
Sandhills Area Foundation
SAF to Recruit Youth Board Members
Search for Sandhills Area Foundation Youth Advisory Board Member gets 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 are being accepted now 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 September.
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.
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
©2024 Sandhills Area Foundation