Grant County Gives is a community fund raising campaign for non-profit and exempt organizations in Grant County sort of like United Way, except with the added value of matching funds.

The idea for a community-wide fund raising campaign is not a new one. A number of years ago, we had one in Ulysses called Community Chest and in many communities, United Way is a popular event. Grant County Gives is different in a few important ways:

1. All the money raised during Grant County Gives is for local organizations, working to improve life in Grant County. In addition, all participating organizations sign an agreement that all the money they receive from Grant County Gives will be used in Grant County. So, even though the organization may have affiliations in other communities, Grant County Gives money can only be used here.

2. Grant County Community Foundation serves as the organizer for the function and is advised by a committee of volunteers from both the participating organizations and the community foundation. In addition, GCCF provides the promotional materials and a small budget for media promotion. So, all the money donated during Grant County Gives is paid through to the organizations.

3. The GCCF and local merchants donate to a pool of money that will provide a proportional match for every dollar donated during Grant County Gives week.