Western Kansas enthusiasts have an opportunity to make local communities even greater on Match Day, November 28. On that day, qualifying donations to participating organizations could double, thanks to a match pool provided Western Kansas Community Foundation (WKCF) and local patrons.

“One of Western Kansas Community Foundation’s goals is to help local nonprofits thrive,” said Conny Bogaard, Executive Director at Western Kansas Community Foundation. “Nonprofits are more sustainable when they have endowments— or ‘savings accounts’—that support their efforts forever.”

Fourteen nonprofit endowments are eligible for matching funds, and donors can participate by dropping a check by the Western Kansas Community Foundation at 402 N. Main between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The funds will be divided among the participating organizations in proportion to the total amount raised.

Though donations will be also be accepted online that day at wkcf.org from midnight to midnight, WKCF board chair Don Linville advocates dropping by the event to connect in person. “As extra incentive to come to the event, we’re offering hourly prize grants, drawn from the previous hour’s donors contributing in person,” he said. “Organizations can also earn prize grants by raising the most money or having the most individual donors.”

Donations of $20-$2,000 per person per organization are eligible for a match. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted, and donations are tax-deductible.

“Nonprofits still face monthly expenses, so they continue to need your annual contributions.” added Bogaard. “Match Day is an opportunity to go beyond what you give annually, to grow our local nonprofit endowments exponentially.”

The following nonprofits are participating:

• Emmaus House
• Finney County Community Health Coalition
• Finney County Historical Society
• Finney County Humane Society
• Finney County Public Library
• Finney County United Way
• Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo
• Garden City Arts
• Garden City Family YMCA
• High Plains Public Radio
• Miles of Smiles
• Russell Child Development Center
• St. Catherine Hospital’s Benincasa Hospitality House

See our Match Day page for additional information.