Summer 2015
Connections
www.nebcommfound.org
Capitalizing on Hometown Heritage Red Cloud is home to a world-class cultural asset: the childhood home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Willa Cather – the primary setting for many of her works – and the nation’s largest collection of historic sites that are dedicated to a single American author. Since 1955, Red Cloud has been the headquarters for the Willa Cather Foundation which provides a variety of programs that encourage more than 8,000 enthusiasts to visit each year. Nebraska Community Foundation worked with the Red Cloud Community Foundation Fund to use one of the community’s most important assets – the Willa Cather heritage – to begin developing other heritage tourism assets in the area. By developing diverse opportunities for tourism, Red Cloud has the potential to generate dozens of new jobs and millions of dollars in economic Red Cloud is focusing on heritage tourism as an impact each year. economic development strategy. Some people are surprised to learn that tourism is Nebraska’s third largest industry, cultural assets to a much greater degree. Dennis Hansen, chair of the Red Cloud bringing in over $3.3 billion annually. Few Community Foundation Fund shares of our rural communities, however, have his vision for the future: “Through a as great an opportunity to use heritage combined effort from the City of Red tourism as a primary focus for economic Cloud, Red Cloud Chamber of Commerce, development as Red Cloud. Willa Cather Foundation, Nebraska Red Cloud has always had this Community Foundation, Red Cloud opportunity, but it required time, trust Community Foundation Fund and and charitable investment to put a plan especially our donors, we will be able to and the people in place to capitalize on it. use our heritage tourism assets that are Fortunately, Red Cloud has, over the already in place, and from them, grow years, built an unrestricted endowment new endeavors to create more jobs and to provide financial support to explore have a positive economic impact for Red these opportunities. Cloud.” Critical to moving forward was You can learn more about efforts to conducting a feasibility study which was catalyze heritage tourism by watching funded by the Red Cloud Community Red Cloud’s community video at Foundation Fund. The study found that vimeo.com/115581298. n the community could be leveraging its
Leading Change NCF and the Red Cloud Community Foundation Fund have partnered to utilize heritage tourism as an economic development strategy: >F acilitated multiple action planning sessions in 2012. > I dentified heritage tourism as a key economic development opportunity. >F unded a study to analyze the economic impact potential of a robust heritage tourism program. > I nformed the community that significant tourism expansion could generate $3.5 million in new economic activity which could lead to an economic impact of $6 million each year. >D eveloped an action plan that called for the hiring of a heritage tourism development director. >W orked with two NCF donor-advised funds to contribute a combined $500,000 to the Red Cloud Community Foundation Fund for heritage tourism. >C reated a collaborative agreement whereby the City of Red Cloud, Chamber of Commerce and Red Cloud Community Foundation Fund provide a total of at least $150,000 per year for five years to implement the action plan, with the Willa Cather Foundation employing a new heritage tourism director and support staff. >T he Willa Cather Foundation hired a native son, Jarrod McCartney, as Red Cloud’s heritage tourism development director. n
Nebraska Community Foundation | Connections | Summer 2015 | 1
NCF Newsletter Summer 2015.indd 1
7/11/15 1:03 PM
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, 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 Honorary Members Helen Boosalis* of Lincoln Fred Bruning of Bruning Steve Buttress of Kearney Janet Krotter Chvala of O’Neill 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 Emerita
President and CEO Jeffrey G Yost
Creating a Culture of Engagement Following are a few The article on the front takeaways from the festival page of this newsletter is a that I thought were worthy of wonderful example of a rural sharing: community expanding its • Community building is a future opportunities with practice, which means we the assets they have on hand. have more to learn. Since our founding, Nebraska • Communities are built on Community Foundation gifts and associations. has used the principles and • Our assets make us practices of Asset-Based producers of the future, not Community Development Jeff Yost NCF President and CEO consumers or clients. to help our affiliated fund • Do not assume someone else is leaders and donors appreciate and utilize responsible or someone else is better many types of community assets — equipped or qualified — We are the financial, physical, natural, human, and people we have been waiting for! in the case of Red Cloud, cultural. Each • We make the path as we walk it. of our hometowns has special and unique Many NCF affiliated fund leaders are attributes. What assets can you identify in embracing these ABCD principles and are your hometown that you can build on? becoming skilled ABCD practitioners. Recently, I participated at an AssetKeep it up! As the stories in this newsletter Based Community Development festival clearly articulate, community leadership with people from around the world and generosity are building a brighter future who are using ABCD to build their in dozens of our hometowns. n communities.
Meet Jenny Herstein Nebraska Community Foundation is pleased to welcome Jenny Herstein, who joins our staff as assistant director of advancement. This newly created position will focus efforts to support and sustain the mission of Nebraska Community Foundation and our more Jenny Herstein than 220 affiliated funds. Jenny will develop strategies for executing annual fund drives, annual events sponsorships, friend-raising events and donor stewardship programs. She will also provide training and assistance to affiliated fund leaders who are building endowments in communities across the state.
Prior to joining NCF, Jenny Herstein worked as director of development for the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications (NET) Foundation for Television and Radio, where she provided leadership for fundraising activities, on-air membership drives and donor relations. Jenny is a native of Stanton, Nebraska. She has a bachelor’s degree in business from UNL. Jenny and her husband, Jack, a Lincoln native, live on an acreage outside of Lincoln. They have two adult children. Jenny volunteers her time as a youth leader at First Plymouth Church and enjoys traveling, gardening, kayaking and hiking. n
2 | Nebraska Community Foundation | Connections | Summer 2015
NCF Newsletter Summer 2015.indd 2
7/11/15 1:03 PM
Quarterly Board Meeting and New Staff www.nebcommfound.org
NCF Board Meets in Boone County NCF holds its quarterly board meetings in affiliated fund communities across the state. Twelve of our 18 statewide board members are Fund Advisory Committee members themselves, and all board members say that traveling to affiliated fund communities enables them to have a deeper understanding of and commitment to our mission. In June the board was hosted by the Boone County Area Foundation Fund, which serves Albion, Petersburg, Primrose, St. Edward and Cedar Rapids. The Fund has enjoyed a lot of success. In 2001 the late Jim Wolf and his wife Elaine issued a $100,000 challenge grant to the community to build an unrestricted endowment. Today that endowment has grown to more than $1 million. The Fund has six accounts for other local charitable causes: • The Big Give • Boone Nance Cattleman’s Foundation Endowment • Albion Public Library • Petersburg Parks Renovation • Renewable Energy Research and Education • Albion Swimming Pool Boone County has 12 active Fund Advisory Committee members who raise money and determine grants that regularly
Jay Wolf (far right) explains to NCF board and staff members how a challenge issued by the late Mitzi Fox of Albion led to the construction of an ultra-modern family aquatic center. Jay is treasurer for the Boone County Area Foundation Fund.
support youth programs, the senior center, the arts, library and fire and rescue. In April 2015, the Fund provided $28,374 in grants to nine organizations. Last year the Fund took the lead in organizing the Boone County Philanthropy Council, and in December the Fund was the lead organization for the community’s “Big Give” day that raised more than $172,000 for 13 local charities.There were over 650 gifts from over 400 donors. The Fund played a pivotal fundraising role for the construction of the new Family Aquatic Center. The late Mitzi Fox challenged the community to build a new swimming pool with her lead gift of $266,000. The town passed a $2.9 million bond for a new pool that paid for the basics. The added amenities were made possible through $727,000 in charitable
gifts from Mitzi Fox, the Peter Kiewit Foundation and 286 donors. Board and staff members enjoyed a driving tour of Albion, Petersburg and the surrounding area, which is dotted with new housing developments for the increasing number of young adults who are moving to the county. In the evening we were treated to a generous community reception and dinner at the home of Kurt and Jerene Kruse. On the following day we held our business meeting at the spacious country club. Thanks to everyone in Boone County for your wonderful hospitality. And thanks to all our board members who travel across the state, and sometimes across the country, to fully participate in the governance of our remarkable organization. n
Training Community Conveners Community-based affiliated funds are uniquely positioned to serve as conveners and facilitators for important civic dialogue. This year Nebraska Community Foundation has offered a sophisticated learning experience for Fund Advisory Committee members who are interested in gaining skills in facilitating group conversations. The two-day Technology of Participation
(ToP®) training is delivered by professional facilitators. NCF covers the cost, but space is limited and participation is by invitation, with preference given to those who bring three or more FAC members. If your affiliated fund is serious about leading community conversations, contact Greta Leach, Director of Community Development Philanthropy, (402) 323-7343 or gleach@nebcommfound.org. n
These notes capture planning session ideas for the Big Give in Valley County. The session was facilitated by three members of Valley County Community Foundation Fund following their ToP ® training.
Nebraska Community Foundation | Connections | Summer 2015 | 3
NCF Newsletter Summer 2015.indd 3
7/11/15 1:03 PM
Affiliated Fund Updates Elgin Community Foundation Fund
provided a scholarship last year, and today, they have a new business in town. Cordell Waterbury used his scholarship to finish his degree in ATV repair from Southeast Community College. “I’ve wanted to work for myself ever since I was a freshman in high school. I’ve always liked Elgin and I knew I wanted to return home,” Cordell said. In addition to ATVs he also repairs UTVs and other small vehicles, and Cordell Waterbury is glad he sells tires. to be owning and operating “From talking his business back in his to people, I hometown. Photo courtesy Elgin Review opened the business to provide a service in town so people don’t have to drive so far,” he said. Fund Advisory Committee member Anne Parks said that it was easy to see that Cordell’s intention to return home was sincere. “It’s nice to be able to help someone who’s going to come back, and he seems to be doing really well,” she said.
Chief Standing Bear Journey for Justice Fund awarded its first two
$1,500 scholarships in May at the 2015 Great Plains Symposium, “Standing Bear & The Trail Ahead.” This endowed fund awards scholarships to individuals of Native American heritage residing in Nebraska who demonstrate community leadership and financial need. Recipient Michelle LaMere of Winnebago, a 48-year-old mother, stated, “It is extremely important to me to have won the Chief Standing Bear Journey for Justice Scholarship because of the criteria required to qualify for consideration. I knew I was competing against some of the best scholars in Indian Country. My plan is to use the scholarship to help pay for tuition at the University of Nebraska where I will pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education.” Steve Laravie, Jr., a Lincoln High School senior, also received a scholarship. He plans to major in environmental studies at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas. Anyone can contribute to the endowed scholarship fund at www.NebraskaHometown.org/fund/ standing-bear.
Rock County Community Fund,
benefiting Bassett, Newport and Rose, was established in April 2014. Already the Fund has raised $100,000 and will now receive a $50,000 challenge grant from NCF’s Francis L. Kramer Donor-Advised Fund. Mr. Kramer is a former area rancher who wanted to leave a permanent legacy in the community where he lived most of his life. “Our goal is to build a $1.5 million endowment by 2018,” said chair Homer Buell. “We know it’s a big goal, but we have big opportunities in Rock County for our children and grandchildren.”
The Eustis Area Community Foundation Fund’s E-Unit kids logged
72 volunteer community service hours this spring. Projects included cleaning gutters, washing windows, moving furniture, mowing, raking, tree trimming, and general trash pick-up and haul away. The E-Unit has been an active partner for many years. In addition to working with youth, the Fund provids significant support for seniors, including a $3,000 grant to help replace the senior center’s furnace this year.
Valan Bellamy and Gage Bellamy help haul away trash during this spring’s community clean-up day in Eustis.
More and more girls in north-central Nebraska are able to participate in a national program that promotes exercise and a positive attitude for third through sixth graders. The Atkinson, Spencer
and O’Neill Community Foundation Funds all provide
Michelle LaMere accepts her scholarship from Joe Starita, who contributes a portion of the proceeds from his book, “Chief Standing Bear’s Journey For Justice,” to build the endowment.
tuition support for Girls On The Run. This 10week program encourages girls to be the best they can be. The program culminates with a 5K celebration run. This spring more than 200 girls and run buddies from Boyd County, and Holt County ran the race.
Alexis Stracke of Atkinson runs with her 4th grade teacher and running partner, Brittany Malone, during a 5K celebration for Girls On The Run.
4 | Nebraska Community Foundation | Connections | Summer 2015
NCF Newsletter Summer 2015.indd 4
7/11/15 1:03 PM
Community, Organizational and Donor-Advised Fund Highlights www.nebcommfound.org
West Holt Medical Services Foundation now has electronic medical
records (EMR) computer terminals in each of its 17 exam rooms. The generous gift to fund the majority of the equipment purchase came from newlyweds Bryan and Amy (Westphalen) Rentschler. Bryan is president of the clinic’s board of directors and Amy is a physician assistant. “I will have accurate, up-to-date and complete information about my patients without having to thumb through, at times, pages and pages of the patient’s previous health information,” Amy said.
Bryan and Amy Rentschler see their charitable contribution at work every day in Atkinson.
Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund named Chloe
Higgins a Youth Philanthropy Contest winner and its Philanthropist of the Year in 2013. As an eighth grader she made more than 30 “boxes of sunshine” filled with yellowcolored items to brighten the day of someone who was Chloe Higgins is pictured with one of her “boxes of sunshine” going she delivers to people facing hard through times. hard times. Recently she was instrumental in organizing “40 Days of Kindness” at her church, encouraging members to perform at least one act of kindness each day and share it on the church’s Facebook page. This fall she will receive the 2015 Youth Philanthropist Award from the Nebraska Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals. She says she is somewhat embarrassed by all the attention she has received, but people in Nebraska City know she deserves it.
Columbus Youth Philanthropy Contest winners from Columbus High
School’s Key Club used their grant award to help kids who need supplies for school. Key Club member Cele Appel, says the backpacks will go to foster children who really need it. “They are going to children who have been removed from their home because of abuse or neglect. In the backpacks there are coloring books, stuffed animals, crayons, folders and books,” Appel explained. The backpacks are filled with supplies appropriate for three different age groups from ages 3 to 14. “It makes me feel good to help someone who needs it,” Appel said.
Save the Date 2015 Annual Training, Expo and Banquet Thursday, November 5, 2015 River’s Edge Convention Center Columbus, Nebraska For more information call 402-323-7330 or info@nebcommfound.org.
Automatic Giving is Growing Professionals will tell you that donors who give often and give regularly are far more likely to increase their contributions and even consider a planned gift. 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 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! Share your thoughts and comments and keep in touch! Facebook.com/nebraskacommunityfoundation
WATCH US ON YOUTUBE YouTube.com/nebcommfound You can also find our videos on NCF’s website: nebcommfound.org/about-us/ videos. Get inspired!
Follow Us on Twitter Twitter.com/nebcommfound
Stay Connected With NCF E-Newsletters
Members from Key Club at Columbus High School drop off backpacks at the Health and Human Services building in May during National Foster Care Month.
If you are a Fund Advisory Committee member and have not been getting our biweekly e-newsletter, contact Angie Nelson at anelson@nebcommfound.org right away. We’ll make sure we have your correct email address. Be sure to add “Reggi Carlson” and “Angie Nelson” as safe senders to your inbox.
Nebraska Community Foundation | Connections | Summer 2015 | 5
NCF Newsletter Summer 2015.indd 5
7/11/15 1:03 PM
Community Impact Colleges and universities often point to private giving as a means to provide a ‘margin of excellence’ for their programs. Across Nebraska, NCF affiliated funds are creating that margin of excellence at the local level by investing in programs that stimulate student and teacher learning.
Small School – Broad Reach When Johnson-Brock High School senior Alissa Gerdes was asked why she would voluntarily take the same class twice, her answer came as a sound bite: “I loved it that much.” But she admits that her broadcasting class takes a lot of effort. “It’s a hard class. After school and before, study hall hours, yet it’s a lot of fun.” For the past three years English teacher Tera Stutheit has watched her broadcasting class evolve. “It was originally a business communication class. In brainstorming about how we could meet the communications objectives we thought of broadcasting, which involves speaking, writing and presentation,” she said. The class is open to 10th through 12th graders. Last year the Nemaha County Development Foundation Fund provided
partial funding for a desktop editing computer, equipped with the necessary software for video production. “I helped write the grant and (Top l-r) Traven Boellstorff, Trey Stutheit, Jaxon Balm, Joshua I want to thank them,” Andersen and William Speckmann are part of an eight-member Alissa said. “Without broadcasting class that streams live events and produces videos and newscasts at Johnson-Brock High School. (Not pictured: them we wouldn’t have the Alissa Gerdes, Brooklyn Westenburg and Jacob Tanner) equipment and it wouldn’t said. “But some people are good behind be as great as it is.” the camera or at interviewing. Production In addition to newscasts and videos, the requires a variety of skills.” students produce live streaming for sports Alissa Gerdes graduated in May and and events that feature interviews with fans, coaches and special guests. Alissa says plans to study mass media at Northeast Community College. Ms. Stutheit says that people love the streaming and calling that all the underclassmen plan to take the games. On average, 50 to 70 people the class again this fall. You can see view the feeds. “Broadcasting is so much more than just some of the students’ work at technology. I’m good at computers,” Alissa jbbroacasting.weebly.com. n
School Offers Room to Grow Currently there is an independent This summer, students and instructors science project involving about 25 youths. at Newman Grove Public Schools are The goal is to mitigate mastering the heating, the decline in monarch cooling and hyperponic butterflies. The numbers systems installed in the for these pollinators have school’s new, state-ofbeen drastically reduced the-art greenhouse. The due to widespread recently constructed eradication of asclepias – laboratory for plant common milkweed. science and biology will “The greenhouse enable more hands-on is open to all ages,” projects for agricultural said science teacher education classes. Danielle Amen. “Even Neman Grove preschoolers have used Community (L-r) Rebecca Stone, Destiny Johnson and Sarah Johnson are part of a student the greenhouse to grow Foundation Fund team working on a monarch butterfly flowers. Teachers are provided partial restoration project this summer. finding many ways to support for the integrate lessons learned in the greenhouse project, along with other community and to more than just science and botany. corporate funders.
Third graders have linked it to literature and even math,” she said. Eighth grader Sarah Johnson says it’s a great learning experience. “You get just tons of information. I used the greenhouse for my science fair project. I wanted to determine the different methods used to geminate milkweed seeds: scratching, soaking and freezing.” She found that soaked seeds germinate faster, but at a lower rate. Scratched and frozen seeds had about the same germination rates and times. Sarah placed first and second in two regional science fairs and won first place at the AgriScience Fair at the State FFA convention. “The best part of the greenhouse is that it’s opened up so many doors. That and it’s fun to feed caterpillars!” n
6 | Nebraska Community Foundation | Connections | Summer 2015
NCF Newsletter Summer 2015.indd 6
7/11/15 1:03 PM
Grants and Gifts www.nebcommfound.org
Turn Up Your Dream Switch Helping leaders transform their communities into stronger, more progressive communities is what we do best. Nebraska Community Foundation is a movement of ambitious people who believe in the future of our hometowns. We help local leaders unleash the abundant assets and talents within their own place. One way we do this is by facilitating peer learning and community convening where people can share their hopes and dreams for their hometowns and strategies for achieving their vision. Nebraska Community Foundation envisions a future of prosperous communities where people can work, play and raise their families. We thank our generous supporters for moving our mission forward. n
Guest speaker Paul Madison, a member of the Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund, encourages citizens of Nemaha County to ‘turn up their dream switch’ when envisioning their community’s future. NCF Director of Community Development Philanthropy Greta Leach looks on.
Thanks to These Generous Donors Who Support Our Work! $100,000 and above
Jim and Korene Fehringer Columbus Lynn and Dana Roper Lincoln $25,000 to $99,999 Baird Holm LLP Anonymous Omaha Consolidated Companies Bradford Insurance Agency Lincoln Norfolk $10,000 to $24,999 Bruning State Bank Bruning Ameritas Charitable Foundation Lincoln Cline, Williams, Wright, William H. & Erma C. Damme Farms Johnson & Oldfather, LLP LLC/Lora Damme and Jay Longinaker Lincoln Talmage Daycos Norfolk Abel Foundation Lincoln Bob and Michelle Dudley Norfolk Anonymous Wolf Foundation Farm Credit Services of America Albion Columbus Farmers National Company $5,000 to $9,999 Omaha Richard and Darlene Walter First State Bank Nebraska Shickley Lincoln Anonymous Great Plains Communications Pinnacle Bank Blair Columbus Jeff and Judy Greenwald Union Bank & Trust Lincoln Lincoln HBE Becker Meyer Love LLP Sandra and Steven Wendell Lincoln Axtell Jeffres Sand & Gravel Westwood Trust Burwell Omaha Richard and Janet Labenz $2,000 to $4,999 Lincoln Sara Coffee Radil and Gary Radil MNB Financial Group Omaha McCook The Ambassador Group Moeller Electric Nebraska City Byron Nebraska Investment Nebraska Farm Bureau Services Finance Authority Lincoln Lincoln The Sherwood Foundation Omaha
Nebraska Life Magazine Norfolk Nebraska Public Power District Columbus Pinpoint Communications Cambridge RBC Wealth Management/ Domgard Investment Group Lincoln Reinke Manufacturing Company Deshler Security Bank Laurel Security First Bank Lincoln Springdale Title & Realty Ord Tinstman Family Donor-Advised Fund Lincoln Walter Insurance Shickley Jay and Susie Wolf Albion Wagonhammer Ranches Albion
$1,000 to $1,999 A to Z Printing Lincoln Judy and Ron Parks Papillion Greg and Marcia Vasek Lincoln Jeffrey Yost and Cindy Ryman Yost Lincoln Diane M. Wilson and Kay H. Richter Lincoln Shannon Harner and Philip Goddard Lincoln
Gifts received 7/1/2014 – 6/30/2015
Kathleen Allen Saint Cloud, MN American National Bank Omaha Bank of America Charitable Foundation Charlotte, NC Bettenhausen Family Foundation Lincoln Cornerstone Bank York Harding & Shultz PC, LLO Lincoln Mark and Linda Graff McCook Security First Bank Lincoln
$500 to $999 Susan Ugai Lincoln Joe and Bev Ferguson Norfolk Granstrom Farms Holstein Jim and Terri Gustafson Lincoln Lori and Russ Pankonin Imperial Pete and Jonnie Peterson Brule Dennis and Nancy Stara Lincoln Allen and Lois Steuter Johnstown Ray and Deb Welsh Pender Kiel VanderVeen Nebraska City
Reggi and Doug Carlson Lincoln Samuel and Joyce Baird Lincoln Judith and Don Brockmeier Eustis Mark L. and Susan K. Koch Laurel Lane Gewecke Consulting Lincoln Michael McFarlin Omaha Robert Mundy Omaha Ronald Raitt Toledo, OH John K. and Jeanne M. Reigle Madison Sandhill Equipment Bassett
$250 to $499 K.C. and Colleen Belitz Columbus Douglas and Louise Bereuter Cedar Bluffs Eldon and JoAnn Gustafson Omaha Rick and Carol Russell Family Fund Omaha Bank of Newman Grove Newman Grove Doug and Judy Gaswick Imperial Gerhart Insurance Agency Newman Grove Kathleen Thuman Lincoln
Nebraska Community Foundation | Connections | Summer 2015 | 7
NCF Newsletter Summer 2015.indd 7
7/11/15 1:03 PM
NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
PAID
PO Box 83107 Lincoln, NE 68501-3107
LINCOLN, NE PERMIT NO. 449
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
(402) 323-7330 Fax (402) 323-7349 www.nebcommfound.org info@nebcommfound.org
Volunteers
Best Practices
Scholarships to Students Who Desire to Return Many community-based affiliated funds include scholarship accounts. But scholarships shouldn’t be a one-way ticket out of town; they should be a roundtrip ticket for kids to eventually return home. Where appropriate, scholarship committees may want to reassess their guidelines. In 2011 we ran a photo of Jordan Pick and Emily Wood in this newsletter. They were the first students to benefit from the newly formed Nelson Hometown Scholarship program, which awards scholarships of at least $1,500 or more annually. The fund was established by Sen. Ben Nelson. Applicants must attend the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, Mid-Plains Community College in McCook or North Platte, or the University of NebraskaKearney. Importantly, they must express a sincere desire to return to Southwest Nebraska sometime in the future.
Emily Now, four graduated from years later, UNK as an Jordan and English major Emily have not with a business moved back to administration McCook – yet minor. She will – but they are attend law school working their at UNL. She is way home in no longer eligible the foreseeable for the renewable future. scholarship, Jordan but she plans graduated to return to from UNK with an early Jordan Pick and Emily Wood in 2011. Each young woman’s McCook to practice law childhood scholarship was renewed for four years. with her father, degree which County Attorney Paul Wood. allows her to teach young children up “They are exactly what I had hoped we to third grade. She has applied for a would have for the Nelson Hometown teaching position in McCook. Jordan is Scholarship program – to get their also working on setting up a 501(c)(3) education where necessary and to return nonprofit with the intent of helping to their roots in Southwest Nebraska,” military families. She is currently in Sen. Nelson said. n the process of filing the paperwork.
Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. Nebraska Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, serves communities, organizations and donors throughout Nebraska.
8 | Nebraska Community Foundation | Connections | Summer 2015
NCF Newsletter Summer 2015.indd 8
7/11/15 1:03 PM