2015 Spring Newsletter

Spring 2015

Connections

www.nebcommfound.org

Annual Training Earns High Praise Months before NCF’s 20th Anniversary events unfolded in November, staff members went to work to design a daylong annual training that would be different from any other. One of our key goals was to have participants leave with the feeling that NCF’s annual training is a “must-do.”

Affiliated fund leaders consistently tell us that the best thing about an NCF training is the chance to learn from their peers. The day’s agenda offered plenty of that to the record crowd of 173 participants.

Affiliated funds were grouped together based on geographic regions for an exercise that enabled people to get to know a little bit about a lot of folks in a short amount of time.

The regional groups stayed together as each affiliated fund created its own graphic history, which proved to be the most popular activity of the day. Fund leaders appreciated learning what other

based community development – John funds had done in their region. Many say McKnight and Tom Mosgaller – who that the graphic history will serve as an urged affiliated fund excellent orientation tool for new members. ANNUAL TRAINING SURVEY leaders to look for the less visible assets in At lunch people Rating for 2014’s new training format their communities: the were assigned to sit Fair 4% wealth of ordinary people, with members of the individual talents other affiliated funds Good 48% of everyone, and the as they learned about Excellent 48% opportunity for success the concept of “active when informal associations hope” from a panel Plan to attend in 2015 collaborate and build on of their peers and I probably won’t attend. 2% one another’s strengths. leadership consultant I will probably About 60 people Kathy Allen. Later attend. 5% completed a survey they continued to I will try to be following annual training. work with peers there. 37% According to answers outside their own I will absolutely be to the final question, it fund to analyze the there! 56% appears most participants graphic histories, consider next year’s annual training a looking for evidence of active hope, rural “must-do” event. Mission accomplished. development philanthropy and teachable Watch our “Active Hope” video and accomplishments. learn more about Rural Development The day closed with thoughtful Philanthropy: bit.ly/1633DMr n presentations by two pioneers of asset-

Members of the McCook Community Foundation Fund work together to create their graphic history at NCF annual training.

Save The Date

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Each affiliated fund created a graphic history to illustrate milestones, key events and progress toward goals.

Annual Affiliated Fund Training, Expo and Banquet R ive r ’s E d g e C o n ve n t io n C e n t e r / C o lu m b u s , N E For more information call 402.323.7330 or info@nebcommfound.org.

Inside NCF NCF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee Members Dennis Stara of Lincoln, Chair Al Steuter of Johnstown, Vice Chair Lora Damme of Talmage, Treasurer Judy Brockmeier of Eustis, Secretary Richard Walter of Shickley, NCF Advancement Committee Chair Honorable Douglas Bereuter of Cedar Bluffs, Communications Committee Chair At-Large Members K.C. Belitz of Columbus Steve Brewster of Stuart Sara Coffee Radil of Omaha Joe Ferguson of Norfolk Casey Garrigan of Omaha Carol Lockwood of Scottsbluff Lori Pankonin of Imperial Judy Parks of Papillion Lynn Roper of Lincoln Greg Vasek of Lincoln Ray Welsh of Pender Sandi Wendell of Axtell President and CEO Jeffrey G Yost Honorary Members Helen Boosalis* of Lincoln Fred Bruning of Bruning Steve Buttress of Kearney Janet Krotter Chvala of Atkinson Brandon Day of Norfolk Connie Day* of Norfolk P. Mark Graff of McCook Shannon Harner of Lincoln Nancy Hoch of Nebraska City Richard Hunt of Blair Kim Lauritzen* of Omaha Fred Lockwood of Scottsbluff Rodrigo Lopez of Omaha Ed Loutzenheiser* of Juniata Bob Mundy of Omaha Senator Ben Nelson of Omaha Ron Parks of Papillion F.E. Pete Peterson of Brule Beverly Pollock of Ogallala Sid Salzman* of Ainsworth Jim Scholz of Omaha Frank Sibert of Kearney Bob Stowell of Ord Brian Thompson of Waverly Kathleen Thuman of Lincoln Susan Ugai of Lincoln Mimi Waldbaum* of Omaha Jeanene Wehrbein of Plattsmouth Jim Wolf* of Albion *Deceased Maxine Moul, President Emeritus

Creating a Culture of Engagement mindful that when we Nebraska Community talk about assets, we also Foundation partners with recognize the gifts, skills and hundreds of volunteer wisdom of our neighbors affiliated fund leaders who as assets that enrich our fully embrace the concept communities. that the only people who can Four key components build a community are those are required to move a who live and work there. community forward—vision, We have nurtured deep, leadership, engagement sustained relationships with and money. Philanthropy is volunteer affiliated fund Jeff Yost certainly an important tool leaders who now view their NCF President and CEO for community development. work through a wider lens – We will always encourage, teach, and a more holistic community development assist our volunteers who are building lens. While raising money to capitalize endowments for our hometowns of the endowments is an important part of the future. But we will also work with them as picture, raising the level of community they create a community-wide vision and engagement is at least as important. Our develop strong leaders. Most importantly, spring newsletter offers insights on how we will engage a growing number of our training and community planning people who are working to build stronger sessions have evolved to support this hometowns for talented and motivated increasing awareness. people wanting to put down roots and We are proud our assets have grown raise their families. n to more than $100 million. But we are

Meet Angela Zimmer Angela Zimmer recently was hired as General Counsel for Nebraska Community Foundation. Angela provides legal guidance on a variety of matters including NCF policies, fund agreements, contracts, and risk management. She also ensures NCF adheres to the National Standards for Community Foundations and assists with human resources.

Prior to joining NCF, Angela worked as legal Angela Zimmer counsel for the nonprofit corporation, Community Development Institute, where she provided legal advice to Head Start programs throughout

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the United States and Puerto Rico.

Additionally, she worked in private practice for the Omaha law firm, Berkshire & Burmeister and clerked for the 8th Judicial District Court in Torrington, Wyoming.

Angela is a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa and has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Creighton University. She received her Juris Doctor from Creighton University School of Law. Angela lives in Lincoln with her husband Brian Zimmer, a native of Bellwood, Nebraska. She enjoys triathlons and reading lots of books. n

Annual Events and New Board Members www.nebcommfound.org

Record Crowd “Turns Up” for 20th Anniversary Nearly 500 guests gathered to celebrate on November 6, 2014 in Lincoln. After 20 years of solid performance and growth, Nebraska Community Foundation is not just imagining the future, we are shaping it. The evening’s message – “Turn Up Your Dream Switch” – makes sense, given the sheer abundance we have in Nebraska, and our enthusiasm for the places we call home.

Guest speaker John McKnight was back by popular demand. “I’m at one of the most important places I’ve ever been because people in over 200 places have created an organization designed to invest in the future. There is no other state that can begin to match that record,” McKnight said.

“You’re on a voyage of discovery of your own abundance. You never know what you need until you know what you have.

Most people look outside when they think about their needs. But the first place to

New Board Members

look is in your own backyard, and that’s what I see happening here – a movement of discovery of what you have and where your wealth is.”

Maxine Moul, a founding member of NCF and President Emeritus, thanked the many volunteers throughout the years, and asked that current and former Board Chairs join her in offering a toast to Nebraska Community Foundation. But before glasses were raised, Maxine asked everyone under the age of 35 to stand; dozens of young adults rose.

“You are why we started Nebraska Community Foundation 20 years ago.

Here’s to the next 20 years of acting on bold dreams!”

Meet some of the people who are turning up the dream switch in their hometowns through the Nebraska Community Foundation. See our video at www.nebcommfound.org/about-us/ videos. n

(Left) Co-Director of the Asset-Based Community Development Institute John McKnight praises Nebraska Community Foundation as a movement which is unique in the United States.

(Right) NCF President Emeritus Maxine Moul thanks board members and volunteers before offering a toast during Nebraska Community Foundation’s 20th Anniversary.

2014 Annual Events Sponsors

The Bradford Agency

HBE Becker Meyer Love LLP

Bruning State Bank

INSPRO Insurance

Nebraska Investment Finance Authority

Cline, Williams, Wright, Johnson & Oldfather, LLP

Jeffres Sand & Gravel

Pinpoint Communications

MAjOR SPONSORS Pinnacle Bank

Labenz & Associates, LLP

Consolidated Companies

Union Bank

Daycos

Lockwood Foundation, Fred & Carol Lockwood

RBC Wealth Management / Domgard Investment Group

Westwood Trust

Bob and Michelle Dudley

Millard Manufacturing Corp.

CORPORATE SPONSORS

Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust

MNB Financial

A to Z Printing

Farmers National Company

Moeller Electric

Ambassador Health Systems Auburn Agency Crop, Inc.

Fillmore County Hospital Foundation

Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation

Baird Holm, LLP

First State Bank

Nebraska Life Magazine

Bellevue University

Great Plains Communications

Reinke Manufacturing Company Security First Bank Security Bank Smith Hayes Financial Services Robert Stowell Walter Insurance

Join us in welcoming our new members to the NCF Board of Directors!

Steven A. Brewster of Stuart is a partner with Krotter Hoffman law firm. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Law and has been admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court, Steve Brewster the U.S. Court of Appeals 1st Circuit, and in the states of Nebraska, Washington and Massachusetts.

He has extensive experience as a consultant in management and board development with nonprofits, NGOs and government agencies in the U.S. and Canada. He also has served as executive director for Social, Ecological and Economic Development in Christina Lake, British Columbia. Steve is a member of the Stuart Community Foundation Fund Advisory Committee.

Carol Lockwood of Scottsbluff is a recently retired certified public accountant with Fred A. Lockwood & Company and is past president of the Nebraska State Board of Public Accountants. She is active in her Carol Lockwood community, serving numerous organizations to benefit children, the arts and economic development. Carol is past president of Business and Professional Women, the West Nebraska Community Arts Center and the Scottsbluff-Gering United Chamber of Commerce. She has served as vice president of Riverside Discovery Center/ Children’s University, and is a current board member of American Mortgage Company, FALCO Financial Services and the Lockwood Foundation. n

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Affilated Fund Updates Young philanthropists in Columbus learned that the local mission was in desperate need of a commercial washer and dryer. After receiving a $1,000 youth philanthropy contest award, they went to work (literally, through a labor auction and other activities) to raise the additional funding needed. The group got a big boost from others who were inspired to contribute, and now, the Columbus Rescue Mission can handle three times the laundry it could before.

Hats off to these kids for launching the project, and to the Columbus Area Philanthropy Council and other adults and youths for helping to make it possible.

For the third year in a row, Deshler Community Fund met its goal by raising $40,000 and receiving an additional $40,000 from challenge grant sponsors Reinke Manufacturing and Midwest Bank. The Fund now has more than $300,000 in its unrestricted endowment, established just over three years ago. Nearly 100 families, businesses and individuals contributed to the 2014 campaign.

Jae Fintel (center) accepts checks for the Deshler Community Fund from Chris Roth (l) of Reinke Manufacturing and Al Dlough (r) of Midwest Bank.

When leaders of the Bertrand Area Community Fund learned they had an From left, Chaplain Ted Pearson, director of The Columbus Rescue Mission, poses with Columbus High School seniors Travis Fusselman, Nathan Sliva, Colin Kruse and Emily Shevlin. The students raised money to purchase new laundry equipment for the local shelter.

“Busy” best describes the Bennet Area Community Foundation Fund.

Members have worked with other community groups and local government to install new playground equipment, renovate their post office, create a beautiful mural on the town’s old fire hall, launch an annual 4th of July celebration, and more. About a year ago, following a town hall meeting, four task forces were formed to address youth and adult activities, social interaction and community appearance and atmosphere.

One project moving forward is a splash pad with water activities for kids and adults alike. Splash pads are popular because they require no lifeguard and water features are activated only when they are being used.

opportunity to receive a challenge grant in 2011, they established an endowment account and got busy. They were able to take advantage of the Verner and Mildred Vinzant Donor-Advised Fund’s offer to match, dollar for dollar, local contributions up to $195,000. After exceeding its goal in a year and a half, Fund leaders have been able to award grants for significant community improvements. The Bertrand Fund now exceeds $470,000, with annual earnings from its endowment to be reinvested in community projects forever.

Bertrand Area Community Fund Advisory Committee members: (Front, l-r) Dave Dannehl, Roxann Gregg, Carolyn Dodson, Melissa Vinzant, Cindy Wilken; (Back, l-r) Jeff Scharff, Steph Edgren, Bill Ford, Bev Hansen.

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Boone County Philanthropy Council’s ‘Big Give’ event in December

was a huge success. The 12 hours of community-wide giving brought in $155,029 from more than 400 individuals.

In addition, sponsors added $17,000 in matching funds, bringing the grand total to $172,029 raised to benefit 13 charitable organizations in the county. “This is just beyond our wildest dreams, and we’re very thankful for the generosity of everyone who contributed,” said Jay Wolf, a Council member and treasurer of the Boone County Area Foundation Fund.

Boone County Philanthropy Council officers (l-r) Tina Stokes, Jay Wolf, Julie Mahoney and Cheri Werner add up contributions from the Boone County Big Give during the wrap-up party.

Perkins County Community Foundation Fund is investing in new

technologies for area middle school students to explore. This year the Fund helped purchase a 3-D printer that can print a wide array of objects that have been scanned or designed by students.

Last year the Fund provided grant money for a robotics course for the middle school. Now in its second year, the robotics team, the ‘Spartabots,’ qualified for the Nebraska State Robotics meet.

The Perkins County Community Foundation Fund provided $2,500 toward the purchase of a 3-D printer for middle school students. Pictured are Fund members Michelle Ross, Becky Uehling, and Jeff Wallin, instructor Shayne Hite, and middle school students.

Community, Organizational and Donor-Advised Fund Highlights www.nebcommfound.org

Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund presented 17-year-

old Meg Michel a $500 grant to carry out her passion for putting musical instruments in the hands of children.

Meg started Keys for Kids in November 2013. The organization has collected and repaired more than 18 instruments for families in the community who cannot afford to buy or rent an instrument.

“NCCFF and other groups have helped keep Keys For Kids going. When we started, we were paying for repairs out of our own pockets. Keys For Kids would have failed if not for the help of others in the form of financial donations, instrument donations and word of mouth,” Meg said. “It truly takes everyone’s help to make this work. We are so thankful!”

A highlight of the event was a roll-over auction of a 500-pound heifer. Donated

by Lindsy and Brett Gumb, the heifer brought in two $2,000 bids, a $900 bid, two $400 bids and two $200 bids for a total donation of $6,100. The animal was then sold for $2.15 per pound.

The event raised more than $42,000, with over $28,000 going to programs of the Burwell Community Fund.

Between July 1 and December 31 of 2014, NCF affiliated funds received 35 gifts of grain or livestock valued at $299,726.

NCF’s website explains how you can promote and implement this fundraising method. Now is a great time to begin informing your ag producers and local media about this tax-wise way of giving.

Find flyers, press releases and more information here: http://bit.ly/1zQhyCU.

Automatic Giving is Great

Burwell Community Fund Advisory Committee members Johanna Jeffres and Lindsy Gumb update the totals board throughout the 28-hour Fall Festival giving event.

Sally Juilfs and Doug Friedli present a $500 philanthropy award to Meg Michel in support of her ‘Keys for Kids’ project in Nebraska City.

Business folks will tell you that your regular customer is your best customer.

The same thing applies to donors. More than 100 donors to NCF affiliated funds make their contributions on a regular basis each month through automatic withdrawal from their bank account (ACH).

Learn more about this convenient and easy-to-set-up method. Find out more information and download the form today: http://bit.ly/18lWus8.

LIKE uS ON FACEBOOK! Find out what other affiliated funds are doing. Get help, advice and new ideas from your peers and your friends at NCF. Share your thoughts and comments and keep in touch!

Facebook.com/nebraskacommunityfoundation

Burwell Community Fund, with its

16 separate charitable accounts and five endowments, is somewhat like its own philanthropy council serving the Burwell, Taylor and Calamus areas. Last October the Fund teamed up with the Community Memorial Health Center to host a 28hour Fall Festival ‒ A Time for Giving.

It was a community-wide event that included speakers, a burger bash, pancake feed, a “Trek or Treat” 5K/10K race, children’s art contest and more.

Ag Gifts are Growing

WATCH uS ON YOuTuBE Keegan Strohl (r) gives back the hundred dollars in prize money he won for his Fall Festival artwork. He donated it to the Taylor Arboretum in his hometown of Taylor to help repair buildings damaged by last year’s tornados.

YouTube.com/nebcommfound We’ve posted six new videos on YouTube, including profiles of community-based funds, and our “Turn Up Your Dream Switch” video.

You can also find them on NCF’s website: nebcommfound.org/about-us/videos.

Get inspired!

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NCF at Work Rural Development Philanthropy This community-led approach creates locally controlled assets and invests them to strengthen rural places. It builds a community’s ability to shape a better future and promote the well-being of all community members. It unites the tools of community, Sharon Kramer of Bennet reports on her group’s impression of some of the Byron Community Foundation Fund’s strengths and competencies.

economic and resource development,

Regional Learning on Rural Development Philanthropy

with their voices, ideas, strategies, talents

to professional financial advisors after Nebraska Community Foundation works through ambitious people, helping hearing from the experiences in Diller local leaders unleash the abundant assets and Bennet. Diller and Bennet took action to promote gifts of grain, which and talents within their own place. One have been a big success in of the best laboratories to Byron. generate this kind of energy “It was very helpful to Recent regional peer is through a regional peer hear about the successes and challenges in other learning events were hosted learning event that brings communities, and

by Diller, with Byron and several community-based interesting to see how Bennet; Howells, with funds together. our communities are both Columbus and Laurel; and “Regional events connect similar and different.”

Eustis, with Bertrand and affiliated fund leaders Diller Event Participant Callaway. These affiliated in ways that they can fund trainings have focused share what is working for on building Rural Development them, and to experience teaching. By Philanthropy competencies and using connecting peer leaders who live fairly active hope for effective leadership. We close to one another we strengthen the are currently planning additional events NCF network,” said Affiliated Fund to be held in other locations. n Development Coordinator Amanda Polacek.

Regional peer learning sessions can create an environment similar to our larger annual training, but in a much more intimate and personal way. Most of the people who come together begin the evening as strangers, but become well acquainted before the evening is through. Fund leaders are always excited to meet one another and the host Kathy Heard of the Howells Community Fund community feels a sense of pride. welcomes participants from Columbus and Sometimes you will see fund Laurel to a regional peer learning session leaders adapting new practices almost and describes some of the Fund’s goals and immediately. Byron started reaching out accomplishments.

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engaging all people to come together and giving.

10 Competencies of Effective RDP 1) Learn about our community and its people.

2) Understand how and why things work the way they do.

3) Develop and maintain relationships with a wide range of people and groups.

4) Communicate effectively with a wide array of audiences.

5) Develop, attract and manage flexible assets and resources.

6) Build a business model that supports the RDP mission.

7) Build capacity in the community’s organizations and people.

8) Facilitate participatory dialogue that yields results.

9) Organize for action.

10) Track results, measure progress and adapt as necessary.

Peer Learning and Community Visioning www.nebcommfound.org

Dreaming Big in Keith County

Affiliated Fund Development Coordinator Jana Jensen facilitates community visioning in Keith County.

A visioning session facilitated by NCF in January attracted more than 60 people from across Keith County. The Keith County Community Foundation Fund had never held a visioning session before, and was happy to serve as a convener.

In 2003 Larry and Mary Lynn Callen offered a challenge grant to build an endowment. Within six months the endowment grew from zero to over $400,000. The Fund has been making grants since 2004 and to date has provided $215,080 to more than 90 civic projects in Brule, Paxton, KeystoneLemoyne and Ogallala, as well as county-

wide organizations.

Keith County Community Foundation Fund will continue to grant to worthy causes, but with nearly $1.4 million in assets, they also want to aim toward “big picture” strategies in Keith County.

With several new, enthusiastic members joining the Fund Advisory Committee, the timing was right to invite the whole community to share their ideas.

Participants identified 12 areas of need or opportunity, including health care, housing, education, technology, natural resources, business development and more. They were encouraged to think big about ways that would make Keith County a better place to live.

For example, should Keith County be a research and development hub for drought resistant crops?

Many people “signed up” to further explore dozens of ideas. A follow-up survey will help to prioritize projects and inform the Fund Advisory Committee of ways to invest in Keith County moving forward that reflect the wisdom and vision of its people. n

Paxton high school students eagerly share their ideas about ways to enhance their hometown at a visioning session facilitated

by Affiliated Fund Development Coordinator Jana Jensen.

Keith County Students Express Their Views “My idea is too big,” said one Paxton High School student during a youth visioning session in Keith County. NCF’s Jana Jensen assured her that no idea was off limits.

“A Sea World at Lake Mac!” That idea was comparable to other big dream suggestions offered by students in Ogallala and Paxton. The students proposed a wide array of projects that could build on the Lake McConaughy asset, such as kayak and parasail rentals and ice skating.

They also described their community in glowing terms. Unique. Marvelous.

Safe. Progressive. Exciting. Awesome.

Friendly. Inspiring. Powerful. Proud.

Both groups expressed a strong desire to “keep the small town atmosphere, morals and traditions” they are accustomed to. And there was a strong desire for improved educational opportunities, including AP courses, FFA and STEM classes.

The kids also admitted that a Starbucks and a cupcake shop would be nice.

Just sayin’. n

Ogallala City Manager and Keith County Community Foundation Fund Advisory Committee member Aaron Smith shares his ideas at a visioning session with the Keith County Community Foundation Fund.

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Volunteers

Best Practices

Prepare Committee Members for Leadership Fund Advisory Committee members say that one of their biggest challenges is successful leadership transition. NCF Affiliated Fund Development Coordinator Greta Leach offers these helpful practices.

Involve past, current, and future chairs.

Start training a new chair before they take office. Some affiliated funds elect a vice chair with the intent that that person will become the next chair. Some affiliated funds include the immediate past chair as an advisor.

Adopt a “lead from For example, when “Changing leadership encourages everywhere” culture.

Every FAC member should enthusiasm. I was the chair from veteran chair of the Butler County Community provide leadership in some the beginning and helped to get our Fund up and running. Now Foundation Fund, way. When people know Brian Murphy will bring new Larry Peirce, transitioned their actions matter, they energy to the committee. It’s leadership to Carol Fuxa, are more confident and important that all members are he stayed on for a year willing to step into higher involved so that a new leader can as co-chair to mentor level positions. When assume the role of chair when Carol and other officers. recruiting new members, they are called upon.”

Today, Larry is still very consider their potential Alan Emshoff, Immediate Past involved as an FAC Chair, Exeter Area Community and interest in becoming member, but others have Foundation Fund an officer eventually. Make taken the reins as officers. it clear that leadership is an The co-chair model worked well, and expectation of membership at some time, Mike Moravec stepped into that role although not necessarily right away, and following Larry. you believe the potential new member has leadership skills to contribute.

Alan Emshoff (left) recently transitioned the position of chair of the Exeter Area Community Foundation Fund to Brian Murphy (right). Alan will continue to serve on the Fund Advisory Committee as immediate past chair.

Pass on your knowledge. Schedule an orientation not only with new FAC members but also with new officers when their terms begin. Use written job descriptions to clearly define officers’ roles. (If you don’t already have these, templates are available on NCF’s website.)

Take advantage of training resources and webinars on NCF’s website and schedule a new chair orientation with your NCF Affiliated Fund Development Coordinator. n

Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.

The Nebraska Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, serves communities, organizations and donors throughout Nebraska.

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