An anonymous donor has pledged $1 million to the York County Community Foundation. The catch: the foundation must first raise $333,000 on its own.
If it does, the combined funds would more than double the foundation's endowment from roughly $1 million to about $2.3 million. That larger endowment would generate an estimated $100,000 in additional annual grants starting in 2028, WCNC first reported.
"This challenge was given to us by an anonymous donor who loves York County and supports the work of the York County Community Foundation," board Chair Amy Hagne said. "If we meet this match, it's going to have a tremendous impact on our local nonprofits."
Hagne also serves as assistant superintendent of finance and operations for York School District One.
In 2025, the foundation granted more than $75,000 to 20 York County nonprofits. Recipients included $5,000 to Safe Passage for domestic violence shelter renovations, $5,000 to Pathways Community Health Care for free adult healthcare services, and $3,500 to United Way of York County for workforce development.
Safe Passage, based in Rock Hill, provides emergency shelter and crisis services for domestic violence and sexual assault victims across four counties, including York County. All of its services are free.
Board member Chad Echols said the foundation's annual grants have already made a difference in the community. Meeting the fundraising goal, he said, would "empower our local nonprofit community to have an even larger impact on York County."
The York County Community Foundation was established in 1988 and has distributed more than $1 million to local nonprofits over its history. The current matching campaign represents a chance to nearly match that lifetime total in a single gift.
Residents who want to contribute can visit the foundation's website at yccf.org. The $333,000 fundraising deadline is Dec. 31.
