Annual Event Gave $667,733.74 To Area Nonprofits
With the help of generous donors, the Emporia Community Foundation (ECF) was able to assist 35 organizations with raising funds for various projects important to them. Two Greenwood County organizations were among those participating as the Greenwood Preservation Society (GWPS) and Main Street Mommas (MSM), of Madison, were accepted into the “Match” program in September.
Last Tuesday, ECF held a special reception where they announced the match day funds being shared with the area organizations. The GWPS was able to raise $40,895.65 through the program as they raised $29,100 during the campaign. Of that amount, $27,376 was eligible for a match and the ECF awarded $11,545 in matching funds. The GWPS was also awarded an additional $250 for including the largest percentage of email addresses for their donors. Although additional funds are still needed to complete the Memorial Hall window project and are continually being accepted, these funds will advance the project’s start date. New project bids are currently being obtained.
“As always, Eureka folks and those who love Eureka came through in a big way,” said Heather Fuesz, GWPS board member. “This was the first time our community participated in Match Day and out of 35 organizations, we raised the third highest amount of funding.”
The Main Street Mommas received a check totaling $21,824.91 and are planning to utilize the funds toward installing a splash pad at the city park. Through the help of the match program, the MSM have been able to bring in three different installments of park equipment.
Ten years ago, the ECF united area donors with the first Emporia Area Match Day. At that time the event raised $61,432.98 through the generosity of over 450 donations. This year, with a pool of $175,000 in matching funds, the ECF program was able to assist 35 organizations in raising $667,733.74.
Participating organizations applied earlier in the year to the Emporia Community Foundation (ECF) and had to meet requirements of being in Lyon County or one of the surrounding counties; have an operating budget of $175,000 or under; and have a fund with the ECF. Once selected by the Match Day Committee, the ECF staff worked with participating groups on social media, videos, media interviews and other fundraising efforts until the big day on November 13.
Becky Nurnberg, ECF Executive Director, said, “The ECF is audited annually and nationally accredited, so donors feel confident when sending money to the foundation. Also, the ECF can accept gifts other than cash for charities. This year Match Day donations ranged from RMDs to soybeans!”
“Match Day continues to be one of the best tools for area donors and local nonprofits to achieve their dreams and meet the needs of the community,” said Nurnberg. The ECF Board of Directors has also made their commitment to at least three more years of the Emporia Area Match Day event.
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Pictured on page one were, from left to right, ECF Executive Director Becky Nurnberg, GWPS Representatives Marilyn Brink and Heather Fuesz and MSM Representative Kristan Dean.
About the Emporia Community Foundation
The Emporia Community Foundation has served the greater Emporia community for over 28 years, helping donors and nonprofits come together to improve the quality of life in the Emporia area. For more information on the Match Day organizations, visit emporiamatchday. com. For more information about the ECF, go to emporiacf.org or call at 620-342-9304.
