Sep 15, 2023

New GBCF software streamlines process for donors, applicants

Posted Sep 15, 2023 3:00 PM
Golden Belt Community Foundation staff members familiarize themselves with new software that will benefit donors and scholarship applicants. From left to right are Linda Chisholm, Mackenzie Mitchell and Teresa Powelson.
Golden Belt Community Foundation staff members familiarize themselves with new software that will benefit donors and scholarship applicants. From left to right are Linda Chisholm, Mackenzie Mitchell and Teresa Powelson.

The new software at Golden Belt Community Foundation (GBCF) is making life easier for current and prospective donors, as well as anyone who wants up-to-date information about everything the non-profit entity has to offer.

“This new system is specifically designed for community foundations,” said Mackenzie Mitchell, development and communications coordinator. “It integrates everything we do including grants, scholarships and fundraising.

“The last time there was a software conversion was in 2005. We are thankful to our board of directors for approving this new system; it is a much-needed improvement.”

Donors can now easily review all the available funds and check on their current status by visiting GBCF’s website, www.goldenbeltcf.org.

“You can quickly make a donation to your favorite charity and/or review the list of other funds,” Mitchell commented. “We always hope to encourage donations to the many charitable causes in central Kansas, and we have learned online giving is a popular way to show support for our communities.”

This is especially important for out-of-towners who grew up in central Kansas but still want to support their hometowns.

“It is now easier for them to stay connected to their roots,” Mitchell noted. “They want to do something for their community and this gives them easy access to meeting that goal by logging on at their convenience.”

Scholarships
Teresa Powelson, program officer, noted that during the upcoming scholarship cycle, students also will reap the benefits of the new software. The cycle is from Jan. 1 through March 15.

“If a student doesn’t know what scholarships are available, they don’t have to be overwhelmed,” Powelson said. “On the scholarship portal, they will be able to fill out what is called a ‘common application.’

“They will then learn what scholarships they are eligible to apply for,” she explained. “It matches students to scholarships.”

While many people want to take advantage of this new technology, Powelson and her colleagues understand if someone would rather call or email, or stop into the office for a chat.

“We want to accommodate everyone who is interested in learning more about GBCF and ways to support their communities,” Powelson said. “While we enjoy meeting our neighbors face to face, we realize schedules are tight and the 24/7 availability of the website is attractive for many people.”

At more than $30 million in total assets and more than 200 funds under management, the Golden Belt Community Foundation has been connecting people who care to causes that matter since 1996. Golden Belt Community Foundation exists to provide non-profit organizations in central Kansas with a permanent source of support and to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving for donors. GBCF serves the counties of Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford. For more information about Golden Belt Community Foundation, call (620) 792-3000 or visit their website at www.goldenbeltcf.org.