The Superior Express -

Donations helped 2021 Jewell County Match Month reach a total of $55,549.11. With the more than double match from Dane G. Hansen of $75,000, the total calculated to $130,549.11 for the Jewell County Community Foundation unrestricted fund. This year’s total was $8,000 more than last year’s total. The money will be invested, and four percent of the total will be given as grants to Jewell County non-profits and municipalities. Grant rounds happen in the spring and the fall of each year. The spring round is happening now. Applications are being accepted and due by May 1. The Jewell County Community Foundation appreciates the support!

All gifts will be placed in an endowed fund, allowing the Jewell County Community Foundation to sustain itself and continue to give grants for years to come. Donors are able to think outside the box as well, beyond direct cash donations. The foundation can also accept donations of both land, cattle or grain.

The goal of the Jewell County Foundation is to strengthen and sustain Jewell County and its communities, strengthen Jewell County non-profits through the ability to grant money to charitable projects, and improve the quality of life in Jewell County by providing a funding mechanism for charitable projects. The foundation will provide a place to capture a portion of the $79 million transfer of wealth (source Kansas Association of Community Foundations) projected for Jewell County residents who want to leave their legacy in Jewell County with living gifts or their estates after they are gone. If each estate leaves just 5 percent in Jewell County, this would mean almost $4 million to help support Jewell County communities in the future.

For the summer of 2021, Jewell County Community Development has been awarded a free intern from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Part of what the intern will be doing this summer will be to help forward the work of the Jewell County Community Foundation and have more talks with community members about estate giving through the JCCF Builder’s Campaign. If interested to be on the list to visit with the intern and select board members, let a JCCF board member know or contact Jenny Russell.

JCCF aims to support projects from all over Jewell County. Current Jewell County Community Foundation board members include Trevor Elkins - president, Jim Dooley, Lisa Goodheart, Steve Spiegel, Brian Shulda, Kenny Mizner, Susan Flinn, Caleb Mahin, Ryan Cates, Kristin Mizner, Neil Bouray and Jenny Russell.

To pledge a multi-year gift to the foundation, instead of being asked yearly or considering an estate donation as part of the Builder’s Campaign, contact Jenny Russell at 785-378-7036, or jccda@ nckcn.com.