In 1999 the Kansas Health Foundation identified Leadership Thomas County as one of seventeen leadership groups to be offered a four-year, $10,000 grant for projects.  The next year, the KHF approached four individuals of Leadership Thomas County; Cindy Black, Leilani Thomas, Cathy Harrison, and Rick Dickman, and offered a $100,000 endowment grant to set up a community foundation for Thomas County that would be dedicated to "making Kansas the best place to raise a family".  These four fine individuals built the foundation from square one.  Cindy Black took on the position of President, Rick Dickman as Vice President, Leilani Thomas became Secretary, and Cathy Harrison took the position of Treasurer.  With the Executive Directors in place, they all began the work of getting public awareness, raising the endowment, and recruiting board members-- with the current Vice President, Jessica Vaughn, as one of the original four board members initially recruited.  By December 31, 2001, the founders had successfully raised $300,000 in donations from our local businesses, friends, and neighbors for pledges, thereby qualifying for $300,000 in matching funds from the Kansas Health Foundation for the purpose of creating a permanent endowment for the betterment of Thomas County.  As a result of the successful completion of the 2001 Challenge Matching Grant, a bonus of $10,000 was awarded to be used to improve the health and well being of children in Thomas County, the Kids Can Do! fund. 

2001 Mayor of Colby, Warren Hixson, hands a check for $150,000 from the City of Colby Special Law Enforcembent Drug Forfeiture Fund to the former TCCF President, Cindy Black, while Board Members and other supporters look on.

The Thomas County Community Foundation is eternally grateful to the Kansas Health Foundation and especially for the people of Thomas County for providing this tremendous start-up support that was crucial for the establishment of our local community foundation.  The TCCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-governmental, nonprofit organization that is completely ran from the interest generated from the permanent endowment contributions from our donors.  Today the TCCF has twelve Board Members, two Members-At-Large, and two employees on staff! 

S&T Communications makes a major pledge of support on November 7, 2001.  Employees present a check to the TCCF for $7,500.

Please check out our Grant History and the Photo Albums to see the amazing things being created through the TCCF.  Our Board Members work hard to ensure the improvement of life throughout Thomas County.  If you would like to join our mission to enrich the lives of your loved ones, please contact the Thomas County Community Foundation office to find out just how easy it is.