Heartland Community Foundation

Heartland Community Foundation The Foundation was founded in 2007 to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving benefiting the Ellis,
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A double 💥YAC Attack💥 in Palco! YAC members Trinity Couse, Brooke Hamel and Hope Couse surprised USD 269 and the Northwe...
05/28/2026

A double 💥YAC Attack💥 in Palco!
YAC members Trinity Couse, Brooke Hamel and Hope Couse surprised USD 269 and the Northwest Kansas Ag Education Center with $250 for each organization.

👓Read more about how the school district and ag education center are creating opportunities for students to learn and apply new skills in the most recent copy of the Northwest Kansas Today magazine from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation https://danehansenfoundation.org/in-the-news/northwest-kansas-today-magazine/read-the-spring-2026-issue-online/

👀 More YAC Attacks are in the works! We can’t wait to share who members surprise next.

It’s another YAC Attack!! 💥💰🙌 Emma Dinkel, Brinly Lichter, and Zoee Dinges of the Ellis County Youth Action Council from...
05/28/2026

It’s another YAC Attack!! 💥💰🙌

Emma Dinkel, Brinly Lichter, and Zoee Dinges of the Ellis County Youth Action Council from Victoria surprised the Victoria Community Coalition, Inc. this evening with a surprise $275 grant! We also bought the group a coffee pot! ☕️ VCC hosts a twice monthly community coffee at St. John’s Place. We noticed the last time we attended that a volunteer brings her coffee pot from home each time. Their dedication to the space and the community does not go unnoticed.

It’s a small gift, but one made with intention. 🩵 Thanks, VCC! Visit with a VCC board member to get some raffle tickets for their ongoing 4th of July raffle. We’ll put info in the comments.

Guess what’s back? Back again… 😎☀️🎶No Bummer Summer is BACK!The Heartland "No Bummer Summer Challenge" returns June 1–Ju...
05/27/2026

Guess what’s back? Back again… 😎☀️🎶
No Bummer Summer is BACK!

The Heartland "No Bummer Summer Challenge" returns June 1–July 31, inviting kids and teens across Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties to stay active, get creative, and discover just how much fun is right here at home. This summer-long challenge — hosted by the Heartland Community Foundation and the Heartland Youth Action Council — is all about exploring local parks, libraries, trails, fairs, and community projects while making memories that last.

✔️ 40+ fun challenges
✔️ Complete as many as you want (more challenges = more chances to win!)
✔️ To enter: snap a photo and text it with your name and hometown to 785-639-8700
✔️ One entry per challenge, per participant
✔️ Winners will be announced in August 🎉

This challenge was dreamed up by members of the Trego Youth Action Council for other area kids and teens! It highlights the many local places and projects made possible through Heartland grant dollars. It’s proof that with a little creativity...there’s SO MUCH to do and see right here in our own communities.

📄 Download the flyer with the full challenge lists here:https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/media/ubnalbnj/no-bummer-summer-2026.pdf or stop by a HCF office for a copy. We'll post copies in the comments!

📱 PARENTS: The entry number (785-639-8700) is dedicated to No Bummer Summer entries ONLY. Photos submitted, names, and hometowns will not shared without prior permission.

👏 Special thanks to Nex-Tech Wireless, proud sponsor of No Bummer Summer select prizes and the special phone number.

Let’s make it a No Bummer Summer in the Heartland — get outside, support local spots, take photos, and have FUN!

Read more here: https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/about-us/news/no-bummer-summer-returns-for-a-2nd-year-of-fun-

🌾 Harvest Season is Here — and Every Bushel Matters 🌾We know this year has been difficult for many producers. That makes...
05/26/2026

🌾 Harvest Season is Here — and Every Bushel Matters 🌾

We know this year has been difficult for many producers. That makes every acre, every bushel, and every act of generosity even more meaningful.

Time after time, we’ve seen that even in the toughest seasons, generosity continues to shine through in powerful ways. If you feel called and are able to give back this harvest season, we’re here to help.

We work directly with local co-ops to make the process simple. Plus, you can take advantage of tax benefits and keep cash available for other needs. 🌟

We also offer donor signs you can display to celebrate your gift and inspire others. Talk to your co-op or give us a call.

No matter the size of the harvest, your generosity can still grow hope across our region.

🌱 Email [email protected] or call 785-621-4090 to get started.

Learn more: heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/giving/give-grain/

On this Memorial Day, we proudly honor and respect those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙
05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we proudly honor and respect those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙

🌟 Caught Doing Good – Volunteer Recognition 🌟Once again, we’re taking time to celebrate people who quietly and consisten...
05/22/2026

🌟 Caught Doing Good – Volunteer Recognition 🌟

Once again, we’re taking time to celebrate people who quietly and consistently make our Heartland communities stronger. These individuals (and one incredible team!) were truly caught doing good — and we’re grateful for every one of them. Join us in saying thank you! 🩵

⭐ Charlotte Sammons | Stockton
Charlotte serves as a foster grandparent at the local school, and her impact is felt the moment students walk through the door. From warm greetings and hugs to helping in classrooms throughout the day, “MeMaw” spreads love everywhere she goes. Students and staff adore her, and she is truly a blessing to both the school and church.

⭐ Dan Pyle | Ellis
Dan goes above and beyond for the Ellis community. In addition to serving as Ellis Recreation Director, he dedicates countless hours to the Polar Express—preparing grounds, decorating the depot, stringing thousands of lights, and helping with teardown long after the event ends. He has also been instrumental in restarting scouting in Ellis and is a very active Foundation board member. His commitment helps create memories families cherish year after year.

⭐ Connie Smith | Hays
Connie is kindness in action. Always upbeat and encouraging, she is involved with First Call for Help, delivers Meals on Wheels, and supports Big Brothers Big Sisters whenever needed. With a heart of gold and endless compassion, Connie lifts up everyone around her.

⭐ Linda Stamper | Plainville
Each month, Linda brings creativity and joy to the Plainville Senior Center by teaching Iris Folding Card making. Her willingness to share her talents—and her friendly smile—creates meaningful connection and something seniors truly look forward to.

⭐ Taylor Ghumm | Stockton
As Assistant City Clerk, Taylor does far more than most people ever see. Balancing a demanding role in city government with being a mom of four, she is deeply involved and always willing to step up for the Stockton community. Her dedication does not go unnoticed.

⭐ Kelly Plaza Project Volunteers | WaKeeney
This dedicated team played a major role in securing the future of Kelly Plaza, collecting an incredible $263,300 in pledges as part of a tax credit application through the Kansas Department of Commerce. Special recognition to Janeen Brown, Lynelle Shubert, Irene Dirks, and Tami Green, along with many others who contributed behind the scenes, including Dave Hendricks, Kent Heckman, Cheryl Gibson, and more.

💙 Thank you to all of these volunteers for showing us what it means to serve with heart, dedication, and generosity. Our communities are better because of you.

05/20/2026

🎉🔑 We’re honored to unlock a new fund at the Heartland Community Foundation — introducing the Fr. Valentine Sommereisen Memorial Plaque Fund!

Spearheaded by Fr. Reggie Urban and community partners, this fund serves as a focused fundraising effort to bring to life a permanent bronze historical marker honoring Fr. Valentine Sommereisen, the first resident Catholic priest in Hays and a pioneering missionary who ministered across early Volga German and frontier settlements throughout Ellis County.

Fr. Sommereisen’s story is deeply woven into the earliest chapters of our region’s history. From establishing the first Catholic presence in Hays to traveling between rural mission stations across the prairie, his work helped lay the spiritual and cultural foundations of many of Ellis County’s earliest communities. The planned marker will be placed near the site of his retirement home, vineyard, and orchard at the corner of Vineyard Road (E 41st and Commerce Parkway / 270th Ave). Vineyard Road is named after the vineyard Fr. Sommerisen had there.

🔑 As a provisional fund, this effort is designed specifically to raise the resources needed to complete the project and move it from vision to reality, ensuring this important story is permanently preserved in place. Donations are welcome at any time and will directly support the design, construction, and installation of the historical marker.

👉 Give here: https://gscf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=12220&sorg_id=1039

Together, we’re unlocking the story of a frontier priest whose legacy helped shape Ellis County — and ensuring it remains visible for generations to come. 🕊️🌾

🔗 Questions: visit www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org or email [email protected]. HCF manages a portfolio of more than 160 charitable funds, each designed to meet local needs and create lasting impact.

🚨 TODAY is the final day to apply for our Spring Grant Cycle!We have about $150,000 available to support programs and pr...
05/15/2026

🚨 TODAY is the final day to apply for our Spring Grant Cycle!

We have about $150,000 available to support programs and projects serving Ellis County, Rooks County, and Trego County.

🔗 Finish those applications here: heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/grants/

⏰ Deadline: May 15 at 11:59 p.m.

We welcomed the Plainville Elementary kindergarten, first and second grade classes today as they made their way through ...
05/14/2026

We welcomed the Plainville Elementary kindergarten, first and second grade classes today as they made their way through Plainville on a scavenger hunt. 🔎
🧱They each helped build a community with blocks by sharing what they love about where we live or what could make it even better! ❤️
This thoughtful and observant bunch of kids want to plant trees 🌳 and flowers, help others 🤝, pick up trash🚮, make sure we have continued access to health care 🩺, great schools 🎓, the library 📚, safety and protection 🚔🚒, recreation ⚾️, parks 🛝 and of course the pool 💦 (it is almost summer!)

🎓✨ Honoring Our 2026 YAC Seniors ✨🎓With hearts full of pride, we celebrate our graduating Youth Action Council seniors! ...
05/11/2026

🎓✨ Honoring Our 2026 YAC Seniors ✨🎓

With hearts full of pride, we celebrate our graduating Youth Action Council seniors! ❤️💚💜 This remarkable group of young leaders has shown up with curiosity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to strengthening their communities.

They’ve asked thoughtful questions, stepped up as leaders, collaborated across schools, and made real impact through service and grantmaking. They all have been part of YAC for two or three years; watching their confidence and voices grow has been a true joy.

To our seniors: thank you for your time, your ideas, and your heart. We are so proud of who you are and excited for all that lies ahead. 🎉
Congratulations, class of 2026! Go boldly — you will always have a home in the Heartland and in the YAC family. ❤️💚💜

2026 YAC seniors:
Ava Biggs — Hays High
Jenna Brull — TMP-Marian
Payten Burd — Ellis High
Savannah Clingan — Hays High
Trinity Couse — Palco High
Emma Dinkel — Victoria High
Mariella Dreiling — Hays High
Kate Hansen — Plainville High
Cheyenne Hoeting — Stockton High
Braylee Kinderknecht — Hays High
Carleigh Klitzke — Trego High
Brinly Lichter — Victoria High
Kallan Rothchild — Trego High
Tucker Rudman — Plainville High
Aaron Samson — Trego High
Oaklye Wichers — Hays High

🚨 We are ONE WEEK away from the deadline for our Spring Grant Cycle!We have about $150,000 available to support programs...
05/08/2026

🚨 We are ONE WEEK away from the deadline for our Spring Grant Cycle!

We have about $150,000 available to support programs and projects serving Ellis County, Rooks County, and Trego County.

🔗 Learn more and apply here: heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/grants/

⏰ Deadline: May 15 at 11:59 p.m.
Questions? Reach out anytime at [email protected].

Address

1200 Main Street Suite 101
Hays, KS
67601

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 2pm

Telephone

+17856214090

Website

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