The Kansas Oral History Project (KOHP) just established the Kansas Oral History Endowed Fund held at the Western Kansas Community Foundation (WKCF). Now KOHP can participate in WKCF’s Match Day and raise money for our 2024 operational needs. The matching funds go to our endowed fund.
The KOHP is a nonprofit organization with a mission to collect and share the stories and voices of Kansans who have shaped our state’s character. Strongly volunteer-driven, KOHP has learned that understanding the stories behind public policy and of civic engagement relies upon being able to interview those involved in all aspects of public life.
In order to accomplish our mission, we must raise funds to sustain and expand the oral history collections into the future. One of the reasons for choosing WKCF was their commitment to strengthening nonprofits by creating MatchDay – by giving participating organizations the opportunity to raise all important operating dollars while winning match dollars which go to strengthen their endowed funds.
What is Match Day and How Does it Work?
The foundation, on behalf of 43 participating nonprofits, has established a MatchDay giving period beginning November 14, 2023, and culminating in an on-site celebration on National Giving Day on November 28, 2023.
Donors will make MatchDay contributions to WKCF on behalf of one or more organizations like KOHP. After November 28, WKCF will tally all of the contributions received on behalf of each participant and will award matching funds to each entitiy’s endowed fund.
After a final report is complete, WKCF will distribute the operating dollars raised to each nonprofit. That means MatchDay will allow donors to contribute to KOHP’s immediate needs and annual fundraising while growing the KOHP Endowed Fund through the match awards.
To make things fair across different sized organizations, gifts of $20 up to $2,000 will qualify for the match. Of course, gifts of any amount are accepted and will be allocated according to the donor’s designation, but for match purposes, qualifying gifts will be between $20 and $2,000 per donor.
How can I give during the MatchDay season?
The Kansas Oral History Project will be sending a mail packet with complete details in the next few days. The packet will contain complete instructions for making your MatchDay contribution count, but in the meantime, here are the ways you can help.
- Ask your financial advisor to direct your Qualified Charitable Deduction to the Western Kansas Community Foundation noting the gift is for KOHP, making sure the transfer is dated between November 14 – 28, 2023. You can designate your gift to either operations or the endowed fund.
- Or, if you prefer to give online during the MATCHDay period between November 14 – November 28, 2023, you can do so at matchday.wkcf.org
- Or, you may give by check anytime during the MATCHDay period.
- Make your check to WKCF and note Kansas Oral History Project in the memo line;
- Make certain sure your check is dated and postmarked between November 14 – November 28, 2023; and
- Mail the check to WKCF, 402 N. Main, Garden City KS 67846.
Of course, if meeting other friends of KOHP on MatchDay sounds good to you, you are welcome to join the fun and excitement of an in-person giving experience. We’ll even buy you a cup of coffee if you deliver your check in person on November 28, 2023, in Garden City at the Gordman’s building at 409 N. Main anytime between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
If you didn’t receive a MatchDay packet and would like one, please contact Kathleen Holt at kholt@ksoralhistory.org or 620-338-1493.
The philosopher Pericles suggested that what one “leaves behind is not [what is] engraved in stone monuments, but that which is woven into the lives of others.” Kansas historian Jay Price put it another way, “At its heart, public policy is about people. Laws, rules, and programs grow from individuals interacting with one another.”
The board of Kansas Oral History Project thanks you in advance for supporting the important work of collecting and preserving those stories.