Heartland Community Foundation announces Match Month results:

The Heartland Community Foundation (HCF) is thrilled to announce the final donation results from Match Month 2025, which raised an impressive $240,007 across Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties. Thanks to generous matching funds, this total unlocks a combined impact of $640,007 for the foundation, benefiting organizations in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties.

Now in its ninth year, Match Month has grown into one of Heartland’s most impactful community campaigns, helping build sustainable resources that fund grants supporting everything from health and education to the arts, youth, and community improvement. Money raised during Match Month goes toward growing the permanent countywide endowments, called the County Legacy Funds at the foundation. The more these endowment funds grow, the more they can be granted to local programs and projects. Since 2015, Heartland Community Foundation has awarded more than $4.3 million in grants.

Match Month 2025 results by County are as follows:

• Ellis County Legacy Fund: $85,533 raised

• Rooks County Legacy Fund: $77,921.08 raised

• Trego County Legacy Fund: $76,553.72 raised 

The funds raised by donors were generously matched by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, which provided $300,000 in matching dollars, including $100,000 for each County. The Patterson Family Foundation also contributed $100,000 to strengthen the Give Fest match pool and support operations. Give Fest is a local community giving day held in October that uses a matching pool to leverage giving for individual organizations.

“This year’s Match Month once again showed the power of local generosity,” said Deanna Hammerschmidt, Rooks County Development Director of Heartland Community Foundation. “The impact of these dollars will be felt in every corner of Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties. We are especially excited to welcome 78 new donors this year, and we are grateful for the 379 individuals and businesses who stepped up to support their communities. Thank you so much for your contributions.” The funds raised during Match Month are directed to Heartland’s primary grantmaking funds in each County, which are designed to provide longterm support for nonprofit organizations and community needs. These legacy funds are a vital part of ensuring that local dollars stay local, supporting important projects for years to come.

Since its inception, Heartland Community Foundation’s Match Month campaigns have raised over $1.9 million, with a total impact — including matching funds — of more than $4 million.

Community members who are inspired to give are reminded that donations can be made to Heartland’s legacy funds or any fund at any time. HCF also offers guidance to individuals and families looking to establish charitable giving plans now or as part of their estate that reflect their values.

See the full list of Rooks County donors in the ad on Page 11A of this week’s Sentinel.

For more information about Heartland Community Foundation or to explore giving opportunities, visit www.heartlandcommunityfoundation. org.