Featured Match Day participant:
Hancock County 4-H Agricultural Association
Treasurer: David Wildman
Mission:
The Hancock County 4-H Agricultural Association’s goal is to encourage youth and community to come together and to participate in a learning environment. The association will achieve this goal by providing a secure foundation that supports the local 4-H program in the development of county youth.
Organization highlights:
■ Nearly 1 in 200 Hancock County youth belong to 4-H, a program through which they learn to use science and technology, make decisions, problem-solve, work productively, meet deadlines and develop leadership abilities. Members from 4-H choose from more than 50 different projects.
■ Through 4-H, members learn the value of philanthropy in their community. Through service learning projects last year, 4-H clubs devoted 720 hours back to Hancock County.
■ The past twelve years, 413 4-H members have been recognized for completing 10 years of 4-H. These members were surveyed and every respondent indicated participation in 4-H made them a more responsible person; 98 percent said 4-H has helped them develop skills that they will use in their future vocation.
Match Day funding plans:
The grant that Hancock County 4-H Ag Association receives for immediate use will be applied to support the mission of the 4-H program as well as ongoing maintenance of the existing fairgrounds and buildings.
The grant to grow the endowment plays a key role in Hancock County 4-H Ag Association’s ability to carry out that mission for generations to come, officials said. Because the principal of the endowment remains untouched for all time, the fund provides an ongoing stream of revenue to support the organization’s day-to-day operations and services now and far into the future.
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Match Day, sponsored by the Hancock County Community Foundation, is a day-long fundraising event benefiting 12 local nonprofits. Between now and July 24 (Match Day), we’ll feature these nonprofits and highlight their offerings in the community.
Donations made on Match Day, July 24, will be matched two ways:
1) Every community gift received during the 24-hour period will be matched by funds from a community foundation pool of $80,000, which will go toward the organizations’ immediate needs. How much of that pool is received is proportional to how much the organization raises on Match Day.
2) All community gifts will also be endowed and matched 50 cents on the dollar, up to $7,500 per organization, from a $90,000 grant pool from the Lilly Endowment. This means each organization’s goal is to raise $15,000 in order to receive the entire $7,500 match.
All Match Day contributions must be made on July 24 in order to be counted as part of the campaign. Individuals may make online contributions at giveHCgrowHC.org. They can make a gift by cash, check (dated July 24) or credit card at the foundation office or by phone. Gifts via mail will be accepted only if postmarked July 24.
[sc:pullout-text-end][sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”About the Hancock County Community Foundation” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
The Hancock County Community Foundation works with individuals, families and organizations to create or grow existing permanent funds called endowments. These funds generate income that is distributed in the form of grants and scholarships to enrich and enhance life in Hancock County, as well as support the donor’s favorite charitable causes, both at home and afar, forever. The foundation has granted more than $10 million since its inception in 1992.
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