HCF Surpasses $2,000,000 in Community Impact
The Hillsboro Community Foundation has reached a milestone that reflects years of generosity, partnership, and local pride. With more than $2,000,000 invested back into the community, the Foundation’s impact can be seen across Hillsboro through strengthened organizations, supported students, and expanded opportunities for residents of all ages.
This achievement represents the combined total of community grants, scholarships, donor advised grants, and organizational designated grants. Each category plays a distinct role in building a healthier, more connected community.
“This milestone shows what is possible when people choose to invest where they live,” said Chad Hughbanks, HCF Director. “Every gift, no matter the size, has contributed to something meaningful. $2,000,000 represents countless lives touched and positive changes made right here in Hillsboro.”
Community Grants Making a Local Difference
Community grants have supported a wide range of projects that respond directly to local needs. Recent grant awards have helped fund upgrades to a local food pantry, provided equipment for youth recreation programs, and supported community wide events that bring residents together.
The first grant ever awarded by HCF was issued in 2005 to the Hillsboro Fire Department in the amount of $10,000. The funds were used to purchase a thermal imaging camera. Just months later, that camera was credited with helping firefighters save the local hospital from a potentially disastrous fire on New Year’s Day in 2006.
In more recent years, HCF grants have supported diverse community improvement projects, from public murals to recreational programs and health focused initiatives.
Scholarships Investing in Future Leaders
Scholarships awarded through the Hillsboro Community Foundation have helped students pursue degrees in education, healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades. For many recipients, this support reduced financial stress and allowed them to focus on their studies.
Former Hillsboro principal, Evan Yoder, shared, “The Foundation’s support of school-based initiatives and our students have been a particular blessing for those of us who work in our local schools.”
Donor Advised and Designated Grants Strengthening Stability
Donor advised grants have allowed individuals and families to support causes that align with their values, from education and faith based organizations to emergency assistance and cultural initiatives. These funds offer flexibility while ensuring that giving remains local and impactful.
Organizational designated grants continue to provide reliable, long term support to key community institutions. This steady funding helps organizations maintain essential services, plan ahead, and stay strong during times of uncertainty.
Looking Ahead to the Future
While celebrating this milestone, the Hillsboro Community Foundation is also focused on what comes next. Leaders have set future funding goals aimed at increasing annual grantmaking by growing community focused endowments.
“This milestone is not a finish line,” stated Daniel Moss, current HCF advisory chair. “It is a starting point for the next phase of impact. Our goal is to continue growing resources so future generations benefit just as much as we have.”
Surpassing $2,000,000 in community impact is a shared accomplishment. It belongs to the donors who trusted the Foundation, the volunteers who gave their time, the organizations who turned funding into action, and the residents who believe in Hillsboro.
As the Foundation looks toward the future, one thing remains clear. When a community comes together with purpose, generosity, and vision, the impact continues to grow.