2014 Summer Newsletter

www.nebcommfound.org

ConnectionsSummer 2014

Turn Up Your Dream Switch!Why are young adults moving back to

Byron, NE, pop. 83? According to Jaye Moeller, two words: “Better life!”

A brand new million-dollar community center will be part of that better life.

Laura Tuma, who left Lincoln to become a finance director for Reinke Manufacturing said, “Some people, like me, started coming back to take advantage of good career opportunities and small town living simultaneously, a situation that doesn’t arrive often.”

“Everyone takes care of one another. You can stay close to your family and friends,” added Melissa Kuhlmann.

The strong ag economy over the past several years attracted younger farmers. It also helped “turn up the dream switch” for people of all ages in Byron. In 2011, Byron established an affiliated fund with Nebraska Community Foundation and formed a volunteer Fund Advisory Committee.

Their mission statement is to bring community dreams to reality by stimulating investment in:

• Developing community leaders• Providing opportunities to give back

through time, talent and financial resources

• Partnering with organizations to maximize wealth and human capital

During its first year of operation the Byron Community Foundation Fund

received generous gifts of grain. Confidence grew. And the dream of replacing three dilapidated old buildings on Main Street with a new community center seemed within reach.

“During our action planning sessions, Nebraska Community Foundation encouraged us to push ourselves further,” said Jeremy Heitmann, the Fund’s chair.

“The support, help and a secure place to put our funds added structure to our dream. The dividend we got from action

planning is that things that get measured get done. We won’t stop after the

center is built, because a community endowment will actually have more impact than a building. Nebraska Community Foundation pushed us to set our goals higher and reach farther than we were initially comfortable with. Our 20-year goal is to have a $7.5 million endowment,” said Heitmann.

Dreaming big paid off for the Byron Community Foundation Fund. A bequest of 160 acres of farmland was established by an anonymous donor through Nebraska Community Foundation. The gift will enable the new community center to be completed this fall.

Things are changing in Byron, inside and out. “People are thinking about the future,” said Heitmann. n

Save The DateThursday, November 6, 2014 20th Anniversary Celebration

Annual Affiliated Fund Training, Expo and Banquet

Embassy Suites – Downtown / Lincoln, Nebraska

For more information call 402.323.7330

or [email protected].

Byron Fund Advisory Committee members pose with architectural drawings on the site of their new community center. (L-r) Laura Tuma, Jaye Moeller, Melissa Kuhlmann, Eldon Kirchhoff, Jeremy Heitmann. (Not pictured: Tobe Duensing and Layne Hoops)

Think of the changes that have occurred over the past 20 years. Change is happening fast and it’s transforming the way we live. How can we embrace change to create better tomorrows?

At Nebraska Community Foundation we believe the only people who can build and sustain communities are the people who live and work there. Our role is to help you achieve the hometown of your dreams.

Increasingly, returners and newcomers to rural communities state that the opportunity to be engaged and make a difference is the most important factor in determining where they choose to live. A sense of place and quality of life are now at least as important as economic opportunity.

How do community leaders invest wisely when we don’t know what change will occur next? Our response: Build an unrestricted endowment for your hometown. Flexible, locally controlled opportunity capital can be used to create your community’s unique

calling card. The payout from your

permanent endowment should be used to do something you couldn’t do otherwise or isn’t already happening. Dream big. Maybe your dream is high quality, affordable child care. Or maybe it’s entrepreneurship curriculum for teenagers. Or

developing economic opportunities related to agritourism. Dream, dream big.

The real value of an unrestricted endowment is that, in 20 years, your community will be able to unleash its energy in a future far different from today.

Having a locally controlled, unrestricted endowment will allow you, and the generation of leaders who come after you, to have the discretionary dollars to make the most of the opportunities continuous change will bring.

There is an old adage that asks, “When is the best time to plant a tree?” The answer: 20 years ago. The second best answer: Today. So go on, dream big. Let’s get started. We’ll help you create the hometown of your dreams. n

Nebraska Community Foundation has been selected as the 2014 Outstanding Foundation by the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Nebraska Chapter. The award recognizes a foundation that has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility and has encouraged and motivated others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement. Over the past 20 years Nebraska Community Foundation has empowered communities to embrace the possibilities of their dreams. Together with its affiliated funds, Nebraska Community

Foundation has reinvested more than $186 million, helping leaders transform their hometowns into stronger, more progressive communities. We will accept our award at a celebration on November 11, 2014 in Lincoln.

Other award winners include: Lifetime Achievement – Suzanne and Walter Scott, Omaha • Outstanding Philanthropist – Charles Lakin, Omaha • Outstanding Volunteer Fundraisers – Tom and Lisa Smith, Lincoln • Outstanding Youth In Philanthropy – Jaden Moore, Norfolk • Outstanding Corporation – Union Pacific, Omaha. n

Executive MembersBrandon Day of Norfolk, ChairDennis Stara of Lincoln, Vice ChairJudy Brockmeier of Eustis, SecretaryHonorable Douglas Bereuter of Cedar Bluffs, Treasurer Richard Walter of Shickley, Fund Development Committee Chair

At-Large MembersK.C. Belitz of Columbus Sara Coffee Radil of OmahaLora Damme of TalmageJoe Ferguson of NorfolkCasey Garrigan of OmahaLori Pankonin of ImperialJudy Parks of PapillionLynn Roper of LincolnAl Steuter of JohnstownKurt Tjaden of OmahaGreg Vasek of LincolnRay Welsh of PenderSandi Wendell of Axtell

President and CEOJeffrey G Yost

Honorary MembersHelen Boosalis* of LincolnFred Bruning of Bruning Steve Buttress of KearneyJanet Krotter Chvala of AtkinsonConnie Day* of NorfolkP. Mark Graff of McCookShannon Harner of LincolnNancy Hoch of Nebraska CityRichard Hunt of Blair Kim Lauritzen* of Omaha Fred Lockwood of ScottsbluffRodrigo Lopez of Omaha Ed Loutzenheiser* of JuniataBob Mundy of OmahaSenator Ben Nelson of OmahaRon Parks of PapillionF.E. Pete Peterson of BruleBeverly Pollock of OgallalaSid Salzman of AinsworthJim Scholz of OmahaFrank Sibert of KearneyBob Stowell of OrdBrian Thompson of WaverlyKathleen Thuman of LincolnSusan Ugai of LincolnMimi Waldbaum* of OmahaJeanene Wehrbein of PlattsmouthJim Wolf* of Albion*Deceased

Maxine Moul, President Emerita

NCF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Inside NCF

2 | Nebraska Community Foundation | Connections | Summer 2014

Endow Your Opportunity to Dream

NCF Named Outstanding Foundation

Jeff Yost NCF President and CEO

Nebraska Community Foundation | Connections | Summer 2014 | 3

www.nebcommfound.org

Peer Learning and New Staff Members

“I remember when we first discussed the Sherwood challenge,” said Doug Skiles, chair of the McCook Community Foundation Fund. “Do we dare try to go for the full $500,000? We figured there was no point in aiming at a closer, easier target. That is what coaches are for; coaches like Nebraska Community Foundation and The Sherwood Foundation. To help us recognize potential and make us stretch our abilities.”

McCook Community Foundation Fund and three other ambitious affiliated funds – Nebraska City, Norfolk and Shickley – unleashed their energy in 2012 and signed up for a generous challenge grant. Each set the goal of raising $500,000 for their unrestricted endowment to be matched with $250,000 by The Sherwood Foundation of Omaha. McCook sprinted towards the goal line with gifts and pledges 20 months ahead of the December 2015 deadline, but the other communities are not far behind.

During the four-year campaign, the Fund Advisory Committees receive professional help with campaign design studies, training and marketing materials. More importantly, they delve deep into the high ideals of Rural Development

Philanthropy (RDP) through multi-day peer-learning sessions.

RDP pushes people to produce results that matter; to forge community connections and to leverage every human and financial asset. It challenges us to move from simply “doing good” to achieving great things.

“Martin Luther King didn’t say, ‘I have been to the mountain and I have a strategy!’” mused Paul Madison of Nebraska City during a recent peer-learning session. The session focused on the concept of “active hope” through which people find ways to work toward their dreams rather than waiting for something good to happen.

Peer learning has created strong bonds among the four affiliated funds. As an expression of support, McCook presented a $500 contribution from an anonymous donor to each of the three other Sherwood Challenge communities.

In April this year, four additional NCF community-based affiliated funds were invited to participate in a second round of challenge grants and peer learning supported by The Sherwood Foundation. They are in the early stages of strategy design. n

McCook Meets Its Challenge!

Fund Advisory Committee members discuss how different values motivate donors and grantmakers during a peer-learning activity in McCook. (L-r) Deb Johnson, Shickley; Cheri Beckenhauer, McCook; Kathryn Nelson and Sally Juilfs, Nebraska City; and Betty Froehlich, Norfolk.

Meet Our New Staff Martha Livingston of Lincoln is

the new executive assistant to NCF’s president and CEO. Martha is a Hastings College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English and communication arts. She has worked for a number of nonprofits, including People’s Health Center, Nebraska Wesleyan University and the Norfolk Arts Center. She has hands-on experience in fundraising and events management.

Anders Olson, a native of Tekamah, is an affiliated fund development coordinator and coordinator for the Norfolk Area Community Foundation Fund. He is a UNL graduate in agribusiness and agricultural leadership and communication. He has worked for Case IH Agriculture and Lee Valley Auction & Realty. Anders held leadership roles with Alpha Gamma Sigma Fraternity and Huskers Against Hunger Philanthropy and was an FFA national finalist in Ag Communications.

Amanda Polacek of Columbus is an affiliated fund development coordinator and coordinator for the Columbus Area Community Foundation Fund. She is a UNL graduate in advertising and public relations. She has worked with advertising and banking firms and has a range of experience with nonprofits including the University of Nebraska Foundation. She is a graduate of Leadership Columbus, and a member of Habitat for Humanity, TeamMates and Next Generation Kiwanis. n

Martha Livingston

Anders Olson

Amanda Polacek

Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund provided a grant for its Youth Advisory Committee to purchase iPads to train residents of several assisted living centers to use technology to communicate with loved ones. The iPads are owned by the public library and are on long-term loan to the nursing homes. “I was unsure how it would work. Would the residents get into it the way our generation does?” said Madeline DuBois, YAC chair. “It exceeded my expectations a thousand times!”

Keith County Community Foundation Fund continued its support of Ogallala’s Wild West Soap Box Derby with a recent grant of nearly $4,000 to help with the construction of a new multi-purpose building. The Derby is more than just child’s play. It draws hundreds of participants and their families each year and results in thousands of dollars flowing into the community. The track and programs are run by volunteers and rank among the top five race tracks in the nation. Fun way to do economic development!

Pender-Thurston Education & Community Foundation Fund provided some start-up funding last year to help launch the nonprofit Main Street Thriftique store in the old Palace Hotel in downtown Pender. The organization is run entirely by volunteers and all proceeds go to charitable causes. So far the store has donated more than $15,000 back to the community, including a recent $2,500 contribution to the new community center campaign.

The culture of giving in Valley County continues to thrive with the success of the second annual Big Give. Donations totaled $83,854 during a 24-hour period in March. The event was coordinated by Valley County Philanthropic Partners. Donations were boosted with challenge grants, businesses matching employee contributions, school-wide “spare change” drives and even a Penny Race in which anyone who contributed could nominate a teacher to be duct taped to the wall during the celebrations. The Big Give benefits more than 30 Valley County nonprofit organizations.

Trumbull Community Foundation Fund continues to play an important leadership role. The Fund sponsored a board of education candidates forum for the Doniphan-Trumbull school district, moderated by Fund Advisory Committee member Alicia O’Donnell. “I was pleased with the turnout,” said O’Donnell, regarding the 30 people in attendance. “We may look at doing another forum closer to the November election.”

Stuart Community Foundation Fund began raising money for the Murphy Theater and Media Center soon after the building was donated to the town. Since opening in April 2013, more than 14,200 tickets have been sold for movies and other events. The state-of-the-art facility is owned by the city. Operations are managed by Darby Paxton, a stay-at-home dad who returned to his hometown with his wife Sara, after working as a computer programmer. The Center has more than 120 volunteers, which enables the Center to succeed financially. Darby says, “If you want a great place to live, you’ve got to be willing to make it that way!”

Affiliated Fund Updates

Murphy Theater and Media Center manager Darby Paxton and his wife, Sara, decided to move to Stuart before starting their family.

The Wild West Soap Box Derby holds numerous events and races each spring and summer.


Madeline DuBois shares her knowledge of information technology with an eager elder as part of her Youth Advisory Committee’s service project.

Carissa Simonsen, president of the Main Street Thriftique board of directors (left), is pictured with Burla Dean Renz, a customer at the store.

Affiliated Fund Updates www.nebcommfound.org

Community, Organizational and Donor-Advised Fund Highlights

SAVE THE DATE2014 Annual Training, Expo and BanquetThursday, November 6, 2014Embassy Suites in Lincoln

Community development pioneer John McKnight returns to Nebraska to help us celebrate our 20th Anniversary! Last year guest speaker and trainer John McKnight wowed his audience with inspirational stories and practical methods for making the most of everyone’s personal and financial gifts. John was as impressed with Nebraska Community Foundation as we were with him. So we’re bringing him back! Don’t miss John’s sessions and all the other training and peer learning opportunities.

Watch for more information, mark your calendar and plan to participate at NCF’s 20th Anniversary events with as many of your Fund Advisory Committee members as possible. Let’s celebrate and then turn up our dream switch for even greater success in the future!

CONNECT WITH NCF E-NEWSLETTERS If you are a Fund Advisory Committee

member and have not been getting our bi-weekly e-newsletter, contact Angie Nelson at [email protected] with your correct email address and add “Reggi Carlson” as a safe sender to your inbox.

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This spring the Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund granted more than $80,000 to libraries in Culbertson, David City, Deshler, Elgin, Exeter, Minden, Red Cloud and Walthill. The Fund makes annual grants to public libraries in communities with populations under 3,000. Recently, the Hildreth Public Library (pop. 370), completed its yearlong renovation project which doubled the size of the library, improved the interior and added an accessible restroom. The results look fantastic! To apply for a Kreutz Bennett grant contact Reggi Carlson at (402) 323-7331 or [email protected].

Plattsmouth Community Foundation Fund is helping provide young students a chance to dig into the subject of nutrition this summer. Plattsmouth’s Little Gardeners Club meets once a week. Students are learning about gardening and the connection between fresh food and good health. “We wanted to encourage more students to take the summer classes, so they are free,” said elementary teacher Becky Wehrbein.

Columbus Mayor Mike Moser (left) and K.C. Belitz, Columbus Area Foundation Fund Advisory Committee and NCF board member, share a light moment during Columbus’ first-ever Big Give in May. The event was broadcast live

from Hy-Vee grocery by Riley Scott and Sandi Fischer of KLIR Radio The event was organized by the Columbus Area Philanthropy Council and raised more than $23,000 for 17 area nonprofits.

The Hildreth Public Library got a helping hand with its renovation project through a grant from the Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund.

Plattsmouth Little Gardeners include (l to r) Ruby Campin, Stella Campin, Sage Wehrbein, and Jolie Dix. (Back Row): Elijah Dix and Rebecca Fountain.

“You helped me get a better job.”

“Now I can take college classes.”

“It makes me feel so good to be able to help my kids with their homework.”

These are just some of the dreams that have come true for students of Karen Indra, age 70, of Norfolk.

Karen and several other volunteer teachers help Spanish-speaking adults prepare for their GED exams. Now in its second year, the classes are held every Monday morning and evening to accommodate students’ work schedules. What is special about this program is that all the instruction, materials and exams are presented in Spanish.

Students who are not yet fully fluent in English and have never gotten their high school diploma can attend GED classes for as little as $25, or free if they cannot pay. But money is not the biggest barrier for Karen’s students. It’s time…time to go to class and time to study at home.

“I had one little gal who had to stop coming,” Karen said. “She’s working seven days a week and has three small children.

“And now, all the exams have to be taken online. This presented a real problem for us,” Karen explained. “Many people haven’t had that much experience on computers. And we didn’t have a reliable computer. We are so grateful for our grant. We now have a durable laptop at every class session for people to practice on.”

The laptop and other materials were

purchased through a grant from the Norfolk Area Community Foundation Fund.

English-speaking visitors to the class will find it interesting to hear how algebraic equations, which look so familiar on a white board, sound quite

different when expressed in Spanish.

“When I started this class, I had to try to remember what I learned more than 50 years ago, especially when it came to math! I’d never

taught anything but Spanish.”

Karen taught in her early years at UNO, and then for 29 years in the Norfolk School district. At age 70, she’s teaching new subjects – from history to mathematics – all in the Spanish language. It’s quite a volunteer commitment.

“Oh, I get back so much more than I

give,” Karen said. “The people are trying so hard and are so grateful.”

Some students are able to complete the exams within six months. Others may be in their second year, still coming to class when they can. Most are people who are working and have children. Everyone receives one-on-one attention.

In January this year, nine of Karen’s students participated in a ceremony in Lincoln for about a hundred Spanish-speaking GED graduates. Four of Karen’s students were among the top 25 percent of the class.

“One young lady told me that it gave her the confidence to get out and try new things. She took the H&R Block test and was one of only three people in Norfolk to pass it! Now she prepares taxes. Another graduate is now a volunteer teacher in our class. She told me it was her way of paying it back,” said Karen.

And how do her students say thank you? “They want me in their pictures at graduation. Some give me flowers. But mostly, it’s the hugs. That’s what really counts.” n

Community Impact

GED in Spanish Fulfills Their Dreams

(L-r) Diana Remirez, Esperanzo Gomez and Maria Mendez work on an algebra problem during their Monday night GED session. In the background, volunteer teacher Jackie Polak tutors Griselda Guerrero.


Teacher Karen Indra looks over the homework assignments of students Tania Meza (left) and Maria Mendez.

Nebraska’s a big state with big-hearted people. Nebraska Community Foundation connects with leaders, one-on-one, to inspire them to think big. Helping leaders transform their hometowns into stronger, more progressive communities is what we do best.

Through a growing network of ambitious people, Nebraska Community Foundation uses shared ideas, resources and experiences to help local leaders unleash the abundant assets and talents within their own place. In other words, we help hometowns turn up their dream switch.

When communities are empowered to embrace the possibilities of their dreams, great things are achieved. When you support the work of Nebraska Community Foundation through your contributions, you are helping to create better tomorrows.

We thank you for your financial contributions throughout the year! n

Community Impact www.nebcommfound.org

Grants and Gifts That Make a Difference

You Turn Up Our Dream Switch

Members of the Burwell Community Fund Advisory Committee work with NCF Gift Planning Director Jim Gustafson during their action planning session. (L-r) Johanna Jeffres, Jim Gustafson, Jeff Anderson, Lin Jeffres, Dan Bird, Colleen Snell.


$100,000 and aboveThe Sherwood Foundation OmahaAnonymousUSDA – Rural Development

$25,000 to $99,999AnonymousKathleen Thuman, Lincoln/Farmers State Bank, MaywoodFirst National Bank of Omaha Omaha

$10,000 to $24,999Judy and Ron Parks PapillionBruning State Bank BruningConsolidated Companies LincolnDaycos NorfolkRichard and Darlene Walter ShickleyAmeritas Charitable Foundation Lincoln

$5,000 to $9,999Countryside Bank UnadillaLora Damme and Jay Longinaker TalmageDennis and Nancy Stara LincolnDiller Telephone Company DillerPinnacle Bank Columbus

Union Bank & Trust Company LincolnWestwood Trust Omaha

$2,000 to $4,999Elkhorn Valley Bank NorfolkFillmore County Hospital Foundation Geneva Fred and Carol Lockwood/Lockwood Foundation ScottsbluffSara Coffee Radil and Gary Radil OmahaBob and Michelle Dudley NorfolkAuburn Agency AuburnBaird Holm LLP OmahaBellevue University BellevueBradford Insurance Agency NorfolkCreighton University OmahaFarmers National Company OmahaGreat Plains Communications BlairRichard P. Kimmel & Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation Lincoln

Koley Jessen PC LLO OmahaRichard and Janet Labenz LincolnMillard Manufacturing OmahaMNB Financial Group McCook Moeller Electric Inc. ByronNebraska Farm Bureau Services LincolnNebraska Investment Finance Authority LincolnNebraska Life Magazine NorfolkPinpoint Communications CambridgeReinke Manufacturing Company DeshlerSecurity Bank LaurelWalter Insurance ShickleyJay and Susie Wolf Albion

$1,000 to $1,999Brandon and Tammy Day Norfolk Douglas and Louise Bereuter Cedar BluffsK.C. and Colleen Belitz Columbus

Ray and Deb Welsh PenderTri-County Bank StuartSusan M. Ugai LincolnJeff Yost and Cindy Ryman Yost LincolnLori and Russ Pankonin ImperialAmerican National Bank OmahaBettenhausen Family Foundation LincolnCornerstone Bank YorkKRVN 880 Rural Radio LexingtonJ. Paul McIntosh/The Meadows NorfolkP & L Technology OmahaLynn and Dana Roper LincolnTintsman Family Donor-Advised Fund LincolnKurt and Ann Tjaden OmahaSandra and Steven Wendell AxtellDiane M. Wilson and Kay H. Richter Lincoln

$500 to $999Shannon Harner and Philip Goddard LincolnJudith Scherer Connealy and Matt Connealy DecaturCasey and Valerie Garrigan OmahaJim and Terri Gustafson LincolnRobert E. Mundy OmahaAllen and Lois Steuter JohnstownMari Lane Gewecke LincolnMutual of Omaha Insurance Company OmahaRubendall Foundation Charitable Trust LincolnDon Schmaderer StuartJon and Jennifer Schmaderer Stuart

$250 to $499Joe and Bev Ferguson Norfolk Doug and Judy Gaswick ImperialJ. Michael and Susan J. Price LincolnJohn Stolz Bend, FL

Thanks to These Donors Who Support Our Work! Gifts received 7/1/2013 – 6/30/2014

NON-PROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDLINCOLN, NE

PERMIT NO. 449PO Box 83107 Lincoln, NE 68501-3107

(402) 323-7330 Fax (402) 323-7349www.nebcommfound.org [email protected]

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Shortly after co-sponsoring its fourth annual EntrepreneurShip Investigation (ESI) camp in June, 59 photos showed up on Valley County Community Foundation Fund’s Facebook page. You can bet that some of the best will be included in the Fund’s annual report, press releases, and of course on its NCF Web page. The camp is just one of the Fund’s investments in youth engagement, leadership and entrepreneurship. All of these programs get documented through photos, because pictures and captions convey the important story of our work with clarity and emotion. What better way to attract donors and invite them to share in your mission?

ESI in Valley County is so rewarding that more than half of the 22 day campers are veterans from past years. During the four-day camp kids learn about business planning, product development, marketing and finance. They meet with local businesses and bankers. Then they sell their products and services in Ord’s

town square. After expenses, profits for this year’s youths, age 5th grade and up, totaled $1,367.

In order to grow their businesses, the young people have the opportunity to sell at the Ord Farmer’s Market, Valley County Fair Entrepreneurship Day, Nebraska State Fair and the Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase held in January.

ESI is free, thanks to the VCCFF Geweke Youth Endowment and generous community partnerships with 4-H, Ord Area Chamber of Commerce, Valley County Economic Development and local businesses. Due to the history of this strong community partnership, ESI in Valley County will be the focus of a documentary produced by Nebraska Loves Public Schools.

Drawing attention to the grants your affiliated fund makes is not showing off; it’s showing that your donors can build the community of their dreams by supporting you. So show your work! n

Volunteers

Show Your Work!

Katie Magiera, a 7th grader, markets her “Katiez Saltz” fragrant bath salts at Valley County’s fourth annual EntrepreneurShip Investigation camp in June.

Best Practices


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.

Documents

2014 Summer Newsletter