Foundation Launches 2026 Pathway Matching Gift Drive
Eligible donations made Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026 are matched dollar for dollar to fund scholarships for seniors entering healthcare, mental health and trade careers.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Scholarships
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The Columbus Education Foundation has launched its 2026 Pathway to Possibilities Matching Gift Campaign, which runs from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026. A $50,000 matching gift funds the campaign, so eligible donations are matched dollar for dollar up to the available limit.
Why it matters
The campaign aims to remove financial barriers for seniors pursuing healthcare, mental health and skilled trade careers. Donors can effectively double their contributions while the matching funds last.
The campaign runs Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026, with a $50,000 match that would produce $100,000 in combined support if fully used. Last year's campaign awarded $69,000 in scholarships to graduates, though the 2026 total has not been reported.
The players
Columbus Education Foundation
A community nonprofit based in Columbus, Colorado, that funds scholarships for local graduates and runs the Pathway to Possibilities campaign.
The details
Eligible donations made during the campaign are matched dollar for dollar up to the available matching limit; for example, a $100 donation becomes $200 in support while matching funds remain. Scholarships will support degrees in healthcare and mental health as well as enrollment in trade school.
Timeline
Nov. 1, 2026: Pathway to Possibilities matching gift campaign begins.
Dec. 31, 2026: Pathway to Possibilities matching gift campaign concludes.
Culture Shift
The 2026 Pathway to Possibilities campaign continues the foundation's matching-gift model that funded $69,000 in scholarships for last year's Class of 2026 graduates. Its focus on healthcare, mental health and skilled trades reflects a community push toward local workforce pipelines.
Residents who give during the campaign can double their contribution while matching funds last, which can help local seniors cover costs for healthcare, mental health or trade school programs. Smaller gifts also count, since each eligible donation is matched dollar for dollar up to the limit.
The takeaway
Donations made before Dec. 31, 2026 can be matched dollar for dollar while funds remain, so timing matters for donors. Supporting local scholarships helps students pursue in-demand healthcare and trade careers close to home.
What happens next
The matching gift campaign closes on Dec. 31, 2026, so donations must be made before that date to be matched.
Further reading
Explore more Scholarships coverage to see how other programs help students fund their next steps.
More information
Learn about participating in the Pathway to Possibilities campaign through the Columbus Education Foundation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Colorado County Citizen.
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