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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Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the new Trego Community General Public Transportation Fund has been esta...
06/02/2026

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the new Trego Community General Public Transportation Fund has been established to help ensure that residents of Trego County have access to the transportation services they need—today and for years to come. 🚐❤️

For many members of our community, reliable transportation is essential. Whether it's getting to dialysis treatments, specialist appointments, dental care, vision services, mental health appointments, prescriptions, diagnostic testing, or other important destinations, these rides provide a vital connection to healthcare and everyday needs. 🏥

Since launching out-of-town transportation services in 2021, the program has become an indispensable resource for local residents who no longer drive, lack reliable transportation, or have no other reasonable way to reach medical appointments outside of WaKeeney. In 2025 alone, the service provided 723 rides, including 560 medical trips to destinations such as Hays, Salina, Great Bend, Wichita, Quinter, and Hill City.

Beyond medical transportation, the service also helps residents access airports, shopping, veterans' services, educational opportunities, and other important destinations that support quality of life in our rural community. 🌾

No matter where life has taken you, this is a meaningful way to support your hometown and help neighbors maintain access to the care, services, and opportunities they need. 🏡

Every gift helps grow the fund and expand its impact for years to come. Donations of all kinds are welcome, including gifts of grain, IRA distributions, appreciated stock, memorial gifts, or planned gifts through your estate.

👉 Donate online anytime:
https://tinyurl.com/3vrz9r6m

Or mail your gift to:
Heartland Community Foundation
PO Box 1673
Hays, KS 67601

(Please note "Trego Transportation Fund" in the memo.)

Together, we can help keep our community connected—one ride at a time. 💙

☀️ NO BUMMER SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY LIVE! 🎉It’s June 1, and the challenge is ON! The Heartland No Bummer Summer Challenge ...
06/01/2026

☀️ NO BUMMER SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY LIVE! 🎉

It’s June 1, and the challenge is ON! The Heartland No Bummer Summer Challenge is now open through July 31 — and we’re inviting kids and teens across Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties to spend the summer getting out, getting creative, and having fun right here at home.

This is your summer excuse to try something new, explore your community, and collect entries along the way.

Here are a few easy ways to jump in:
* Take a photo with your town sign, water tower, or a local landmark
* Create an obstacle course in your yard and race through with a friend
* Find and photograph 5 things all the same color in one shot
* Take a fun, coordinated photo with friends using a silly or creative pose at any location you choose.
* Check out the new escape room in the Volga German House located at the Ellis Co. Historical Society
* Watch a movie under the stars at the Trego Skyview Drive-In Theater
* And more! There are over 40 challenges!

📱 How to enter:
Parents, text a photo + your name + hometown to 785-639-8700.
Each completed challenge = one entry into the prize drawing
(Complete as many as you want — more entries = more chances to win!)

This challenge is all about showing how much fun is already waiting right here in our communities — from everyday spots to places made possible through local support and Heartland grant funding.

Let’s make it a No Bummer Summer!

We Have Our Buzzard Bash Winners! A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by the Heartland Community Foundation table a...
05/30/2026

We Have Our Buzzard Bash Winners!

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by the Heartland Community Foundation table and entered our drawing! ❤️

Congratulations to our winners:

🏆 Trey Moeder
🏆 Doug Ward

We will be reaching out soon to connect with Trey and Doug and learn which organizations they would like to receive $250 from Heartland Community Foundation!

Thank you again to everyone who participated and helped celebrate the spirit of giving in our communities. Together, we're making a difference!

We're in WaKeeney today for Buzzard Bash! 🎉Be sure to stop by the Heartland Community Foundation table and enter our raf...
05/30/2026

We're in WaKeeney today for Buzzard Bash! 🎉

Be sure to stop by the Heartland Community Foundation table and enter our raffle for a chance to make an impact in your community! ❤️

🏆 Raffle winners will get to choose a local nonprofit to receive $250 from Heartland Community Foundation!

Come say hello, learn more about what we do, and help us celebrate the incredible organizations making a difference across our region. We can't wait to see you! 😊

🎟️ Enter the raffle
💙 Support local nonprofits
🎊 Enjoy Buzzard Bash!

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.

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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