🎥 Public input wanted for ‘Strategic Doing’ in Hays, Ellis County

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

“Strategic Doing” will be happening during the next two months in the three counties served by the Heartland Community Foundation–Ellis, Rooks, and Trego.

“The mission of HCF is to meet the charitable needs of our communities through responsible investments,” HCF Chairperson Susan Bowles recently told Hays city commissioners. HCF enables donors to fulfill their charitable desires and is building a permanent endowment.

HCF works with the Greater Salina Community Foundation. “They help us ensure these investments are quality and that they are sound,” she added.

The foundation supports communities through grants, awards and scholarships.

Recent financial support to HCF from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan, has “given us an opportunity to provide funds to all three counties, and especially to Ellis County and the city of Hays,” Bowles said.

The Hansen Foundation has asked that “Strategic Doing” meetings be set up in the three counties by HCF to bring community members together and identify priority projects for communities in the member counties.

“We will create goals, develop action plans, and ultimately, see that the action plans are accomplished.

“Ensuring that we have successful participation, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation will provide for the Heartland Community Foundation $1.2 million for our three counties over the next four years.

“That’s a lot of funds that can come our way,” Bowles said with a smile.

Hays residents Susan Bowles, chair, and Dr. Kendall Krug, board member, Heartland Community Foundation

Bowles stressed the meetings are open to the public and encouraged city commissioners to attend the Ellis County meeting. It will be held Monday, Sept. 25, 6-9 p.m., in the Fort Hays State University Robbins Center. Dinner will be provided. RSVPs may be made by calling Sandy Jacobs, HCF executive director, at 785-621-4090. Jacobs is also a Hays city commissioner.

“I’m sure on a weekly basis you are all contacted about needs we have in our community. It would be wonderful if you could bring those concerned people to the meeting,” Bowles suggested to commissioners.

“We want you to share this with the community,” she urged. “We hope to have great participation and ultimately, determine what the needs are in our community, how we can financially support them and see that they really do happen.”

“Strategic Doing” will be held Sept. 12 in Rooks County and Oct. 16 in Trego County.