I am pleased to share some great news regarding the generosity of our community in 2022. Last year grants and scholarship payments from all funds at your Community Foundation totaled $6.3 million, an increase of 7 percent compared to 2021.

We are in the middle of scholarship season, with a February 24 due date for most of our scholarships coming up fast. We hope you will encourage any graduating high school seniors or current undergraduate and graduate students to apply by visiting www.thcf.org/scholarships.

In 1982, ten people came together to create something unique in Eastern Jackson County. They wanted to establish an organization that would focus on improving the lives of people living, working, and serving communities throughout the region. Forty years later, Truman Heartland Community Foundation is a vital partner in local philanthropy for more than 800 fundholders. We've come a long way from our humble beginnings and have no intention of slowing down any time soon.

The holiday season is in full swing. It's easy to get swept away in all the events and festivities of this special time of year. I think it's the perfect time to stop, slow down, and reflect on the positive things happening in our community.

Fall is a great time of the year--with a chill in the air, football season, and the trees dropping their annual autumn show. As you are beginning to think about the holidays, remember that now is the time to do some planning about your year-end giving and how it may impact your taxes. I know none of us like to think about taxes; however, thoughtful planning now can help you reduce your tax burden while supporting your favorite charities.

Magical things happen when a group of dedicated nonprofits come together to address an issue like underemployment in our Eastern Jackson County communities.

Truman Heartland deeply admires the efforts of our fantastic citizens, and we strive to sing their praises throughout Eastern Jackson County and beyond.

For charitably minded individuals and families who don't quite make the cutoff to itemize, a bunching strategy could make charitable giving tax effective once again.

For 40 years, Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) has been assisting the generous people of Eastern Jackson County in enriching the lives of students throughout the region.

I have to admit; this is my favorite article to write each year. It's not that I don't thoroughly enjoy writing articles about tax-smart giving and donor advised funds because I actually do. But May is the month where I get to introduce you to Truman Heartland Community Foundation's Toast to Our Towns Honorees and share their inspiring stories of philanthropy with you.

I am in awe of the Ukrainian people. They have fought back against the Russian invaders with such tenacity and unbending spirit; I know I can speak for everyone at Truman Heartland when I say our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine. We are in absolute awe of their resolve.