The Emporia Community Foundation (ECF) announces the 13th Annual Emporia Area Match Day will have a record number of participants. The ECF named 37 area organizations that have been invited to participate in the 2026 Emporia Area Match Day and those groups will be working for their share of the yet-to-beannounced matching pool.
In 2025, the Emporia Area Match Day awarded $829,607.68 to 35 participating organizations including $170,000 in matching funds and additional local sponsorships. The effect of the Emporia Area Match Day over the last twelve years has been significant with over $4.6 million donated to 67 smaller non-profits in the greater Emporia area.
The 37 charitable organizations invited to join in the 2026 event are: Arvonia Historic Preservation Society, The Baby Closet of Emporia, Kansas, Camp Alexander, Camp Hope, Chase County Care & Compassion, Inc., Chase County Historical Society & Museum, Chase County Old School Development District, Choose How You Respond (in memory of Dr. Bryan Douglas), Emporia Area Habitat for Humanity, Emporia First Friday Art Walk, Emporia Municipal Band, Food for Students, Friends of the Emporia Public Library, Friends of the Lyon County History Center, FUMC School Supply Project, Good Way Gardens, Hispanics of Today and Tomorrow, House of Morrow, Kansas Spanish Speakers, Latimer Lutheran Church Preservation Fund, Lebo All Veterans Memorial, Lyon County Crime Stoppers, Inc., Lyon County Honor Flight, Main Street Mommas, Matfield Green Works, Newman Regional Health Volunteers, NLC Youth Association, Pink Gravel Fund, Pioneer Bluffs, Project Playscape, Red Rocks: William Allen White Community Partnership, Inc., Southwick House, Street Cats Club, Strong City Preservation Alliance, Vernon H. Buck VFW Post 7957, Veterans Legacy Fund, and Wade Barrett Memorial Fund.
Applications were accepted during the month of March. Organizations must have a fund with the ECF, an operating budget below $175,000 and be in one of the seven counties served by the ECF. The applicants are evaluated as to their mission, budget, projects/programs, and the number of people served among other aspects.
For informat ion about Match Day event activities call the Emporia Community Foundation at 620-342-9304, their website at www.emporiamatchday. com or the ECF Facebook page. As the date gets closer additional information will be provided.
