* GREAT OPPORTUNITY *
Community Support Needed
for Matching Grants

The Victoria Community Coalition has received exciting news from the Schmidt Foundation in Hays. As of June 7, the foundation announced that it will match up to $100,000 in donations from Victoria residents in support of the St. John’s Place project. Phase I-A will include 12 senior residential apartments.

Gary Shoreman, Schmidt Foundation President, working with VCC Board President Jeff Pfeifer outlined the conditions for the program as follows:  maximum match for each qualified donation is $20,000; qualified donations must come from Victoria zip code 67671 or have specific investment/property in Victoria; qualified donations must come from individuals rather than business; deadline for this opportunity is November 30, 2023.

The VCC still needs to raise $300,000 to complete its required match for the $850,000 grant awarded from the State of Kansas earlier this year. The total grant match needed for the ABODE grant is dollar for dollar and $500,000 has been secured with another $50,000 being raised with donations to this point. The grant agreement spells out that construction completion must be finished by May 2025. The actual construction cannot be started until the match is met.

Speaking about the Schmidt Foundation proposed match, Pfeifer stated, “This is an incredible opportunity for Victoria and St. John’s Place. For almost two years the community has supported this effort by attending meetings, supplying ideas and encouragement and participation in small fundraisers. Now we need significant financial help from Victoria. This includes everyone that lives here, everyone that cares about their future- including the schools, businesses, the quality of life. Everyone that loves Victoria has an opportunity to make a difference right now!”

Donations can be made by mailing a check to VCC, P O Box 94, Victoria 67671 or by going to the VCC website to scan the QR code or by contacting Board members Pfeifer (785-735-8553), Marilyn Braun (785-735-4968) or Brenda Dreiling (785-735-4141).

Treasurer Marilyn Braun commented, “Right now every dollar donated will grow by almost 500% toward the St. John’s Place apartments. These apartments will fulfill a housing need in our community while securing future funds for building maintenance and other activities.”

“VCC has no paid staff. This is truly a grassroots effort to help make a difference for our community,” stated Vice President Brenda Dreiling.