region. It’s exciting to celebrate both 18 years of service and the power of generosity coming together to make a real difference.”
During fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025), Heartland granted $691,954.80 to local nonprofits and community organizations, supporting programs and initiatives across Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties.
Now home to more than 140 funds and supported by nearly 725 donors in fiscal year 2025 alone, the foundation’s resources include an operating endowment of $2,010,134.68, countywide unrestricted funds totaling $3,919,532.90, and numerous donor-directed funds. Heartland offers six primary fund types to meet most charitable goals — including donor-advised funds, which can be a tax-advantaged vehicle for giving — as well as funds for individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and tributes. These tools make it easy for donors to give strategically, flexibly, and in alignment with their passions.
Since its founding in 2007 by 47 visionary donors, Heartland has grown into the region’s trusted resource for charitable giving. The foundation’s permanent and endowed funds are invested for long-term growth, allowing Heartland to provide reliable grantmaking and support for local nonprofits year after year. By taking care of the giving, Heartland allows nonprofits to focus on what they do best — serving families, seniors, children, and neighbors across Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties.
“Heartland is the hub for charitable giving in our community,” said Josh Dreher, Board Chair. “From education to healthcare, food security to community development, Heartland makes it easy for donors to amplify their impact. Every gift, whether large or small, is pooled, invested, and granted in a way that ensures it goes further and makes a lasting difference.”
The foundation’s work extends beyond grantmaking. Heartland inspires philanthropy by providing tools, resources, and expertise to help donors give in ways that are strategic, impactful, and aligned with their passions. Over the years, Heartland has granted nearly $5.4 million back into the region, supporting a wide array of causes and programs that strengthen communities now and for generations to come.
As Heartland celebrates its 18th anniversary, the foundation extends heartfelt thanks to its founding donors, current and past board members, staff, and supporters, whose vision and dedication have shaped Heartland into a permanent pillar of regional philanthropy. We also want to extend a special thanks to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, for their continued investment, match dollars, pass-through dollars, and other ways they have supported Heartland and the other county community foundations in Northwest Kansas. And, we extend a special thank you to the Greater Salina Community Foundation, our host community foundation, and their staff and board for providing administrative, strategic, and investment support to Heartland and the other affiliates. Together, we have created a vehicle for generosity that makes giving easy, accessible, and impactful for everyone, no matter the charitable passion.
For more information about the Heartland Community Foundation and ways to give, visit
www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org.
*HCF 2025 Board and Staff
About Heartland Community Foundation
Since 2007, the Heartland Community Foundation has been dedicated to improving the quality of life in Ellis,
Rooks, and Trego counties through philanthropy. An affiliate of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, HCF connects donors with the causes they care about and ensures that local dollars stay local. By building and managing more than 140 endowed and non-endowed charitable funds for over 80 local organizations, individuals, businesses, and designated causes, the foundation amplifies generosity and helps nonprofits strengthen their programs and services.
Since 2014, Heartland has granted nearly $5.4 million back into the region, supporting initiatives in areas such as education, healthcare, food security, community development, mental health services, and more. Through
fostering a spirit of generosity, providing expert stewardship of charitable funds, and creating long-term
endowments, Heartland empowers communities to thrive now and for generations to come. Learn more at
www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org.
