As we journey through life, time seems to move at an extraordinary pace. The days that once felt like an eternity as children now seem to pass us by in the blink of an eye. Before we know it, January arrives to remind us to reflect on how far we've come and consider where we are going. Although it seems impossible that 2013 was a decade ago, ten years have indeed passed, and we'd like to reflect on what the people of our communities have been able to accomplish in just ten short years.

By the end of 2013, individuals and families throughout the region increased their giving by 19 percent, with $33 million in assets invested at their community foundation. With strong portfolio growth that year, more than $3.5 million in grants and scholarships were processed by 5.5 THCF staff. Fast forward ten years, and the growth in fundholder generosity should be celebrated. By the end of 2023, the THCF staff (now a team of six full-time and two part-time staff) processed more than $7.3 million in charitable grants and scholarships, and the foundation maintains approximately $85 million in assets. In what feels like a blink of an eye, THCF fundholders have doubled the amount of support to causes and charities.

Education has consistently held a special place in the hearts of our community. THCF donors understand the significance of learning and consistently strive to prioritize it. Ten years ago, the foundation was working to grow the number of scholarships available and provide greater support to donors interested in this type of legacy. And grown it has, laying a foundation for a brighter tomorrow for literally thousands of students. At the end of 2023, more than $784,000 in scholarships were awarded to 349 students. That is a 350% increase in the annual award amount in just ten years. At this pace, the program will cross the $1 million threshold in the next few years – another testament to the generosity of the people in our communities and their continued dedication to supporting education over time.

Scholarships are not the only way THCF fundholders have supported their communities over the years. The pool of funds used to offer competitive grants to nonprofits serving the area has more than doubled in the past ten years. In 2023, 62 competitive grants were awarded to 59 nonprofits totaling more than $450,000. Like our scholarship funds, competitive grants continue to see growth as more and more donors include this unique charitable opportunity in their legacy planning.

That is what a community foundation is all about – helping generous people figure out the best ways to be generous. Over the years, many fundholders have come to have a deeper appreciation for the foundation's mission. Ten years ago, there were 95 members of the Heartland Legacy Society, a group of people who included a fund at THCF in their will or other planned giving vehicles. Today, the Heartland Legacy Society is closing in on 200 members. THCF is in an even better position to help individuals and families create positive change through philanthropy today and for years to come.

Time is strange – sometimes, it seems to drag on like the last day of school, and other times it's over in a flash. It's important to take a moment, here and there, to recognize and appreciate how far we've all come and then consider what's next. Where do you want to be ten years from now? What impact do you want to have? What legacy do you want to leave?

Don't blink; you might miss it.

If you would like to learn how to make a difference with a named scholarship fund, contact our Director of Scholarships, Rachael Watkins, at (816) 912-4185 to learn more. Diana Castillo, Director of Grants and Donor Services, would be happy to talk you through the competitive grants process. Give her a call at (816) 912-4184. Finally, call Cole Eason, VP of Advancement, at (816) 912-4180, and he will work with you and your professional financial advisor to set up a legacy plan that meets your charitable goals.