Give Back 5 Surpasses Goal!
The Greater Salina Community Foundation is proud to announce the successful completion of its Give Back 5 Community Giving pledge campaign. The Foundation surpassed its original one-year goal of 125 pledges with a total of 133 commitments to support local nonprofits through legacy giving.
The campaign invited individuals to pledge at least 5% of their retirement or investment assets to charitable causes in their communities after their lifetime. The results are nothing less than inspiring:
- 133 total pledges secured
- 58% of pledges came from next-generation donors (Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z)
- 102 pledges resulted in the creation of permanent charitable funds
- 31 pledges are going directly to charities for immediate use
“I am truly blown away by the incredible response from our community,” said Jessica Martin, President & Executive Director. “What I love most about the pledge list is its diversity—it includes people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life, making it a true reflection of our community. The collective impact of these pledges lays a strong foundation for our nonprofits to continue their vital work for generations to come.”
Engaging the Next Generation
When the Give Back 5 campaign launched, Luke and Teale Ryan knew they wanted to participate. It was the push they needed to begin estate planning. After meeting with their attorney, they decided to increase the percentage of their retirement assets designated for charitable giving—ensuring their pledge reflects 5% of their total estate.
They also want to model charitable giving—both time and financial—for their 12-year-old daughter, Sloane. “Having moved to Salina from the Washington, D.C. area, it was difficult to see charitable donations in action in such a large city,” said Teale. “Through GSCF’s management of local funds and events like Match Madness, we’ve seen firsthand how our donations make a difference.”
Teale and Sloane annually volunteer at the Love, Chloe Foundation gala and donate to their fund at Match Madness. “We chose to include Love, Chloe Foundation in our pledge because all the money stays local to support families facing childhood cancer.”
Creating a Strong Future
The campaign was originally launched by a local committee to inspire giving and build long-term resources for the next generation. They believe nonprofits are essential to the social, economic, and cultural well-being of our communities.
“The Give Back 5 community giving campaign is one of the most exciting and transformative things I’ve ever
been involved in. The future impact on our community is astonishing,” said Michael Chambers, VP of Community Impact. “Those that took the pledge have carved out 5 percent (or more) for the nonprofits that significantly improve the quality of life in our area. The generosity that I’ve seen throughout this campaign is inspiring and will strengthen our community forever!”
Personal connections to the work of nonprofits also inspired people like Erica Chapel to take the pledge. “I know the value of nonprofits in our community and wanted to help contribute. Without donors, they wouldn’t exist,” said Erica. “I’m a Big with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina and deeply value the support they provide to children. When I was 8, I lost my brother and became an only child. I wish I could have had a Big to help me navigate life’s challenges.”
Learn more at GiveBack5.org.
