top of page

Welcome
to Our Site

$40,000 was raised at this year's Sandhills Area Foundation annual fundrasier! Go to the FUNDRAISERS tab for more information!

Grant applications closed 09/30/25

Thank you for submitting your grant applications; a record

number of applications were received this year!

SAF Recruiting Youth Board Members

Search for Sandhills Area Foundation Youth Advisory Board Member is Underway

Sandhills Area Foundation (SAF) is committed to supporting area youth who are exploring ways they can make an impact in their communities as active citizens. We are searching for inspiring leaders from Cherry County to support SAF in our mission to financially support area development and to accept and administer funds that meet the present and future needs of Cherry County residents. Applications have been accepted through September 15 at Sandhillsareafoundation.com

 

“Inviting high school students to serve as ex-officio members of our board reflects our commitment to investing in the next generation of community leaders. Their perspectives, energy, and fresh ideas will strengthen our decision-making and inspire positive change throughout the Sandhills area,” said Sandhills Area foundation executive director Carolyn Moore.  “This is an idea that has been considered for some time by the board, and we are excited to bring this to fruition this school year”.

 

SAF is looking for young people between the ages of 15-20 who are passionate about making a difference. The Youth Advisory Board Member will be required to demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism, philanthropy and supporting area development. The Members will also be encouraged to represent SAF at special events.

 

Those interested in applying must be a resident of Cherry County. Community and youth organizations and educators are invited to encourage youth who are interested in applying to fill out an online application which can be found at sandhillsareafoundation.com The SAF Youth Advisory Board Members will be announced in early 2026 after a selection and interview process.

The mission of the Sandhills Area Foundation is “investing in the sandhills of Cherry County for future generations to prosper.”

For more information about this opportunity, please visit sandhillsareafoundation.com

Click below for application

Welcome to the Sandhills Area Foundation

Samantha (Millard) Hand of Scotty's Ranchland Foods, speaks at the SAF annual fundraiser about the current amount raised, and some anecdotal information about the "Round-Up for Scholarships" program, while Sandhills Area Foundation President Kim Marlatt looks on.

The Outback Screen Printing and Embroidery joins Scotty’s in Partnering with the Sandhills Area Foundation for Round-Up Fundraising Initiative to Support Grants and Scholarships
Outack Round up Pic.jpg

Pictured at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding establishing the round-up program at the Outback Screen Printing and Embroidery are: SAF President Kim Marlatt, and Outback personnel Kelly Rockwell, Michelle Sage, RoseAnn Ewan, Owner Jo Hand, Shelby Rockwell, Patty Belville and  Kendra Hanson.

Cherry County, NE - November 10. 2025 - Outback Screen Printing and Embroidery is excited to announce their new partnership with Sandhills Area Foundation to launch a round-up fundraising program dedicated to supporting community grants and scholarships.

 

Starting this month, customers at The Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery can choose to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with the additional funds going directly toward the Sandhills Area Foundation grant and scholarships programs.

"We are proud to collaborate with the Sandhills Area Foundation on this meaningful program," said Jo Hand, owner of Outback Screen Printing and Embroidery. “Supporting our community is at the heart of what we do. Donations to community grants help fund projects such as youth programs, community projects, and mentorship initiatives—that address specific local needs and improve the quality of life in the Sandhills of Cherry County. We’re thrilled to add to the positive changes these extra donations will bring."

 

Kim Marlatt, President of the Sandhills Area Foundation, shared enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing the businesses’ commitment to giving back. Together, both businesses look forward to fostering opportunities that invest in our community.

She noted along with annual scholarships for high school, college, and non-traditional students, to which all of Scotty’s collected donations go, The Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery collected donations will also help fund grants. Some of the prior grants included funding for The Heart City Theater, the Veteran’s Memorial, youth leadership programs, distance learning equipment for Mid-Plains Community College Valentine campus, local fire and EMS departments for equipment, the area schools for various items and initiatives, the Valentine Players, Valentine Library, Senior Center, Teammates, area wrestling clubs, the Valentine Children and Families Coalition, Badger Boosters, and the Cub Scouts, to name just a few.

 

Customers are encouraged to participate in the round-up program at Scotty's and the Outback Screen Printing and Embroidery to make a difference in the lives of aspiring students and support community organizations.

 

For more information about the round-up program or how to get involved, please contact the Sandhills Area Foundation, Outback Screen Printing and Embroidery, or Scotty's directly.

Scotty's Ranchland Foods Partners with Sandhills Area Foundation to Launch "Round-Up" Program for Scholarships in Cherry County

Pictured are (l to r): Samantha (Millard) Hand, Tammy Millard, Scotty Millard, Sandhills Area Foundation President Kim Marlatt and SAF Executive Director Carolyn Moore on hand at Scotty’s for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Scotty's Ranchland Foods and the Sandhills Area Foundation for the new Round Up for Scholarships Program.

 

Cherry County, Nebraska - August 20, 2024 – Sandhills Area Foundation is proud to announce a new partnership with Scotty's Ranchland Foods to launch a groundbreaking "round-up" program that will benefit Cherry County residents through scholarships for higher education.

 

The innovative initiative, set to kick off on August 30th, will allow customers of Scotty's Ranchland Foods to "round up" their purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout, with the additional amount going directly to the Sandhills Area Foundation Scholarship Fund. This fund will support local students in pursuing their educational dreams and aspirations.

 

"We are looking forward to working with the Sandhills Area Foundation to make a meaningful impact in Cherry County," said Scott Millard, Owner and Manager of the family-run Scotty's Ranchland Foods. "By simply rounding up their purchases, our customers can contribute to a cause that will provide additional educational opportunities to Cherry County residents.”

 

The Sandhills Area Foundation has a long-standing commitment to supporting students in the region by providing scholarships and educational opportunities. Through this collaboration with Scotty's Ranchland Foods, the foundation aims to expand its reach and make a lasting difference in the lives of more Cherry County residents.

 

"We are excited to join forces with Scotty's Ranchland Foods in this important endeavor," said Carolyn Moore, Executive Director of the Sandhills Area Foundation. "While a round-up program is not unfamiliar, this one is unique in that it returns benefits locally, directly to residents of Cherry County.  Each and every person in our community can contribute small amounts that, when combined, will have a tremendous impact on this great cause, and everyone is able to say ‘Yes, I helped make that happen’.  Ongoing information will be disseminated about how much the community has raised and how many additional scholarships will be funded each year as a result of this initiative.  Sandhills Area Foundation Scholarships are awarded annually to Cherry County high school students, Cherry County college students enrolled in any accredited trade school, college or university, as well as Cherry County non-traditional students.  Together, Scotty’s and the community can create even more opportunities for local residents to access higher education and pursue their academic goals."

 

The "round-up" program will run indefinitely at Scotty's Ranchland Foods in Valentine, allowing customers to contribute to the scholarship fund with every purchase. The impact of these donations, in the form of additional scholarships, will be felt directly by Cherry County residents/students who are working towards a brighter future by furthering their education.

 

For more information about the "round-up" program and how to get involved, visit Scotty's Ranchland Foods store beginning August 30, 2024, or call Sandhills Area Foundation Executive Director Carolyn Moore at 402-322-0031.

 

If you are an area business that would like to join this initiative, contact any Sandhills Area Foundation board member or call 402-322-0031.

 

Many thanks in advance to the community for your contribution to the Sandhills Area Foundation Scholarship Fund through the Scotty’s “round-up” program.

 

 

The Sandhills Area Foundation (SAF) is a public charity with a mission to invest in the Sandhills of Cherry County for generations to prosper. The Foundation's focus is to support education, encourage growth and sustain generosity.

Your contribution is vital to our mission and supports the work we do on behalf of students and nonprofits in Cherry County.  Together we are creating  brighter futures for our communities.

The staff and board recently completed a strategic planning process and are making changes to be even better stewards. Please watch for new and exciting programs and events. 

Together we are creating brighter futures for our communities! 
2024 Grant Recipients

Cherry County 4-H Leadership                 Program $500                  Friends of the Valentine Library /Valentine Book Club $1000

Sparks Cemetary Board $2000

    Thedford Volunteer Rescue                   Squad  $5000               Valentine Children and Families            Coalition $5000                    Valentine Wrestling Club                        $14,200                         Cody Cowboy GRIT $15,300      Heart City Theater $50,000

$41,185 in 2020

$10,000 in 2021

$35,486 in 2022

$10,000 in 2023

$597,981 since 1998

Board 
of 
Directors

Kim Marlatt, President

Rob Lee, Vice-President

Katie O'Kief, Secretary

Chris Douglas, Treasurer

Morgan Arnold

Kirk Barnes

Talia Benson

Steve Brown

Kylee Hesseltine

Monty Neiffer

Gregg Perrett

 

Carolyn Moore,

Executive Director

402-322-0031

2025
Scholarships 

Awarded $37,500 in scholarships in 2025

$69,500 in 2020

$116,000 in 2021

$113,5000 in 2022

​$35,500 in 2023

​$35,500 in 2024

 

$1,000,500 since 1998

Social Media

Follow us...

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
Original on Transparent.png

103 N Cherry St.

Valentine NE 69201

402-322-0031

©2024 Sandhills Area Foundation

bottom of page