Match Month: Help us Turn $100,000 into $300,000

Since 2016, each December the Republic County Community Foundation (RCCF) invites the county to take part in something extraordinary- an opportunity to invest not only in today, but for generations to come. Match Month is more than a fundraising campaign; it is a legacy-building effort that is shaping the future of Republic County.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation launched its visionary Match Month initiative in March 2016, giving community foundations across northwest Kansas the chance to maximize donations through matching funds. The goal was simple but powerful: to create “mini Hansen Foundations” strong, sustainable local foundations equipped to meet the needs now and far into the future.

The Dane G Hansen Foundation recognized that people who live here know their communities best. By offering matching funds for community grants and administrative strength, they empowered local residents to invest in themselves, their neighbors and a future that can be built upon for years to come.

The Journey. Since inception in 2007 RCCF has awarded over $630,000 in local grants. Remarkably, $535,000 of those grants have been made since the start of Match Month campaigns. The total impact of 9 years of Match Month now exceeds $1.9 million for Republic County. These funds have strengthened RCCF’s unrestricted Community Action Fund, expanding our ability to award grants that benefit the entire county- from supporting local programs and meeting emerging needs to fostering long-term community vitality.

In 2023, the Patterson Family Foundation joined this effort, recognizing the powerful role Match Month plays in sustaining rural communities. Their involvement broadened the overall match pool and introduced a new level of partnership that amplifies even more local generosity even more.

This December, RCCF embarks on its largest Match Month to date. With a challenge to turn $100,000 into $300,000. Thanks to the combined generosity of Dane G. Hansen Foundation and the Patterson Family Foundation, every dollar raised-up to $100,000- will be tripled. That means $100,000 in local giving will turn into $300,000 to support Republic County’s future.

Each contribution helps grow RCCF’s unrestricted Community Action Fund, which fuels grantmaking across the county. These dollars ensure RCCF can respond to community needs, support nonprofit partners, and invest in meaningful projects that enhance quality of life. Funds raised also support the foundations long term sustainability, allowing RCCF to operate effectively and continue making an impact for years to come.

Every gift matters! One of the most meaningful aspects of Match Month is that everyone can participate. Whether someone gives $50 or $5,000, every contribution makes a difference. Match Month provides an accessible and impactful way for anyone who cares about Republic County to give back and see their generosity multiplied.

Each year, RCCF welcomes new donors during Match Month: neighbors, young families, and former residents who still feel connected to the place they call home. Together, these gifts build something lasting foundation for generations to come.

Investing in the future. When you give during Match Month, your donation does more than meet the moment- it triples in impact. Each gift creates a ripple effect that benefits every corner of Republic County. From local nonprofits and schools to community development initiatives, your contribution plants a seed that will continue to grow and give back long after today.

As RCCF Director Molly Williams shared, the foundations work is grounded in a simple belief: “True generosity is choosing to invest in a future beyond our own. Each gift is like planting a seed in a garden you will never get to harvest.”

This December, every gift is a seed- one that helps to ensure Republic County continues to thrive, not only for us, but for those generations still to come.

Join the movement! Help us turn $100,000 into $300,000 this December.

Join us at a Match Month Mingle event throughout the county during December. Pick a date that works for you and join us for great food, great company, and a look at RCCF’s work!

• Saturday, November 29th in Cuba, Cuba Hall, 7:30pm: We will be presenting before the showing of Minersville and providing a popcorn bar!
• Monday, December 1 in Belleville, RCCF Office- 1806 M St, 10 am -2 pm: KICK OFF EVENT: Enjoy our Come & Go Complimentary Soup Bar!
• Wednesday, December 3 Republic, RIP City Inn, Republic, 6 – 8pm: Join us for Burger Match Night: $5 toward your meal will be match $5 by us!
• Thursday, December 4th Scandia, T.A.G.S. Grill & Bar, 6-8pm: Complementary Soup & Sandwich Meal- first 50 on us!
• Saturday, December 6th Courtland, Irrigation Ales 7-9 pm: 10% of Sales go to Match Month!
• Wednesday, December 10th Munden, Munden Community Hall 6:30-7:30 pm: Enjoy our Come & Go Complimentary Soup Bar!
• Wednesday, December 17th Courtland, Mess Hall 6-8pm: Come & Go Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres!

All donations are tax-deductible and must be received during December to be eligible for the match. Gifts can be mailed to:

Republic County Community Foundation 1806 M Street Suite 101, Belleville KS 66935. Or made online at republiccountycf.org

For more information, contact Molly Williams, RCCF Director at 785-527-9006 or via email at molly@republiccountycf.org.

Thank you for investing in the sustainability, impact, and future of the Republic County Community Foundation. Together we are planting seed by giving today for a better tomorrow.