Program areas at THCF
For 40 years, Truman Heartland Community Foundation has demonstrated the effect of private giving for the public good in eastern jackson county and surrounding communities. Our communities demonstrated a level of generosity that warrants celebration. Grants made from all funds, including donor advised funds, scholarships, and the annual Community grants program, reached an all-time high of $6.3 million. There are now more than 842 funds, including a record 54 new funds established in 2022, held at thcf.the annual grants committee, including representatives from the four advisory boards and youth advisory council, awarded 61 grants to nonprofit organizations pertaining to health and welfare, arts and culture, Community betterment, education, and Missouri wildlife conservation totaling $441,944. Scholarships totaling 422 were awarded to 314 individuals, including high school seniors, undergraduate, graduate, and technical students, totaling $722,767 to support continuing education. The 149 scholarship funds were created through donors' dedication and giving.the Heartland legacy society grew to nearly 190 members in 2022. Through careful planning, members of this special group have made provisions in their estate to benefit charity. Rather than making a one-time final gift to charity, legacy society members plan for future contributions to be added to an existing daf or to establish a new fund from the legacy gift. Our members find comfort in knowing they will leave behind a legacy of thoughtful philanthropy that will continue for years to come.thanks to more than $202,000 in fundholder contributions, the job skills for new careers initiative improved the economic status of 163 eastern jackson county participants by providing them with a pathway to higher-paying, in-demand careers through job skills training, financial coaching, and mentorship. Job skills for new careers is a collaboration of four key organizations: Community services league, kc scholars, mid-continent public library, and the university of central Missouri. By utilizing each organization's unique assets, applicants received free training in fields that pay living wages and continue to be in high demand in our region, including healthcare and skilled industrial trades.the thcf youth advisory council (yac) included 64 students from 9 local high schools. In yac, our "school of philanthropy," students learn about philanthropy and gain hands-on experience in fundraising, grantmaking, and volunteerism. Yac hosted its annual fundraiser in april 2022, a drive-in movie event, "wheels and reels." The proceeds from the fundraiser benefited the yac endowment fund to increase yac's grantmaking to area nonprofits as part of the Foundation's annual grants program. Also in april 2022, yac held its annual "fill those trucks" food drive, benefiting Community services league, lee's summit social services, and raytown emergency assistance program. The agencies received multiple box truck loads of pantry staples to support their food-insecure clientele. Teams also volunteer at local nonprofits for various events.the toast to our towns gala committee was chaired by melanie moentmann in 2022. Dressed to the nines, we gathered to celebrate the extraordinary people who have dedicated themselves to eastern jackson county and the surrounding communities. This year's event showcased the Foundation's work in the Community, highlighting those individuals and businesses making significant Community contributions. Earnings goals for the gala far exceeded expectations in 2022, and the proceeds were used for general operating expenses.