The Gifting Forward Foundation is once again spreading holiday cheer through its second annual 12 Days of Gifting campaign, awarding $1,000 each day to 12 nonprofit organizations that provide essential services across the region.
New this year, the Foundation expanded the campaign to include nonprofit organizations serving Atwood and Wichita, reflecting its deepening commitment to the communities where its affiliated financial planning firm, Legacy Financial Solutions, maintains offices. Legacy Financial Solutions serves clients through locations in Great Bend, Atwood, and Wichita, and the Foundation’s expanded reach mirrors those strong community connections.
This year’s campaign was launched with renewed purpose, as many nonprofits continue to feel the effects of recent government funding disruptions caused by the government shutdown. With delayed or reduced funding and increasing community needs, these organizations have stepped up to ensure vital services remain available.
Founded in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, the Gifting Forward Foundation was established to empower individuals and organizations to support causes most meaningful to them. Since then, the Foundation has grown to more than half a million dollars in assets and over ten million dollars pledged, continuing its mission to “gift it forward” through unrestricted and impactful giving.
Over the 12 business days leading up to Christmas Eve, a new nonprofit recipient was announced daily through local radio stations, highlighting the important and often behind-the-scenes work being done across the communities served.
The 2025 12 Days of Gifting recipients include: Community Food Bank of Barton County, Rawlins County Dental Clinic, Core Communities Great Bend, Rawlins County Hospital Foundation, CASA, Core Communities Atwood, Family Crisis Center, First Christian Church Children’s Education, USD 428 Education Foundation, Great Bend Economic Development, Ronald McDonald House Wichita, and ElderCare Barton County Meals on Wheels.
“Expanding this year’s campaign to include Atwood allowed us to support nonprofits in every community where we have strong roots,” said Dena Hiss, Co-Founder of the Gifting Forward Foundation. “Whether in Great Bend, Atwood, or beyond, these organizations serve on the front lines during a time when resources are stretched and needs are growing. We are honored to partner with them and help strengthen the communities we’re proud to serve.”
The recipients represent a wide range of services, including food security, healthcare, education, crisis intervention, housing support, and economic development — all critical components of strong, resilient communities.
As the Gifting Forward Foundation continues to grow, it remains committed to fostering generosity, trust, and community-driven philanthropy. The 12 Days of Gifting campaign exemplifies that commitment by celebrating local nonprofits and the lasting impact they create.
For more information about the Gifting Forward Foundation and its mission, visit www.gifting-forward.org.
About the Gifting Forward Foundation
Founded in 2020, the Gifting Forward Foundation empowers people to give freely and meaningfully to causes they care about. Through unrestricted giving and community-focused philanthropy, the Foundation continues to expand its positive impact across Great Bend, Atwood, and surrounding communities.