Historical Society establishes new Organizational Fund to support local projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 15, 2025

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Karl Pratt

Executive Director

Sheridan County Community Foundation

785.677.5090

director@growsheridancounty.org

Historical Society establishes new Organizational Fund to support local projects

By Karl Pratt, Executive Director, Sheridan County Community Foundation

Hoxie, Kan. ⸺ The Sheridan County Community Foundation (SCCF) is proud to announce the creation of a new Organizational Fund: the Sheridan County Historical Society Projects Fund. This fund, established by the Sheridan County Historical Society, was launched with the support of the Hansen Foundation’s New Fund Matching Initiative and will provide long-term resources for preserving and promoting the rich heritage of

Sheridan County.

The Sheridan County Historical Society (SCHS) has been a cornerstone of historical preservation in the region for decades. Most notably, the Society oversees the Mickey Museum, a beloved local institution located along Highway 24 in Hoxie. The museum serves as a treasure trove of artifacts, photographs, documents, family histories and exhibits that tell the story of the people, places, and progress of Sheridan County over time.

With the creation of this new endowed fund using a small portion of the Toothaker Fund, the Historical Society is ensuring its ability to support future projects—from educational programming and exhibit development to building improvements and preservation efforts. The fund reflects the Society’s forward-thinking commitment

to both honoring the past and investing in the future.

“This new fund gives us the opportunity to build a permanent source of income for historical initiatives in Sheridan County,” said SCHS Director Karen Lewis. “We’re excited to be part of the Community Foundation’s growing family of funds and grateful for the match opportunity that helped us take this important step.”

The “Sheridan County Historical Society Projects Fund” qualifies for the New Fund Matching Initiative—a special opportunity made possible through support from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and SCCF. Under this initiative, $2,000 in matching funds from Hansen and $1,000 from SCCF are awarded for every newly established endowed fund that meets minimum criteria, helping grow permanent philanthropy in northwest

Kansas.

“This fund is a perfect example of what the match initiative was designed to encourage—local organizations building local support for long-term impact,” said SCCF Executive Director Karl Pratt. “We’re proud to partner with the Historical Society and invite others to consider how they too can create a fund that supports their mission for generations to come.”

Individuals who wish to contribute to the Sheridan County Historical Society Projects Fund may do so at any time by visiting https://tinyurl.com/sdcofunds.

To learn how to start a new fund of your own, please contact Pratt at (785) 677-5090, email director@growsheridancounty.org or visit www.growsheridancounty.org/new-fund-match.

SCCF is an affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation based in Bird City. The foundation seeks to encourage, prudently manage, and distribute charitable contributions to improve the quality of life of Sheridan County residents, now and in the future. To learn more, contact Pratt at 785-677- 5090, director@growsheridancounty.org, or visit www.growsheridancounty.org. Connect with SCCF at www.facebook.com/sheridanccf.