From the Classroom to the Boardroom: Margaret's Legacy of Service

When Margaret Moore joined the Solomon Valley Community Foundation board in 2019, she brought with her a calm presence, a thoughtful perspective, and a deep love for this place she’s called home for more than 50 years. It didn’t take long for fellow board members to recognize the value she added—not just in her words, but in the way she listens, reflects, and approaches challenges with both heart and humility. Margaret has always believed in the quiet power of showing up, and over the past six years, she’s done just that—bringing her steady hand and sincere dedication to every conversation, decision, and initiative.

Her decades as a teacher in Beloit, her work with the local hospice, and her involvement with the Mitchell County Historical Museum all speak to a lifelong commitment to serving others. Whether through education, preserving local history, or supporting the next generation of leaders, Margaret has never stopped giving back to the community. 

It’s no surprise, then, that she was a natural fit for the work of the community foundation. She understands the importance of investing in rural communities—not just with dollars, but with time, care, and vision. As she steps away from her role on the board, her legacy will continue to influence the direction and heart of SVCF for years to come.

To celebrate Margaret and her time on the board, we asked her to reflect on her experiences in her own words. Here’s what she shared:

Q: What is one thing you have learned about the community foundation or our community in general while serving on the SVCF board?

A: The scope and dedication of the variety of groups and individuals within Mitchell County who work to improve rural living has been eye-opening for me during the six years I served on the SVCF board. I had no idea before joining the board how amazing these people are or even who they were. Many citizens care deeply about improving and enhancing their communities at every level and they actively contribute time, talent, funds, and ideas.

Q: What are you most proud of during your time on the board? Are there any grants, projects, or initiatives that stand out?

A: Our “Give to Grow” initiative to assist area non-profits in building endowments through SVCF is the most consequential project that I have been involved in. While our grant cycles provide specific funding for a large variety of projects, helping non-profits create long-term stability through endowed funds eventually allows them to sustain their missions without relying solely on occasional grants. That is very empowering. The “Give to Grow” events over the past two years gave people an amazing opportunity to talk directly to the many wonderful non-profits all in one place. Bringing the concept of philanthropy to every 5th grader in the county and letting them meet the non-profits at these events helps build our next generation of engaged citizens.

Q: Why do you believe community foundations are important for rural communities like ours?

A: We are the people who can and must support our communities from the inside out. The Dane Hansen Foundation helped encourage each county in NW Kansas to replicate foundation work on a county-wide scale. I feel proud to know that Mitchell County communities will thrive in part thanks to the philanthropy of many individuals who support our community foundation making it a catalyst for on-going improvements, programs, initiatives, and grants. The vision of one person or family creating a fund through our community foundation will support that passion forever in Mitchell County. That is sustaining rural communities from the inside out.

Q: What motivated your passion for giving back?

A: My fifty-plus years living in Mitchell County and Beloit have been wonderful. I want to help our rural community thrive and provide for the next generations as it did for me. Every age group deserves the quality life that I have been afforded here and this has guided my charitable giving and estate planning to help make this happen. Serving on the community foundation has been the highest of honors and a motivator for me to leave my own legacy.