Will a larger field than ever before lead to a larger fundraising total than ever before?
The answer remains to be seen, but the Emporia Community Foundation unveiled 37 participants for the annual Match Day process Tuesday, above last year’s number of 35. Executive Director Loni Heinen says the theme, “Community in Motion,” is appropriate for Match Day.
Program Officer Sarah Barrett says Match Day has helped quality of life in a lot of different categories.
Heinen says a busy spring, summer and early fall awaits.
This year’s matching pool donors will be released at a later time.
Last year had almost $830,000 raised. To date, over $4.6 million has benefited 67 different organizations in Lyon and surrounding counties.
Match Day is officially Nov. 16, with the check presentation Dec. 1 at Flinthills Mall. More information is available at emporiamatchday.com.
Match Day 2026 participants
*Baby Closet of Emporia, 5th year
*Camp Alexander, 9th year
*Camp Hope, 1st year
*Chase County Care & Compassion, 12th year
*Chase County Historical Society & Museum, 8th year
*Chase County Old School Development District, 3rd year
*Choose How You Respond in memory of Dr Bryan Douglas), 3rd year
*Emporia Area Habitat for Humanity, 12th year
*Emporia First Friday Art Walk, 5th year
*Emporia Municipal Band, 12th year
*Food for Students, 13th year
*Friends of the Emporia Public Library, 11th year
*Friends of the Lyon County History Center, 3rd year
*FUMC School Supply Project, 4th year
*Good Way Gardens, 3rd year
*Hispanics of Today and Tomorrow, 11th year
*Kansas Spanish Speakers, 3rd year
*Latimer Lutheran Church Preservation Fund, 3rd year
*Lebo All Veterans Memorial, 1st year
*Lyon County Crime Stoppers, 13th year
*Lyon County Honor Flight, 2nd year
*Main Street Mommas, 9th year
*Matfield Green Works, 3rd year
*Newman Regional Health Volunteers, 4th year
*NLC Youth Association, 11th year
*Pink Gravel Fund, 4th year
*Pioneer Bluffs, 11th year
*Project Playscape, 6th year
*Red Rocks: William Allen White Community Partnership, 11th year
*Southwick House, 3rd year
*Street Cats Club, 3rd year
*Strong City Preservation Alliance, 4th year
*Vernon H Buck VFW Post 7957, 6th year
*Veterans Legacy Fund, 1st year
*Wade Barrett Memorial Fund, 9th year
6:15 am Tuesday: Emporia Community Foundation to reveal Match Day participants on KVOE on Tuesday
The Emporia Community Foundation is just about set to let you know who will participate in Match Day 2026.
A special reveal broadcast begins at 10:06 am from Flinthills Mall. KVOE and KVOE.com will have the coverage.
Over 30 nonprofits and community groups from Lyon and surrounding counties will be chosen Tuesday. Eligible organizations must maintain funds at the Emporia Community Foundation and have operating budgets of no more than $175,000 per year.
Match Day is Nov. 16. The event is now into its 13th year and raised over $800,000 for participating groups last year. More information is available at emporiamatchday.com.
