Hesston: ‘Community Response Fund’ Established to Support Recovery Efforts

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 Central Kansas Community Foundation in partnership with affiliate foundation, Hesston Community Foundation, have established a Community Response Fund to support immediate and long-term recovery efforts needed to restore community solidarity following the incidents in Harvey County on February 25, 2016.

Angie Tatro, Executive Director of Central Kansas Community Foundation, said “the fund is in place for emergency community incidents/disasters within the service area of the principal office of Central Kansas Community Foundation, Newton, KS; as well as; all their affiliate communities in in the central Kansas region.” Funds collected will be awarded to eligible service providers.  Tatro went on to state that qualified recipients of grant funding  from this fund will need to possess a 501(c)(3) status under the Internal Revenue Service code; be exempt under statute (i.e. educational institution, institutions of faith, a city or county government); or be formally linked to an organization with such designation. Tatro specifically noted that community foundation funds are not intended to provide financial support to individual or families directly. The contributions will be routed through providers engaging in direct response and service.

“Given the gravity of this community incident, the immediate and long-term needs for those directly impacted by the loss of loved ones and co-workers, to those witnessing events of the day, to our children being exposed via media to even the idea of such threats so close to home, to all citizens sense of safety are far from being clearly identified,” said Tatro. The Foundation felt moved to partner with donors who wish to help but may feel no other way to be a part of this recovery. While the needs of service interventions now and in the future are still being worked out, we know financial resources for unintended situations of this nature are not always available. Contributions will be vital in helping support service efforts by many organizations and entities that have rose to the occasion, i.e. Prairie View Inc., faith-based institutions, USD 373, USD 460, city and county government, law enforcement to name only a few.

The community incidents of February 25, 2016 in Harvey County are the present opportunity for giving through the Community Response Fund. The fund is available as a means to accept contribution for those interested in supporting local community responders and organization that are aiding in the communities impacted by the incidents that occurred on February 25, 2016.

Tax deductible donations may be mailed to:

Hesston Community Foundation

PO Box 399
Hesston, KS 67062

Central Kansas Community Foundation

301 N. Main, Suite 200

Newton, KS 67114

Tax deductible donation may be made online:

www.hesstonfoundation.org/contribution-today

www.centralkansascf.org/donate

Tatro further noted that it is not uncommon for individuals or other non-charitable entities to establish crowdfunding and other fundraising sites that cannot offer tax deductions to donors.  While most often these are well intended, in some cases, they may not be. Seeking out reputable sources during emergency campaigns is important.

For more information, contact Angie Tatro, CKCF Executive Director at 316-283-5474 or Susan Lamb, Hesston Community Foundation, Director at 620-327-2422.

 

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