Thinking Beyond Today: Tipton's Vision of Rethinking Philanthropy With SVCF

Solomon Valley Community Foundation is more than just a financial resource it is also a flexible partner and a strategic tool that can be utilized to help donors shape the future of their communities in creative ways. Unlike traditional charitable giving vehicles that are tied to a single cause or mission, community foundations like SVCF offer a wide variety of fund options that can be tailored to meet diverse needs in a variety of different ways. Whether you’re passionate about education, healthcare, local infrastructure, non-profit work, or community development, SVCF allows you to think outside the box when it comes to creating a lasting impact.

This flexibility was exactly what a group of residents in Tipton, KS embraced when they founded the Tipton Community Foundation in 2023. A small but determined group of citizens gathered to establish a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that would allow the community to come together and pool resources for the betterment of Tipton. Rather than taking a narrow approach to charitable giving, they chose to create their own Tipton Community Foundation Org. Fund within SVCF, allowing Tipton to meet current community needs, and invest in its future with long-term growth and adaptability.

At the founding meeting, each individual or couple pledged $1,000 to cover the $13,000 necessary for legal fees, nonprofit status, and start-up costs. This collective effort enabled the creation of the Tipton Community Foundation, which now operates as a flexible savings account and investment tool for the community. Through estate gifts and annual fund drives, Tipton residents have the opportunity to contribute and leave a lasting legacy that will benefit schools, churches, government services, and local nonprofits, ensuring the well-being of the community for years to come.

Upon establishment, one of the first projects the Tipton Community Foundation tackled was partnering with the Houghton Family Foundation and the City of Tipton on the idea of a community complex that would provide solutions and availability for public restrooms, storage, and recreation. A committee was formed consisting of Kelli Hake, the committee chair and SVCF board member, individuals from the Tipton City Council, local contractors, and community members. The committee worked closely with the Houghton Family Foundation to conceptualize a structure that would fulfill many of the needs and desires of the community. These discussions resulted in the Tipton Sports & Arts Complex, a 30' x 120' metal building that will house public restrooms, a storage unit for youth track and baseball equipment, a community fitness center, as well as an arts and wellness room that will host dance, vocal and guitar lessons along with elder care. The entire building will be surrounded by a 4' sidewalk to provide easy access and sufficient walking space.

Kelli Hake, SVCF Board Member, TCF Board Member, and Sports & Arts Complex Committee Chair states, “When you live in a small community you have to be creative in finding ways to combine resources and rallying people to come together for the betterment of everyone. The Tipton Sports & Arts Complex has sparked much enthusiasm! The central location between the sports fields, the Tipton Schools & our City Park will allow the entire community the ability to utilize this beautiful new facility!”

By the time Tipton Community Foundation celebrated its one-year anniversary they had already invested over $100,000 from loyal community members, alumni, and friends of Tipton into their organization fund within Solomon Valley Community Foundation. Choosing to collaborate with SVCF provides Tipton Community Foundation access to professional fund management, an infrastructure for executing grant requests easily, receipting, and the day-to-day logistics so they can focus on what matters most to them, providing leadership and boots on the ground within their community.

TCF Board president Doug Schmitt was quoted in The Tipton Times Summer 2024 edition stating, “I wanted to see something that worked for the whole town, including keeping Main Street and our businesses alive. Now, working with the Solomon Valley Community Foundation, we have the means and their expertise to do that.”

The flexibility of Solomon Valley Community Foundation in working to meet donors' charitable desires is what makes it so powerful. Donors aren’t limited to one cause or purpose - they can create funds that address multiple needs, ensuring their donations are strategically set up to make the greatest impact now, and long into the future. Whether through unrestricted funds that address emerging needs, designated funds for specific causes, or donor-advised funds that can be passed to future generations of family advisors, SVCF offers endless opportunities for individuals, organizations, and communities to give back in a way that reflects their values and visions.

The Tipton Community Foundation serves as a perfect example of how thinking creatively and strategically can lead to a meaningful and lasting impact. Community foundations like SVCF enable donors to reimagine what charitable giving looks like, offering a versatile framework that allows you to make a difference, not just for today but for generations to come.

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As you consider your philanthropic goals, we invite you to think about how a fund within a community foundation could bring your vision to life in new and innovative ways. When you’re ready Julia Rabe, SVCF Executive Director, will be happy to learn more about your desires to determine if SVCF would be a good fit for you.