Connections Summer 2012
www.nebcommfound.org
Young People Embrace a Culture of Giving The Philanthropy Council of Northeast Nebraska, a collaboration of more than 30 nonprofits, launched its Youth Philanthropy Contest earlier this year. The plan was to award $1,000 to individuals and groups, ages kindergarten through 25, to implement charitable projects in their communities. Eight winners would be chosen, with funding awarded through the Connie Fund, a donor-advised fund of the Nebraska Community Foundation, which benefits young people in northeast Nebraska. The Council was overwhelmed with the response it received. Early in February, 33 contestants presented a wide range of charitable project ideas for judging: intergenerational learning, a diabetic support group for youth, a youth art auction, a gardening project for needy families, support for veterans, the humane society and more. It was difficult to choose only eight deserving projects. Later in February the Council hosted its first “Celebrate Giving!” banquet to honor generous adult donors and volunteers throughout northeast Nebraska, and to celebrate the winners of the Youth Philanthropy Contest. The event drew an overflow crowd. As the young people and their projects were introduced, many in the audience were moved to donate additional funds so that more youth projects could be done. The result: six additional projects were funded for a total of 14. “The contest just seemed to have a ripple effect throughout the community,” said Council Chair Tammy Day. “This is a tremendous step toward creating a culture of giving because we’re giving young people a chance to participate. It’s been awesome!” For more information and photos visit http://philanthropycouncilne.org. n
The Little Dragons After-School Program provides iPads for residents of Countryside Home in Madison for intergenerational learning. “The project went really well,” said Ronda Strecker, activity director for the Countryside Home. “The kids visited for about an hour each week over the course of several months. They played games and read stories on the iPads with the residents. I think the seniors were surprised to find out how simple it was. They really appreciated the interaction with the students,” Strecker said. “This project has turned into Carl Putman hones his iPad skills with the something that I could only dream help of students Jahir Casarrubias (left) about,” said Jane Lewis, third grade and Yovany Carrillo (right). teacher and after-school coordinator. there the residents were playing with the “The students beg to go out to two iPads that we purchased for their Countryside Home to see the residents activity room when we left,” said Lewis. and play iPads with them. Some of the The program is continuing the weekly boys have made pictures in art class and the residents have them hanging proudly visits for six weeks of summer school and will start up again in the fall. n in their rooms. The last time we were
The 3rd grade class at Jefferson Elementary School in Norfolk uses its “Bears of Care” project to comfort people in distress.
Ronnie Zephier and teacher Mandy Wolff pose with a nearly completed care bear.
The 22 students made 110 teddy bears to distribute to the Carson Cancer Center, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Norfolk Police Department and the Wesley Center Crisis Nursery. The project was intended to help anyone going through a hard time, and with each bear came a beaded necklace that represents each student who had a hand in creating the Jefferson Bears of Care. “The kids came up with the idea,” said teacher Mandy Wolff. “I was surprised they could even say the word philanthropy, much less tell you what it means. The kids said it just felt good to help someone else. It was a new life experience,” said Mrs. Wolff. n
Inside NCF NCF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Members Shannon Harner of Lincoln, Chair Brandon Day of Norfolk, Vice Chair Richard Walter of Shickley, Secretary Dennis Stara of Lincoln, Treasurer Brian Thompson of Waverly, Immediate Past Chair At-Large Members K.C. Belitz of Columbus Honorable Douglas Bereuter of Cedar Bluffs Judy Brockmeier of Eustis Joe Ferguson of Norfolk Casey Garrigan of Omaha Lori Pankonin of Imperial Judy Parks of Papillion F.E. Pete Peterson of Brule Sara Coffee Radil of Omaha Jon Schmaderer of Stuart Kurt Tjaden of Omaha Ray Welsh of Pender Honorary Members Helen Boosalis* of Lincoln Fred Bruning of Bruning Steve Buttress of Kearney Janet Krotter Chvala of Atkinson Brenda Council of Omaha Connie Day* of Norfolk P. Mark Graff of McCook 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 Beverly Pollock of Ogallala Sid Salzman of Ainsworth Jim Scholz of Omaha Frank Sibert of Kearney Bob Stowell of Ord Kathleen Thuman of Lincoln Susan Ugai of Lincoln Mimi Waldbaum* of Omaha Jeanene Wehrbein of Plattsmouth Jim Wolf* of Albion * Deceased President and CEO Jeffrey G Yost
NCF Plans for Even Higher Impact wealth, and the creativity and work ethic Over the nearly 20 years since its founding in 1993, the Nebraska of Nebraska’s people are the catalysts that Community Foundation has built a drive our work in nearly all of the 235 model unique in the United States. communities we serve. By providing a centralized system NCF has grown dramatically in the of technical support past decade. We face the and education, NCF challenge of using our empowers local leaders limited resources to serve across the state to focus on nearly unlimited demand. their local development To help the NCF Board priorities. and staff prioritize its work to Those diverse priorities meet this challenge, a Boardoften lead to a singular led strategic planning process goal: building communities was undertaken in late 2011 where young people can choose to live, work and and early 2012. The Board raise their families. identified and committed to In this issue of our Jeff Yost, advance goals and strategies NCF President and CEO newsletter you will to move NCF forward, find stories of how our and it revised our Vision and Mission affiliated funds are engaging young statements to more fully articulate what people so they have a sense of belonging we are working to achieve. and ownership in their hometowns. We hold a bold vision for Nebraska They are investing in ways to build pride, – one that will require time and skills and commitment among our commitment from partners both younger generation because it will take within and beyond our immediate NCF more than playgrounds and swimming family. We invite everyone reading this pools to attract young families. newsletter to join us as we work to build a The threat of continuing population loss, the intergenerational transfer of better Nebraska. n
Vision
Mission
The Nebraska Community Foundation envisions a state where communities of engaged individuals create opportunities for all people to reach their highest potential. People embrace Nebraska’s culture of giving and our values of good work, accountability and responsibility. Nebraska communities are prosperous places where people want to live, raise families, do business, work and enjoy the good life.
The Nebraska Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy, community development and economic development to help communities help themselves. NCF creates a path to greater prosperity for all by helping communities:
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• Envision a better future • Develop local leadership and talent • Inspire charitable giving and grow endowments • Fund community needs and opportunities • Manage financial resources • Build and leverage every local asset
Strategic Planning and Regional Meetings www.nebcommfound.org
Board Sets Ambitious 5-Year Goals For example, the five-year plan includes NCF has lived up to its “working increasing our use of technology to board” reputation over the past several provide new services to our affiliated months. Beginning with a systems-wide funds. The number of trained volunteer organizational assessment that began last mentors will increase over time. And summer, volunteer Board members have action planning for new spent many hours on and existing funds will be homework, in committee “There is a tremendous a priority. meetings and at a multiopportunity for philanthropy “This is the most day retreat to craft a fiveand local leadership to really have a huge positive impact extensive planning year strategic plan. over the next decade. So we process the NCF Board The plan is based have to act now.” has ever undertaken,” on several lead – Brandon Day said Brandon Day, NCF goals emphasizing NCF Vice Chair Vice Chair and chair of organizational the planning committee. sustainability, efficiency “We set the bar high for our Board and and effectiveness, and an ongoing our staff because we know that a great focus on our affiliated funds and their deal of work needs to be done. There is a community results and impact. The plan tremendous opportunity for philanthropy also renews the Board’s commitment and local leadership to really have a huge to deepening and improving NCF’s communications and marketing efforts to positive impact over the next decade. So we have to act now,” Day said. support this important work throughout Following Board adoption of the fivethe state. year strategic plan in April, NCF staff Board members also identified members developed an annual operating indicators for measuring success and the plan for meeting fiscal year 2013 strategies NCF will use to reach its shortobjectives. n and long-term goals.
Board members Doug Bereuter (l) and Joe Ferguson (r) consider strategies for strengthening affiliated funds with Marcia White, NCF Director of Community Development Philanthropy, during the Board planning retreat in Ashland.
Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations
The Nebraska Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 1993 to serve communities, organizations and donors throughout Nebraska. NCF is recognized nationally for its innovative practices in community development philanthropy. The Foundation provides a range of services, including financial management, strategic development, education and training to more than 220 affiliated funds statewide.
O’Neill Community Foundation Fund Advisory Committee member Nicole Sedlacek reports back from a small-group discussion at the regional meeting in O’Neill.
Fund Leaders Learn Together NCF’s volunteer Board members played a leading role in this year’s regional meetings for Fund Advisory Committee (FAC) members. Board members, most of whom are affiliated fund leaders themselves, stressed the importance of using NCF’s Transfer of Wealth Study as a call to action for building unrestricted community endowments. The peer learning sessions drew 144 FAC members from 45 different affiliated funds. Thanks to these communities for serving as our volunteer hosts: Arnold, Columbus, Eustis, Hebron, Imperial, O’Neill, Pender and Unadilla. Training focused on Rural Development Philanthropy (RDP) – a community-led approach that creates locally controlled assets and invests them to strengthen rural places. It builds a community’s ability to shape a better future for the well-being of all community members. RPD unites the tools of community, economic and resource development. Peer learning and mentoring continues to be one of NCF’s most valuable services. Planning is underway to offer these opportunities at NCF’s annual training on November 8, and at regional meetings in the coming year. n
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Affiliated Fund Updates Engaging Young People McCook Community Foundation Fund’s YCR (Youth Change Reaction) members are high school students who utilize their motto “It’s Up To Us” while they engage in youth activities and community service. Recently they picked up highway trash in McCook on Earth Day.
Tilden-Meadow Grove Foundation Fund recently co-sponsored an event to
raise student awareness of the possibility of returning to the community after post-secondary education. “Vision by Way of Leadership Day” included roundtable discussions and presentations that brought forward many of the youths’ ideas for improving their communities.
West Holt Medical Services Foundation Fund is remodeling an
exam room to be “friendly” for the young rural Nebraskans who will be using the medical clinic in Atkinson. The Fund invited area young people to “design the room” by submitting artwork. More than 150 entries were submitted for the Fun in Rural Nebraska art contest.
Spencer Community Foundation Fund provided help with tuition for each
of the 29 girls who participated in Boyd County’s first-ever Girls on the Run team. The 10-week curriculum weaves training for a 5K run with lessons that empower girls to celebrate their bodies, honor their voices and embrace their gifts.
(Front row from left) Sam Backer, Brooklynn Trew, Hollie Eiler, Mallory Koepke and Hannah Esch. (Back row) Vince Lyons and Gavin Harsh.
For a second year the Creighton Community Foundation Fund is
sending two high school sophomores to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership seminar at Hastings College. Conducted throughout the U.S., the seminar provides lifelong leadership development opportunities that empower individuals to achieve their highest potential.
Jacob Morrill and Emily Boyle are chosen to attend this summer’s Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership seminar. Also pictured is Creighton Fund Advisory Committee member Christine Baldwin.
Thedford Area Community Foundation Fund presented one
of its annual grants to the Thedford High School sophomore class for its participation in the Sandhills Leadership program. The students meet monthly in different locations with teens from several schools to study economic, entrepreneurship, leadership and community issues.
Valley County Community Foundation Fund
partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to raise awareness among high school seniors about opportunities to remain in or return to Valley County. Students from three area high schools learned about career opportunities and incentives to start businesses. Each senior received a USB flash drive with all the information, plus photos, links to national publications featuring Valley County and encouraging quotes. More than half the students expressed an interest in returning at some point in the future.
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Bailey Kraus was the overall winner for WHMSF art contest. She is pictured here with Erin Tobin, Family Nurse Practitioner.
This summer the Boone County Area Foundation Fund supported an Entrepreneur Investigation Camp (ESI) with a full enrollment of 20 area students. The students learned about business planning, budgeting, marketing and product development. The award– winning ESI curriculum was developed through a partnership between NCF and UNL Extension. n
(L-r) Trey Zoucha, Riley Swerczek and Tanner Trube sell their Big Daddy Sundaes at Boone County’s ESI product fair.
Community and Organizational Success Highlights www.nebcommfound.org
Building Community
SAVE THE DATE NCF ANNUAL EVENTS IN KEARNEY Thursday, November 8
Butler County Area Foundation Fund teamed up with other local
organizations and businesses in 2012 to support the community’s eighth Leading Locally class. The class meets for eight monthly sessions that focus on everything from local government, business and social entrepreneurship, conflict management, personality types, leadership styles and more. In June the class hosted an event for the 122 alumni who have graduated from the program. The event was an opportunity to reconnect and reflect on the impact that this valuable leadership experience has had on the participants and the community.
Holt County Economic Development Fund, now completing
its fifth year, is reporting a number of remarkable achievements. The Fund was able to hire a county-wide business coach;
Butler County’s 2012 Leading Locally Class: (Front from left) Regina Blowers, Dee Pohl, Hilary Christian, Dee Timmerman. (Back) Kalen Vandenberg, Tina Paseka, Cindy Heavican, Wade Rahn, Extension Educator – Dennis Kahl. Not pictured: Kathleen Deavers
it has helped 28 new business start-ups and 18 business expansions, which have created or retained 236 jobs. Its leadership class has 111 graduates. And importantly, it has played a role in helping 118 alumni and new families move into the county. Communities in Holt County benefit from more than $3 million in endowments from a variety of NCF affiliated funds, and there now are 16 planned gifts that will provide additional funds for future priorities.
Hyannis Area Community Foundation Fund helped organize
and sponsor the second annual Hyannis Health and Wellness Fair for more than 60 women in the Sandhills. Participants received free non-fasting cholesterol blood tests and blood pressure screenings. Last year these tests identified several women who were at risk. Participants also learned about heart-healthy eating habits and exercise, the importance of becoming organ donors, osteoporosis and much more. Babysitting services also were added this year. Other sponsors of the event were the Cow County Health Foundation, Box Butte General
Join us at the Holiday Inn for a full day of affiliated fund training and our evening Affiliated Fund Expo and Annual Banquet. Make plans now to shine a light on your affiliated fund’s activities by reserving your Expo display table. Contact Teri Alley-Davis for information at (402) 323-7342 or talley-davis@nebcommfound.org.
Find us on Facebook! Find out what other affiliated funds are doing. Get help, advice and new ideas. Share your thoughts and keep in touch. Facebook.com/ nebraskacommunityfoundation
WATCH US ON YOUTUBE
YouTube.com/nebcommfound Watch videos featuring affiliated fund leaders and comments from our longtime friends. If your fund has a video that you’d like to have on our channel, contact Reggi Carlson at (402) 323-7331 or rcarlson@nebcommfound.org.
WEBINAR TRAININGS
Lab technician Morgan Parker (left) and medical technician Marina Girard spent the morning drawing blood for a free non-fasting cholesterol blood test.
Hospital and Sandhills District Health Department. n
NCF has an online library of more than 30 recorded training webinars. Find them on our website at nebcommfound.org/affiliated-funds/ services/webinar-trainings. You will need to log in with your username and password. Contact Angie Parrish at aparrish@nebcommfound.org if you have forgotten yours or have never logged in.
Nebraska Community Foundation | Connections | Summer 2012 | 5
Charitable Giving Fund Helps Small-Town Libraries
donor-advised funds
The Tekamah Carnegie Library Shirley Kreutz Bennett was a lifelong Benefits educator and traveler. She was a graduate Foundation received $20,000 to help Combine maximum tax benefits with with its $1 million improvement project of Harvard High School in Nebraska in the flexibility to support your favorite 1941 and earned an M.A. and Ph.D. from to build a new one-story addition and charities on your own timeline. Columbia University. She taught on both renovate the existing Carnegie Library. The addition will meet ADA standards coasts before returning to Nebraska. • Low-cost and easy to establish Late in life, Shirley made arrangements and install an elevator so that all levels • Efficient management and tax are accessible. to continue her legacy of learning by receipt tracking “We felt that each of these were worthy setting up a donor-advised fund through • Freedom to change the charities projects. I am sure that being able to the Nebraska Community Foundation. that benefit provide some support would have She wanted to provide financial support made Aunt Shirley to libraries located • No minimum annual distribution very happy,” said in communities required Jane Reeson, with populations • Freedom to remain anonymous Fund Advisory under 3,000 to if desired Committee Chair. ensure that people Grants are in small towns have awarded in three access to a world of Tax advantages areas: planning information. grants leading to Upon her death, • Receive the maximum tax library accreditation; NCF helped a deduction available The late Shirley Kreutz Bennett with her enhancement grants committee of Shirley’s husband, Millard Bennett, in 2007. • Deduct the value of your gift in the to improve services nieces and nephews year it is made, yet make grants on and/or programs; and facilities grants develop guidelines and procedures for your own timetable the Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund. for new buildings or the renovation of • Avoid estate taxes on gifts that you current libraries. All grants require a In 2012 the Fund Advisory Committee make to your donor-advised fund level of matching funds and evidence awarded its first round of grants to five that the project has broad community deserving library projects: • Avoid capital gains taxes while support. Approximately $70,000 is Bridgeport Public Library received realizing the maximum tax$20,000 to help expand the library into an available each year. deduction for gifts of real estate Grant seekers are encouraged to review adjacent building owned by the City. The or closely held stock the guidelines and application procedures project will double the size of the library. Contact Jim Gustafson, NCF Gift The new space will be used for a children’s at www.nebcommfound.org/fund/ Planning Director, (402) 323-7341 kreutzbennett. For more information, area, work space, circulation desk and or jgustafson@nebcommfound.org. contact Reggi Carlson at (402) 323-7331 archival storage. or rcarlson@nebcommfound.org. n Morrill Public Library was awarded $8,500 to replace windows and repair the interior of the eastern side of the building. The improvements will help make the building, originally constructed in 1936, more energy-efficient. Ponca Carnegie Library is expanding its Day Care Outreach Program, thanks to a $2,500 grant. The program is delivered to home-based day care centers. The goal of the program is to jump-start toddlers’ language skills and help older children Library enthusiasts break ground in April for a new addition to the historic Carnegie Library in retain skills they are already learning. Tekamah. 6 | Nebraska Community Foundation | Connections | Summer 2012
Donor-Advised Funds and NCF Contributions www.nebcommfound.org
Fundraising for the NCF Mission As soon as NCF crossed the finish line by raising $3 million to meet its $1 million Ford Challenge grant, NCF Board members and staff went right to work to design a plan to move forward toward future sustainability. “Like nearly all nonprofits, NCF must raise charitable contributions to carry out its mission. Fees from our communitybased affiliated funds cover only about 34 percent of what it takes to provide the training, coaching and administrative support they need,” said Richard Walter, NCF Board member and chair of our Board fundraising steering committee. “Thanks to the work of NCF,
communities and organizations now have endowments of more than $40 million. Another $40 million in planned gifts will benefit our communities in the future. It’s time we all stepped up to build an endowment to support NCF’s work,” said Walter, who also serves as Vice Chair of the Shickley Community Foundation Fund. An anonymous donor has issued a generous new challenge grant, and we are asking everyone who believes in our work to help us meet it. For information on how you can help contact Jeff Yost, NCF President & CEO at (402) 323-7330 or jeffyost@nebcommfound.org. n
Richard and Darlene Walter of Shickley provide major financial support to the Nebraska Community Foundation. Richard accepted the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals-Nebraska Chapter in November 2011.
Contributions to the Nebraska Community Foundation Gifts and Pledges 7/1/2011 – 6/30/2012 $100,000 to $350,000 Hunt Family Donor-Advised Fund Blair The Sherwood Foundation * Omaha Judy Hemberger Estes Park, CO $25,000 to $99,999 W.H. & E.C. Damme Farms LLC Talmage USDA – Rural Development Lemoine E. Anderson McCook First National Bank of Omaha * Omaha $10,000 to $24,999 Consolidated Companies * Lincoln Cooper Foundation Lincoln Judy and Ron Parks * Papillion Daycos * Norfolk Richard and Darlene Walter/ Richard Walter Insurance Agency * Shickley
Bruning State Bank * Bruning Kenner Family Donor-Advised Fund* Hebron Ameritas Charitable Foundation * Lincoln Cornerstone Bank * York Kathleen Thuman * Lincoln $5,000 to $9,999 Diller Telephone Company * Diller $2,000 to $4,999 Westwood Trust Omaha Elkhorn Valley Bank Norfolk Dennis and Nancy Stara * Lincoln Pete and Jonnie Peterson * Brule McCook National Bank * McCook Fred Lockwood/Lockwood Foundation * Scottsbluff Bob and Michelle Dudley * Norfolk
Bettenhausen Family Foundation * Lincoln Brandon and Tammy Day * Norfolk Judith Scherer Connealy and Matt Connealy * Decatur Shannon Harner and Philip Goddard * Lincoln Judith Brockmeier * Eustis MNB Financial Group * McCook Union Bank & Trust Company Lincoln $1,000 to $1,999 Sara and Gary W. Radil Omaha Susan M. Ugai * Lincoln Great Plains Communication Omaha Tri-County Bank * Stuart Dudley Laundry Company Norfolk Nebraska Investment Finance Authority Lincoln Midwest Bank Pierce
Security National Bank Laurel Christensen Brozek Faltys PC Norfolk Bradford Insurance Agency Norfolk Koley Jessen PC LLO Omaha Frontier Holdings LLC Omaha BankFirst Norfolk Graff Family, Inc. McCook K.C. and Colleen Belitz * Columbus Raymond E. and Debra Welsh * Pender Lori J. and Russell Pankonin * Imperial Mark and Linda Graff* McCook Diane M. Wilson * Lincoln Allen and Kay Blezek * Lincoln Lora Damme Talmage The Meadows Norfolk Kurt F. and Ann E. Tjaden Omaha
$500 to $999 Jeff Yost and Cindy Ryman Yost * Lincoln Tintsman Family Donor-Advised Fund Lincoln Douglas and Louise Bereuter Cedar Bluffs Joe Ferguson * Norfolk Jim and Terri Gustafson * Lincoln Marcia A. White * Lincoln Reggi and Doug Carlson * Lincoln Jon and Jennifer Schmaderer * Stuart Sam and Joyce Baird Lincoln Jeff and Judy Greenwald Lincoln Don Schmaderer * Stuart HBE Becker Meyer Love LLP Lincoln Rubendall Foundation Charitable Trust * Lincoln * All or a portion of this gift is part of a multi-year pledge commitment.
Nebraska Community Foundation | Connections | Summer 2012 | 7
NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
PAID
PO Box 83107 Lincoln, NE 68501-3107
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
LINCOLN, NE PERMIT NO. 449
(402) 323-7330 Fax (402) 323-7349 www.nebcommfound.org info@nebcommfound.org
Volunteers
Best Practices
Reach Out to Alumni Who cares about your hometown? Just about everyone who has ever lived there! That’s why so many NCF affiliated funds reach out to folks who may be gone but have never forgotten what their hometown means to them. One of the most effective ways to involve both former and current residents in the mission of your affiliated fund is to link your efforts to high school alumni events. For example, the Future of Decatur Foundation Fund offers a presentation at the annual Bulldog Alumni Banquet. Fund leaders talk about plans for upcoming projects and how contributions can be made. This year the Fund displayed a prototype design of a new community welcome sign. Just down the road, the Craig Community Foundation Fund hosts the annual alumni banquet on its own, because the high school in this town of 200 closed many years ago. The Fund has helped to maintain the gym as a community center with a special room for alumni memorabilia. The alumni banquet is an opportunity to honor donors and receive annual gifts.
Timing an alumni event around holidays also is a good idea. The Red Cloud Community Foundation Fund hosts a donor appreciation dinner each year during Memorial Day weekend. The dinner is free with all costs covered by individual and corporate sponsors. The Fund uses the event to honor donors, update guests on grantmaking and other community news, and offer presentations by special invited guests. The Imperial Community Foundation Fund partners with the City to host an afternoon open house at the public library between Christmas and New Year’s when many people are visiting for the holidays. It’s an opportunity for people to learn about long-term economic goals, job opportunities, current community projects, and of course, giving back through the community fund. The Pender-Thurston Education & Community Foundation Fund collaborates closely with the school system. Nearly all of the teachers make lifetime annual $100 gifts. This Fund sends out its annual banquet invitation to alumni with a brochure, letter and a membership
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Red Cloud High School alumni and donors share a moment prior to the evening’s alumni banquet at the Red Cloud opera house. (L-r) Marlene Hansen, Sharon Amack, Alan Amack, Vivian Amack and Phil Hansen. Photo by Harriett Zade, Red Cloud Chief
challenge. Classes compete through an informal challenge to raise funds. Importantly, Fund Advisory Committee members follow up with handwritten thank-you notes to each donor. The McCook Community Foundation Fund takes advantage of the Bison Alumni Newsletter, with an average distribution to about 7,500 households. The Fund inserts a one-page promotional piece at least once a year. There are many creative ways to invite people into your circle of giving. Even though they may no longer live there, your hometown likely holds a place close to the hearts of those far away. n