SIDNEY — After another successful Match Day effort, the Community Foundation of Shelby County invites not-for-profit organizations to learn about participating in a future Match Day event. In 2019, 16 organizations had the opportunity to receive matching gifts up to $5,000 for every gift given in their names to the Community Foundation.

To participate, a charity must have an Organization Fund for its own benefit housed at the Community Foundation with a balance exceeding $25,000. Organizations must also be 501(c)(3), non-governmental entities.

“We receive calls every year from people asking why their church or favorite charity is not part of Match Day,” said Jessica Fortkamp, donor relations director. “It is a simple process to create a charitable fund. The money is invested and the organization or church has access to it, like it is their reserve account.

“If a charity has a fund at the Community Foundation and they wish to participate in Match Day, those gifts are not added to their organization’s fund, but instead issued to the organization along with the match of up to $5,000.”

Fortkamp is available to meet with organization boards about establishing a charitable fund. She may be reached at the foundation office at 937-497-7800 or at [email protected]. To participate in Match Day 2020, an organization’s fund must reach the minimum balance of $25,000 by June 25.