ANNUAL REPORT 2021
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Photo Credit: Paul Pack
YEARS OF COMMUNITY IMPACT
Lexington Community Foundation | 1
Dear Community of Lexington, Dear Community of Lexington,
2021 was a year like no other at the Lexington Community Foundation! As an organization, we had 2021 wasour a year likewhile no other the Lexington Community As an organization, we had to support vision also at making significant changes toFoundation! serve our community through this to support ourWe vision alsomore making significant changes to serve our community this difficult time. hadwhile to work closely with our nonprofit partners, donors, andthrough community difficult time. We had to work more closely with our nonprofit partners, donors, and community partners to come together and face the challenges. Through this, our foundation has become partners tomore comeunited together face the challenges. Through and this, determined our foundation has become stronger, andand connected to our community, to make a difference.
stronger, more united and connected to our community, and determined to make a difference.
In May, the Foundation wrapped up our COVID-19 response of providing food and funding for In May, Foundation wrapped up ourthe COVID-19 response of providing food This and funding for andthe rent. Relief efforts benefitting Lexington area totaled over $4.8M. was directly utilities utilities and rent. of Relief benefitting the Lexington area totaledand overtook $4.8M. was directly due to the efforts you,efforts our donors. You increased your generosity careThis of those in need. due to the efforts of you, our donors. You increased your generosity and took care of those need. For that, we want to thank you. The volunteer force that it took to manage and execute theinactivities For that, we to thank you. volunteer force thatwe it took manageabout and execute the activities completed in want 2021 was beyond my The wildest dreams. To say wereto nervous pulling these completed 2021anwas beyond my wildest dreams. Totime say we nervousstepped about pulling these activities offinwas understatement. However, every ourwere community up to the call and activities off was anfor understatement. However, every time our community stepped up to the call and gave of themselves others. gave of themselves for others. The Foundation charted a new course with our Planned Giving Society. This society is a way to TheaFoundation chartedofa funds new course with Planned Giving Society. This society is a way to create permanent source to fulfill theour mission of the Lexington Community Foundation. create a permanent funds to fulfill the mission of of theanLexington Community Foundation. These gifts are madesource duringofthe donor’s lifetime or as part estate plan, and then will be invested, Theseand giftsdistributed are made during the donor’soflifetime or It asispart of aanway estate and will bework invested, used, at the discretion the LCF. truly for plan, donors to then ensure the of the used, and distributed at the discretion of the LCF. It is truly way for donors to ensure work of the Foundation will be available to future generations. I want toathank our Planned Givingthe Society Foundation will be available future generations. I want toto thank our Planned Giving Society founding members for theirtogenerosity and commitment future generations.
founding members for their generosity and commitment to future generations.
Our Mission: To inspire generosity to strengthen our community. Our vision is to have a community where all people thrive.
Again our community continues to amaze me as I watched the totals on our Give Big Lexington Again our community continues amaze ame as I watched totals our Give Big Lexington when you think we haveto reached ceiling of raisingthe funds foron our organizations in our event. Just event. Just when you together think wefor have reached a ceiling funds for organizations in ourthis community we come a new all-time high of forraising funds raised! Weour also had more donors community we come together for a new all-time high for funds raised! We also had more donors year than in previous years. Thank you is not enough to say for supporting our community causesthis in year than that in previous the work they do.years. Thank you is not enough to say for supporting our community causes in the work that they do. As we move forward in 2022 expectations are high for what lies ahead for the Lexington As we move forward inWe 2022 are highthe for support what liesofahead for the Lexington Community Foundation. areexpectations excited to continue our growing community as well as Community are excitedto tomake continue of ourto growing as well look for newFoundation. and excitingWe opportunities this the areasupport a great place live andcommunity raise a family. On as look for new and exciting opportunities to make this area a great place to live and raise a family. On that behalf of the Board of Directors, Executive Director, and staff, I would like to say thank you for all to say thankstronger. you for all that behalf theonly Board Directors, and basis staff, to I would you do,ofnot forof the LCF, butExecutive what you Director, do on a daily make like our community You youthe do,foundation not only foron the LCF, the butLCF whatwas youbuilt do on a daily basis to make ourin community stronger. You are which and will continue to serve years to come. are the foundation on which the LCF was built and will continue to serve in years to come. Sincerely, Sincerely,
Barry McFarland, President Barry McFarland, President
2 | Lexington Community Foundation
2021 in Review As we wrap up 2021 and look forward to 2022 and our 40th year impacting our community, we reflect on our many accomplishments along the way. 2020 and 2021 have shown us many trials and tribulations, yet through them all, we have continued to positively impact the community with our biggest years yet.
Statement of Financial Position
During 2021, we were able to add the Dawson County Cancer Care Fund as an affiliate fund, kick-off the Veterans Pavilion fundraising efforts with a $100,000 grant, wrap up more than 57 straight weeks of food distribution, introduce new aspects into our Key dinner and auction, have a record-breaking Give BIG Lexington event, and initiate the Planned Giving Society which has received over $3.8M in statements of intent. 2021 was a big year for the Foundation, and our future is rich with promise - as always, because of you.
AS OF DECEMBER 31
Total Assets
$8,494,760
Donor Advised
$3,653,220
Discretionary / Scholarships
$1,174,980
Unrestricted
$3,666,560
Total contributions & Revenue
$2,823,190
Contributions to Affiliate Funds
$1,699,643
Total Additions to Unrestricted Assets
$1,123,547
Total Distributions & Expenses
$976,000
Distributions to local nonprofits (20%)
$545,412
Grant & Program Expense (9%)
$265,740
Operational Expenses (5%)
$165,218
“ What the Foundation does for Lexington and the surrounding area is remarkable! ”
PASTOR ROB KUEFNER Lexington Ministerial Association
$8,480,000 in assets
Representing 72% growth between 2016 and 2021.
82 scholarships
Valued at $148,850 were awarded to students pursing advanced education.
4 community partners
Expanded giving day outreach to area communities resulting in $216,029 of impact in those communities.
90 affiliate funds $976,000+ distributed
To make our community safer, stronger and smarter.
Financial support to meet community needs and support local non profits.
Lexington Community Foundation | 3
FIRST YEAR PLANNED GI SHARE THEIR
With the goal of increasing over time the assets of the L This initiative to provide permanent sources of fundi positive first year response with multiple
Total first year pledged gifts were in excess of $3,800,000 the future of the LCF. To others who are considering add encouraged to reach out to Jackie or a member of th
In appreciation of their consideration for future gifts, Plan of Intent to LCF in 2021 were presented with a crysta naming Lexington Community Foundation in their
Giving back to this community spans for generations, for the Orthman family. Bill and Meredith believe the Foundation is one of the very best ways to support the needs of the community and our neighbors. “We believe all the affiliated funds are more successful because of their relationship with the Foundation and THE PLANED GIVING SOCIETY IS AN EXCELLENT WAY TO SHOW A COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY.” ~ Bill & Meredith Orthman
Steve Heldt, LCF Development Chair, Bill & Meredith Orthman, LCF Planned Giving Society members, Barry McFarland, LCF President
“Reasons or motivations for charitable giving can be complex and certainly vary from person to person, but for me, the decision to make a charitable gift was simple, a desire to help ensure the continuation of the LCF’s good works for the future. I HAVE TRUST THAT THE LCF WILL CONTINUE IN ITS LEADERSHIP ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR COMMUNITY.”
~ Steve Heldt 4 | Lexington Community Foundation
Jackie Berke, LCF Executive Director; Steve Heldt, LCF Planned Giving Society member
REMEMBER:
Once our wealth leaves the community, it is gone forever.
IVING SOCIETY MEMBERS R THOUGHTS
Once our wealth is endowed in our community, it is here forever.
CF, the Planned Giving campaign was initiated in 2021. ing for the future endeavors of the LCF has received a e donors declaring their intent to donate.
0. Thank you to all who have made their commitment to ding their gifts to the Planned Giving Campaign, you are he Board of Directors to discuss your gifting plans.
nned Giving Society members who turned in a Statement al clock inscribed with their names. Their thoughts on planned giving are shared in the paragraphs below.
The time to act is now. The opportunity will never be greater! Please consider a future gift intention to the
LEXINGTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION in your planning. The impact would make a world of difference.
“There are so may avenues to contribute to the Planned Giving Society. In our case, we selected an IRA. We are donating a part of our IRA for future needs that we don’t have the vision to anticipate at this time. We have the confidence in the Lexington Community Foundation Boards of the future to identify and support the greatest needs of the community at that time. Another consideration in our decision to do our part was based on the generous philosophy of Lexington citizens. EVEN THOUGH OUR RESOURCES ARE MODEST, WHEN THEY ARE TEAMED TOGETHER WITH OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY, GREAT THINGS CAN HAPPEN.”
~ Dave & Peggy Stenberg Steve Heldt, LCF Development Chair, Dave & Peggy Stenberg, LCF Planned Giving Society members, Barry McFarland, LCF President
"As past President and longtime board member of LCF, I understand the impact the Foundation has had on our community. Michele and I have raised five children in Lexington and we are all very proud of what the Foundation has done for our family and the community as a whole. WE ALSO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE IN INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF LEXINGTON. WE FEEL THAT THERE IS NO BETTER WAY TO DO THIS THAN THROUGH A PLANNED GIFT TO THE
Steve Heldt, LCF Development Chair, Tod & Michele McKeone. LCF Planned Giving Society members, Barry McFarland, LCF President
LEXINGTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION." ~ Tod & Michele McKeone
Lexington Community Foundation | 5
2021 in Pictures
LCF is the fiscal agent for the Lexington Veteran’s Pavilion. Above is chairperson, Jim Bliven doing an interview.
6 | Lexington Community Foundation
LCF’s Key ‘21 fundraising auction goes virtual for the second year. The event was live-streamed from the LCF office. Pictured are LCF Events Chairperson, Curt Rickertsen and co-host Lana Green.
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“ Lexington Lexington is is such such aa special special place. place. Show Show me me
another another community community that that has has gone gone through through so so many many ethnic, ethnic, cultural, cultural, social, social, and and economic economic changes years, and changes in in the the past past (40) (40) years, and has has still still continued to to raise raise the the bar bar of of philanthropy, philanthropy, year year continued
Y AR RS SO OF FC CO OM MM MU UN NIITTY Y IIM MP PA AC CTT YE EA
1 98 82 2--2 02 22 2 19 20
after after year. year.”
DR DR .. TOM TOM FAGOT FAGOT
Former Former LCF LCF Board Board President President LCF LCF Development Development Committee, Committee, Advisory Advisory Member Member
Organizational Highlights
OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING BOARD BOARD LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP LCF is is governed governed by by aa 25-member volunteer board board of of directors directors that that has has been been recognized recognized for for its its outstanding outstanding LCF 25-member volunteer leadership. Our Our organizational organizational success success is is attributed attributed to to the the expertise expertise and and commitment commitment of of our our members. members. We We look look leadership. forward to serving Lexington for at least another 40 years. forward to serving Lexington for at least another 40 years. INSPIRING INSPIRING PEOPLE PEOPLE AND AND COMPANIES COMPANIES TO TO GIVE GIVE FOR FOR LOCAL LOCAL IMPACT IMPACT
Over More than than $10,800,000 $10,800,000 has has been been Over the the past past 40 40 years, years, LCF LCF has has conducted conducted eight eight major major capital capital campaigns. campaigns. More raised locally for projects such as the aquatic center, library, rec complex, Grand Generation Center, rodeo raised locally for projects such as the aquatic center, library, rec complex, Grand Generation Center, rodeo arena, arena, the the Y, Y, theater, theater, Foundation Foundation office, office, playgrounds, playgrounds, and and the the veteran veteran pavilion. pavilion. Give the first first giving giving day day in in the the state, state, was was initiated initiated in in 2011. 2011. The The increased increased awareness awareness of of the the impact impact Give Big Big Lexington, Lexington, the of our our local local nonprofits nonprofits presented presented the the opportunity opportunity for for people people and and companies companies to to support support those those efforts efforts with with of monetary donations. More than $6 million has been raised and distributed since its inception. monetary donations. More than $6 million has been raised and distributed since its inception.
ASSISTING ASSISTING LOCAL LOCAL NONPROFIT NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH THROUGH EDUCATION EDUCATION AND AND SERVICE SERVICE
Partnering is is not not one one way way to to do do it, it, it’s it’s the We can can have have the the greatest greatest impact impact when when we we unite unite Partnering the only only way way to to do do it. it. We with partners to share our expertise and pursue collective goals. LCF applies this principle in our support for with partners to share our expertise and pursue collective goals. LCF applies this principle in our support for innovative efforts efforts that that bring bring people people together together for for the the greater greater good. good. innovative LCF LCF currently currently manages manages 90 90 affiliate affiliate funds. funds. Our Our affiliated affiliated funds funds are are helping helping our our community community build build capacity, capacity, create create opportunities, further existing successes, and foster collaboration. By affiliating with LCF, local organizations, opportunities, further existing successes, and foster collaboration. By affiliating with LCF, local organizations, causes causes and and agencies agencies operate operate under under our our 501c3 501c3 nonprofit nonprofit status. status. LCF LCF provides provides financial financial management management of of funds, funds, administrative services, marketing and communication options, and grant writing assistance. administrative services, marketing and communication options, and grant writing assistance.
EXPANDING EXPANDING SERVICES SERVICES TO TO AREA AREA COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES
LCF is is aa resource resource not LCF not only only for for other other communities communities in in Dawson Dawson County County but but also also within within the the state state of of Nebraska Nebraska and and even gaining some national exposure. Our programs and initiatives have been emulated and serve as positive even gaining some national exposure. Our programs and initiatives have been emulated and serve as positive examples of examples of how how to to successfully successfully engage engage aa diverse diverse population, population, build build collaborations, collaborations, cultivate cultivate donor donor relations, relations, and and change attitudes for the better. We are helping our communities get stronger together. change attitudes for the better. We are helping our communities get stronger together.
What We’ve Accomplished
REFLECTING REFLECTING ON ON FOUR FOUR DECADES DECADES OF OF COMMUNITY COMMUNITY IMPACT IMPACT Lexington Lexington Community Community Foundation Foundation || 77
Executive Committee BARRY McFARLAND
ROB ANDERSON
President
Grants Committee Chair
MIKE MALOLEY Vice President
LARRY REYNOLDS
AUDREY DOWNEY Scholarship Committee Chair
STEVE HELDT Development Committee Chair
Secretary / Treasurer
CURT RICKERTSEN
TOD McKEONE
Events Committee Chair
Past President
GAIL WIGHTMAN Board Development Chair
Board of Directors
Tom Alexander Rob Anderson Amy Biehl-Owens Kim Booth Abby Brecks Randy Carpenter Dan Clark Sarah DeLaTorre Jill Denker Audrey Downey Chase Eilers Birgitte Hays Steve Heldt Mike Maloley Patty Mandelko Barry McFarland Tod McKeone Tara Naprstek Larry Reynolds Curt Rickertsen Dave Roemmich Dave Stenberg Gail Wightman Travis Wright
Staff
JACKIE BERKE Executive Director
CHRISTY FREIHAGE Administrative Assistant
607 N. Washington Street | PO Box 422 Lexington, NE 68850 (308) 324-6704 office@lexfoundation.org lexfoundation.org
8 | Lexington Community Foundation