By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Based on the premise of a Christian-based book, Matt and Dena Hiss, from Great Bend, created the Gifting Forward Foundation. The Foundation’s premise is simple, people can donate to non-profit organizations of their choice without restrictions.
Dena said the Foundation was created four years ago and is in a position to start giving back before the Christmas holiday.
"It's about allowing people to give how they want to give, to the causes that are most important to them," said Dena Hiss. "With that thought, the name Gifting Forward seemed natural to do something special during the holiday season."
The Gifting Forward Foundation launched the first “12 Days of Gifting” this year. During the event, 12 different non-profit organizations will receive $1,000 leading up to Christmas.
Matt noted there are simple ways for you to give to causes that mean the most to you.
"There is also a general fund people can donate to," said Matt Hiss. "Some of those funds would go toward the 12 Days of Gifting. The board also created a scholarship fund. That scholarship will go to a local student that is going to a technical school, whether that's at Barton Community College or another school."
The 12 Days of Gifting started Monday, Dec. 9 by presenting a $1,000 check to the USD 428 Education Foundation.
About Gifting Forward
The Gifting Forward Foundation initially started in 2020 during the height of the pandemic as a way for people to give without restriction to the causes that they most care about. The Gifting Forward Foundation in its short time since being established has grown to over half a million dollars in assets and over ten million dollars pledged and is excited to start truly 'gifting it forward'.
What better way to celebrate the holiday season than with gifting $1,000 to various nonprofits that are making a difference in the community? The campaign will reward $1,000 a day to 12 different charities the 12 business days leading up to Christmas Eve. Starting Dec. 9, a new winner will be announced each day on the radio (Eagle Media) and the Gifting Forward Foundation Facebook page. Stay tuned in each day for announcements of winners.