Until 2010, fundraising was about survival for the Cancer Council of Reno County. Solely focused on meeting the annual needs of patients fighting cancer, the Council’s leadership thought putting money away in an endowed fund seemed out of the question. With inspiration from donors, board members, and Hutchinson Community Foundation, the Cancer Council began making a conscious effort to create a fund, with hopes of a more sustainable future.

“We had to expand our thinking from helping cancer patients today, to helping cancer patients forever,” said Sandy Woodson, Executive Director of CCRC.

Endowed funds serve as an organization’s long-term savings account, where the principal remains untouched, and the organization only spends the interest into perpetuity. CCRC works to build the fund through their annual Round-Up fundraiser, the Community Foundation’s Match Day events, and through special gifts. The board even committed $10,000 from operating funds to the endowment in honor of CCRC’s first director, Mary Hall.

“Holding an endowed fund at the Foundation provides the service and transparency donors want. Working with the Community Foundation gives our organization credibility and allows people to feel comfortable donating,” said Bob Capps, CCRC Board President.