HCF continues under new leader
by Laura Fowler Paulus
Hillsboro Free Press
November 27, 2024
Over the past two decades, the Hillsboro Community Foundation (HCF) has grown into a trusted partner for local donors and nonprofits alike. HCF has facilitated the establishment of numerous charitable funds, enabling individuals and families to leave a lasting legacy for Hillsboro and the surrounding community. These funds have supported a wide range of initiatives, including scholarships, community projects, nonprofit support, health, arts and culture.
The organization recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with a huge Dollars-4-Scholars campaign.
Hillsboro’s generous community donated $83,685, which was then matched by an additional $70,000 from the Patterson Family Foundation.
This significant increase in funding will directly benefit 12 scholarships, empowering deserving students to pursue their dreams.
“It was gratifying to see the community and donor support for our students during the campaign. These contributions are a big step towards growing the scholarships awarded through the foundation. We thank all the donors who helped make this campaign successful,” said HCF Board Treasurer Kelly Groening.
On Oct. 7, the Hillsboro Community Foundation strengthened its future by hiring Chad Hughbanks as its new full-time director. Hughbanks’s hiring replaced the part-time director position previously held by Max Heinrichs, made possible by a Capacity Building grant from the Patterson Family Foundation.
A lifelong resident of the area, Hughbanks grew up north of Lehigh and graduated from Hillsboro High in 2006. He is proud to serve the community he has called home since he was a kid.
Since 2020, Hughbanks has been a dedicated volunteer with the Hillsboro Community Foundation.
“I started off as a volunteer graphic designer. I did that and then became part of the grant cycle committee as a community member. I was involved with that for two years prior to coming on as a board member in December of 2023,” said Hughbanks.
It was during the campaign planning that Hughbanks realized he might be ready to take on the director role.
“That was about the time when I started having conversations internally with the foundation board members and had a lot of support going forward,” said Hughbanks.
He is excited to contribute to the Foundation’s mission and continue making a positive impact on the community he loves.
“Dedicating my time and energy to the community I grew up in was a simple decision to make. Hillsboro is my home. Being able to help contribute to its future is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” said Hughbanks. “Growing up, my parents instilled in my brother and me that your family and community will take care of you, but you need to take care of your family and community, as well.”
“In less than two months as director, Chad has already had a very positive impact on the foundation, bringing energy, vision, and fresh ideas. Under his direction, we believe the foundation’s role of facilitating charitable giving in the Hillsboro area is in good hands,” said Groening.
“I’m excited to build on the legacy of the dedicated individuals who founded and shaped the Hillsboro Community Foundation. From the original five visionaries to the 54 board members who’ve served, and from past directors like Kathy, Cynthia, Bonnie, Virginia, Max and Erin, their hard work has laid a strong foundation. My goal is to propel HCF into the next twenty years and beyond,” said Hughbanks.
The next focus for Hughbanks is Giving Tuesday.
“Giving Tuesday is our next event. That’s going to be December 3rd, and we’re hosting it at Pizza Hut from 5-8 p.m. Pizza Hut is going to be donating back 20% of their sales that night to the Foundation. But it’s a time when people can come in. They can donate in person if they want to. They can get a meal. They can meet Foundation staff members and volunteers and ask questions about the foundation, about what we do, what we got going on. So it’s a time when people can come in and get more information about what the Foundation does to help Hillsboro, Lehigh and Durham,” said Hughbanks.
Donations can also be made online at www.hcfoundationks.org/giving-tuesday. Giving Tuesday donations are tax-deductible.
HCF is also now leasing space inside the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce at 110 N. Main St. in Hillsboro if people want to stop in to make a donation or visit with Hughbanks and get more information about what is going on at HCF. More information is also available at their newly updated website at www.hcfoundationsks.org