Mitchell County Fair Association Establishes Organization Fund with Solomon Valley Community Foundation

For generations, the Mitchell County Fair has been a cornerstone of summer in North Central Kansas. From 4-H projects and livestock shows to grandstand events and volunteer opportunities, the fair has created lasting memories while teaching the values of hard work, responsibility, and community. Today, that legacy has a new way to grow.

The Mitchell County Fair Association has established an Organization Fund with Solomon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF), creating a permanent charitable resource that will support the future of the fair for generations to come.

Preserving a Community Tradition

The new Organization Fund provides a simple, long-term way for individuals and families to invest in the future of the Mitchell County Fair. Through tax-deductible donations, memorial gifts, planned giving, and estate gifts, supporters now have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on an organization that has meant so much to the community.

The fund is designed to grow over time, creating a sustainable source of charitable support that can help strengthen the fair and ensure it continues serving youth, agriculture, and Mitchell County families for years to come.

How the Fund Began

The idea for the fund started with a single conversation.

An anonymous donor approached SVCF with the desire to include the Mitchell County Fair in their estate plans. While the Fair Association had received similar questions over the years, there wasn't an easy way to accept planned gifts or establish a permanent endowment.

Working alongside the Fair Association, Solomon Valley Community Foundation helped navigate the process of establishing the nonprofit structure and charitable fund needed to honor the donor's wishes. That opportunity is now available to anyone who wants to invest in the future of the Mitchell County Fair.

"Agriculture has shaped our family for generations. Supporting the fair is one way we can help ensure young people continue to experience the values of hard work, responsibility, and stewardship that come with it."— Anonymous Planned Giving Donor

More Than One Gift

While one donor inspired the journey, the impact reaches much further.

The Mitchell County Fair Association Organization Fund allows gifts of all sizes to make a difference. Whether someone wants to support a favorite nonprofit today, honor the memory of a loved one, establish a scholarship, or leave a gift through their estate plan, the fund provides a meaningful way to create a lasting legacy.

Community foundations like SVCF exist to help both donors and nonprofits accomplish goals that benefit the communities they serve. By providing charitable expertise, fund management, and planned giving solutions, SVCF helps organizations build sustainable futures while helping donors maximize the impact of their generosity.

As Julia Rabe of Solomon Valley Community Foundation shared:

"Sometimes our role is helping donors discover the best way to give. Other times it's helping organizations prepare to receive those gifts. In this case, we were able to do both—creating an opportunity that will benefit the Mitchell County Fair and future generations of Mitchell County families."

A Partnership for the Future

The Mitchell County Fair Association sees the Organization Fund as an investment not only in the fairgrounds, but in the experiences that shape young people and strengthen the community.

"As a volunteer organization, we value the partnership with the SVCF to ensure the current and future success of the Mitchell County Fairgrounds and the programs it hosts. We have strong community support and want to maintain that for generations to come."— Melinda Latham, Mitchell County Fair Board Treasurer

Ways to Support the Mitchell County Fair Association Organization Fund

Supporters can contribute in a variety of ways, including:

• Current gifts

• Memorial gifts

• IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions

• Estate and planned gifts

• Appreciated assets

Every charitable gift helps preserve a tradition that has shaped Mitchell County for generations while ensuring future families have the same opportunities to learn, compete, volunteer, and create memories at the fair.

If you'd like to learn more about supporting the Mitchell County Fair Association Organization Fund, contact the Solomon Valley Community Foundation to explore the giving options that are right for you.