By SALINA POST
The Greater Salina Community Foundation (GSCF) will host Salina’s annual Match Madness giving day on Thursday, March 13, 2025, marking the 14th consecutive year of the event.
On Match Madness, donations to any of the 104 participating charities will be matched up to 50%. The funds raised are directed to each charity’s permanent endowed fund held at the GSCF, ensuring a steady stream of income that eases the pressure of annual fundraising. Additionally, every gift to a nonprofit’s endowed fund will receive a proportional cash match—up to 50%—in the form of a cash grant available immediately for urgent needs. This year, private donors have contributed $300,000 in matching funds.
“This event is a win-win for everyone, and a great example of community collaboration. Donations of all sizes are pooled together to provide long-term support for our charities, and the match given can be used instantly by the charities to meet urgent needs,” said Jessica Martin, Executive Director of the GSCF.
Donors can contribute in one of three ways:
• In Person:Visit the Salina Fieldhouse, 140 N. 5th Street, between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Online:Donate via www.matchmadnessgscf.orgfrom midnight to 11:59 p.m.
• By Mail:Send donations postmarked on March 13 to GSCF, PO Box 2876, Salina, KS 67402-2876.
The event will feature a variety of activities, including:
• Bill Grevas Memorial Free Throw Contest:Sponsored by Bennington State Bank, nonprofit representatives will have one minute to shoot free throws for a chance to earn up to $100 in bonus cash for their organization. The contest runs from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
• BE Wealth Half-Court Shot for Charity:Nonprofit representatives will take a half-court shot, with the winner receiving an extra $1,000 for their organization. The competition starts at 5:30 p.m.
• Refreshments and Food:Enjoy coffee and treats from Ad Astra Books & Coffee House throughout the day, along with food truck offerings from Paradise Eats and 805 Taco’s from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. outside the fieldhouse.
• Nonprofit Booths:These will be set up from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.
In a unique community initiative, all Saline County fifth graders will participate in Match Madness for the third year in a row. Each student receives $10 to donate to the endowed fund of their favorite nonprofit—matched up to 50% by the Foundation. A local teacher emphasized the importance of the experience.
“We can’t teach this. This is something that the students experience, and in our realm of the day anytime we can let a student have an experience outside of the classroom, it’s a home run!”
For more details on the 104 participating nonprofits and to view live donation updates on the day of the event, visit www.matchmadnessgscf.org.
Since its inception in 2012, Match Madness has seen 9,621 donors contribute a record-breaking total of $4,154,409 to 106 charities. With match and bonus grants totaling $1,811,029, the overall impact of the event exceeds $5.9 million for the community.