Community Foundation Launch

Residents of South Brown County formally launched a new community foundation named the South Brown County Community Foundation on April 7, 2022, with an educational presentation to organizational leaders at the Horton Blue Building. The founding board members include James Lednicky, President; Jackie Petersen, Vice President; Sarah Gerving, Secretary; Michele Crouse, Treasurer; Jason Cline, Aldie Ensminger, Doug Norman, and Maxine Rice.

After learning how the Greater Sabetha Foundation increased charitable donations for their area, founding members believed that Horton and its neighboring communities of Everest, Powhattan, Willis, and the Kickapoo Tribe could benefit from an independent community leader to help address local needs. As a result, the South Brown County Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization due to its affiliation with the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, which helps smaller Kansas communities manage funds. At the same time, the affiliate boards maintain local control.

While the new foundation is entirely independent of other community organizations and local government agencies, the board envisions it to be a vehicle to increase charitable dollars for any charitable work enhancing the lives of South Brown County residents. Any individual, corporation, or organization can create a fund for $1,000 that benefits our communities. Donations can be made to these funds at the foundation’s website www.southbrowncountycf.org. Plus, the foundation provides donors flexibility and tax-efficient ways to ensure that charitable giving achieves the desired intention with the most significant possible impact. As a few examples of many, people can donate gifts of grain, real estate, stocks, and trusts.

Another primary function of the foundation is to hold an annual matchday event for community fundholders. The foundation will seek matching sponsors to increase the value of donations. With thirteen fundholders and still adding, the South Brown County Community Foundation board determined to host its first annual matchday event with the theme of Refresh-Renew-Revive South Brown County during the Brown County Fair Days of July 12-15 at the Horton Blue Building. Now is the time to create a fund for your favorite charity if you have not already. Visit southbrowncountycf.org/funds-of-the-foundation.cfm to see all current funds.

Leading up to the matchday event, the Horton Headlight will feature the foundation articles each week so that community members can learn more about the benefits and how to donate. If you wish to create a fund or become a matchday sponsor, please call Sarah Gerving at 816-387-3639 or Jackie Petersen at 785-741-5925. You can also email info@southbrowncountycf.org or message the South Brown County Community Foundation on Facebook.