The Nebraska Community Foundation is one of only five organizations nationwide to receive up to a $1 million challenge grant from the Ford Foundation. Linetta J. Gilbert, senior program officer at the Ford Foundation, made the announcement at NCF’s Annual Banquet celebration in November. The grant must be matched three-to-one by contributions from Nebraska-connected donors. To date, $1.3 million in match has been committed.

“Some of you may ask why the Nebraska Community Foundation is receiving this gift,” Gilbert said. “Well, simply, Ford seeks out visionaries on the front lines of social change. The Nebraska Community Foundation has really distinguished itself in critical ways.

“In the field of philanthropy, NCF determined its niche for itself among regional and national foundations. How can philanthropy organize local intellect, pride and money to reinvent rural economies in Nebraska? That was the question and the niche that you decided to work within,” Gilbert said.

“The Nebraska Community Foundation has helped you believe enough in the future of your communities in rural Nebraska that you and others are giving your time, talent and resources to make your communities effective places and safe places

for all. That early strategy has now become a national model.

“This type of innovation needs to be linked to a strong, stable base,” Gilbert said. She challenged Nebraskans to grow NCF’s endowment and operating capacity to ensure that NCF can nurture all of its affiliated funds and be a strong parent organization, today and in the future.

Linetta Gilbert reminded the audience that uncertain economic times should not restrict fundraising efforts. She noted that in the history of giving in the U.S., the largest amount of individual giving occurred during the Great Depression.

“These economic times will require the Foundation to remain focused and steady. This challenge grant will enable the Foundation to be there for all of the affiliated funds, while it strengthens its own operations and builds its own endowment,” Gilbert said.

“The Ford Challenge grant is a public endorsement that says, you will go further, and we’re glad to have you as a partner. Thank you so much for this investment opportunity.”

NCF Launches $4 Million CampaignANNUAL BANQUET ANd EXPOAffiliated fund leaders and guests gather in Columbus for two days of inspiration, celebration and training. The banquet featured speakers from four northeast Nebraska affiliated funds in a salute to the NCF partnership model.

Full article on page 3

CHARITABLE GIFT SUPPORTS ECONOMIC dEVELOPMENTEarnings from NCF’s largest estate gift ever will provide funding to match local support for business coaching. The grant will go to Holt County Economic Development, an affiliated fund and partner in the HomeTown Competitiveness initiative. Full article on page 6

GRANT ENCOURAGES ECONOMIC INTEGRATIONTraining in financial literacy will help new Americans in the Columbus area become more involved and engaged in their community. The Columbus Area Community Foundation Fund is playing a major role. Full article on page 6

BEST PRACTICE: CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITYSometimes raising community awareness is as important as raising dollars. The Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund earns an award for its family-friendly event. Full article on page 8

A LOOK INSIdE...

Linetta J. Gilbert announces the Ford Challenge to an audience of more than 200 NCF affiliated fund leaders, friends and supporters in Columbus, NE.

www.nebcommfound.org

ConnectionsSpring 2010

“What you are doing to rebuild your communities is unique, and the rest of the nation is watching what you do.”

Linetta J. GilbertSenior Program Officer

The Ford Foundation

200 Affiliated Funds 184 Communities Served$58.7 Million Total Assets 11% Year-Over-Year Growth$30.4 Million Endowed Assets 30% Year-Over-Year Growth164 Planned Gifts $33 Million to Benefit Nebraska34,486 Contributions Received in the Last 5 Years$96.6 Million Reinvested $53.7 Million in the Last 5 Years

NCFBy The

Numbers(12/31/09)

I On the Leading Edge

NCF helps communities determine their future and take full advantage of their own local resources. We are the only organization that is using grassroots philanthropy as an economic development tool. We’re putting boots on the ground to build leadership, engage young people and support entrepreneurship so communities across the state will have a prosperous future.

NCF teaches community leaders how to use charitable giving to make their communities better places to live and work. To this end, NCF is not a grantmaker itself. Decisions on grantmaking occur at the local level through our affiliated funds.

The Nebraska Community Foundation is a community development organization. We are somewhat like an institution of higher learning…for communities. Just as tuition does not cover the total cost of educating students, administrative fees paid by our affiliated funds cover only a small portion of our expenses for the training, coaching, outreach and support we provide for our 1,800

volunteer affiliated fund leaders.

The NCF endowment will help underwrite these services to make them affordable for rural communities, just as colleges and hospitals use earnings

from their endowments to maintain institutional quality and accessibility.

For several years we have received generous support through grants from national foundations.

These investments have enabled NCF to support our network of volunteers. Together we have inspired greater charitable giving and built permanent endowments in nearly 100 community-based affiliated funds.

We should not and cannot assume that resources from out-of-state funders will be available indefinitely. Like the communities we serve, NCF must build its own permanent endowment to advance our mission.

Your gift to the Ford Challenge campaign will ensure that our communities will become more self-reliant, more in control of their own destinies and better places for families to enjoy the good life.

Executive MembersBrian Thompson of Waverly, ChairShannon Harner of Lincoln, Vice ChairBrandon Day of Norfolk, SecretaryF.E. Pete Peterson of Brule, TreasurerP. Mark Graff of McCook, Immediate Past Chair

At-Large MembersAllen Blezek of LincolnJudy Brockmeier of EustisJoe Ferguson of NorfolkJanet Krotter Chvala of AtkinsonJudith Scherer Connealy of DecaturLori Pankonin of ImperialJon Schmaderer of StuartDennis Stara* of LincolnSusan Ugai of LincolnRichard Walter of ShickleyRay Welsh of Pender* Advisory Member

Honorary MembersHelen Boosalis* of LincolnSteve Buttress of KearneyFred Bruning of Bruning Brenda Council of OmahaConnie Day* of NorfolkJim Fehringer of ColumbusNancy 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 PapillionBeverly Pollock of OgallalaSid Salzman of AinsworthJim Scholz of OmahaFrank Sibert of KearneyBob Stowell of OrdKathleen Thuman of LincolnMimi Waldbaum* of OmahaJeanene Wehrbein of PlattsmouthJim Wolf * of Albion* Deceased

President and CEOJeffrey G Yost

NCF BOARd OF dIRECTORS

Inside NCF

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“Just as tuition does not cover the total cost of educating students, administrative fees paid by our affiliated funds cover only a small portion of our expenses for the…support we provide for our 1,800 volunteer affiliated fund leaders.”

Jeff YostPresident & CEO

Nebraska Community Foundation

Endowing the Future

Jeff YostNCF President & CEO

Source of Funds – NCF Operations and Development

Contributions, Grants & Contracts 37.2%

NCF Endowment Payout 2.6%

Investment Income 23.3%

Administrative Fees-Public/Private Partnerships 12.6%

Administrative Fees - All Other Affiliated Funds 24.3%

Total: $1,767,714For fiscal year ended June 30, 2009

On the Leading Edge I

ANNUAL TRAININGOn the morning following the Annual Banquet affiliated fund leaders gathered for NCF training sessions. Members had the option of spending the morning delving into NCF’s new action planning framework. They could also choose to attend concurrent sessions on a range of topics, including leadership succession, donor identification, online marketing tools, women in leadership, planned giving and communications. NCF also facilitated community planning sessions for Stuart and Columbus.

NCF held its Annual Banquet and Expo on November 12, 2009 in Columbus. More than 200 NCF affiliated fund leaders, friends and supporters gathered to celebrate NCF’s success in “Building Tomorrow Today.”

In addition to the announcement of the Ford Foundation Challenge by keynote speaker Linetta J. Gilbert (see page 1), the audience heard about positive changes in northeast Nebraska.

NCF Board Chair Brian Thompson opened the program with encouraging news that despite the uncertain economic climate, NCF grew by five percent over the past fiscal year. Since 1993, NCF and its affiliated funds have reinvested more than $96 million in Nebraska.

Jim Fehringer of Columbus served as master of ceremonies. Speakers included several NCF affiliated fund leaders.

Deb Welsh of Pender praised NCF saying, “They are always there, just like good parents…if it’s an e-mail or a phone call or a webinar, they are always there.”

Rick Chochon of Columbus and Jon Schmaderer of Stuart explained how HomeTown Competitiveness is catalyzing community action for economic development. These efforts are influencing donors. In Holt County more than $2 million in bequests and planned gifts have resulted.

“We had a framework for what we were doing, we had a vision, we had a plan. People recognized that we were doing good things and they wanted to give,” said Schmaderer, who is also an NCF Board member.

Brandon Day, NCF Board Secretary and member of the Norfolk Community Foundation Fund Advisory Committee, reported on NCF’s recent youth surveys. The surveys in northeast Nebraska were supported through the Connie Day Fund, an endowment established by a bequest from Brandon’s mother.

“The self-fulfilling prophecy of youth out-migration has to end. And NCF is on the front lines with the communities all across the state to

change not only the mindset about our youth but also to make those communities an attractive place to live and return to for our young people,” said Day.

Brandon Day recognized all of NCF’s Legacy Club members – individuals and

families who have provided significant support through lifetime gifts and planned gifts.

“I would like to thank the Nebraska Community Foundation, all of you working at affiliated funds, and anybody else for helping all the Connie Days all across the State to feel the pride and joy that she did by allowing them to give back to their community and build that permanent legacy. Thank you!”

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ANNUAL CELEBRATIONANd NEW BOARd MEMBERS

Building Tomorrow Today New Board Members Two longtime advocates for rural Nebraska were elected to the NCF Board of Directors in November 2009. Dr. Allen Blezek and Joe Ferguson have received numerous awards for their outstanding service in community and leadership development. NCF is honored to welcome them on board.

dr. Allen G. Blezek of Lincoln is widely recognized as an educator, an innovator and a leader throughout Nebraska and on the national and international level. He has served as Director of the Nebraska LEAD

Program for nearly 25 years, and now holds the rank of Professor Emeritus in UNL’s Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication. Allen has served as a member and president of numerous organizations including the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, Nebraska FFA Foundation, University of Nebraska faculty senate and Lincoln East Rotary.

Joe C. Ferguson of Norfolk is the Director of Business, Industry and Economic Development at Northeast Community College. Joe has more than 20 years of leadership experience through numerous

community and economic development groups in Norfolk and northeast Nebraska. He is the founding president of the Nebraska Development Network and a former member of the Nebraska Rural Development Commission. Joe is a member of Nebraska Diplomats Board of Directors and was the 2008 Nebraska Diplomat of the Year. Joe has been associated with NCF as Vice Chair of the Norfolk Community Foundation Fund.

Trustees of the Erna R. Badstieber Donor-Advised Fund, Jan and Joe Badstieber of Columbus and Judy Hemberger of Estes Park, CO, celebrate the power of philanthropy. In 2009 the Fund awarded $39,000 in scholarships to eight needy students in the Columbus area.

Karla Uhlir and Brian Vakoc participate in their first NCF on-site training session. They are officers of the new Verdigre Community Foundation Fund, formed in 2009.

2009 ANNUAL BANQUET MAJOR CORPORATE SPONSORSMcCarthy Group Advisors, OmahaPinnacle Bank, LincolnConsolidated Companies, Lincoln The Day Companies, NorfolkFarmers State Bank, MaywoodFirst National Bank, OmahaMNB Financial Group, Inc., McCook Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, Lincoln

I On the Leading Edge

Bee Area Community Foundation Fund is NCF’s newest community-based affiliated fund. The Fund is working to restore the Bee States Ballroom as a gathering place for community events. The facility is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Norfolk Area Community Foundation Fund organized 12 local nonprofits and 12 business sponsors to produce a “Women in Action” 2010 calendar. More than 100 women were photographed at work in their community benefit roles. The goal of the project is to highlight Norfolk’s charities and encourage a culture of giving back of time and talent as well as treasure.

Eustis Area Community Foundation Fund has received a five-year endowment-building challenge from First Bank & Trust in Eustis and Grabenstein Insurance Agency. The Fund must raise $10,000 per year to be matched by $5,000 for a total of $75,000. The campaign kicked off with a cream can supper. The Fund begins action planning facilitated by NCF this spring.

McCook Community Foundation Fund has an active youth advisory group that is raising money for their community. Don Harpst, Fund Advisory Committee Chair, says the group shows young people that they can and do make a difference in their community.

Hickman Area Community Foundation Fund benefited from two events in February. Nearly 300 people took part in the 28th Annual Animal Run with proceeds going to the Fund’s Aquatic Center project. Later that day, the Hickman American Legion Auxiliary’s Third Annual Chili Cook-Off raised funds for the same cause. All told, more than $7,000 was raised, thanks to collaboration with numerous community partners.

Keith County Community Foundation Fund (KCCFF) distributed $20,000 in grants to 15 civic projects and organizations during its sixth annual grantmaking celebration. The Fund also received a sizeable planned gift from Terry and Gwen Johnson of Ogallala, the fourth such gift pledged to the Fund’s unrestricted endowment. In just seven years the endowment and expectancies have grown to more than $1 million.

Perkins County Community Foundation Fund (PCCFF) met its Hunt Challenge year-end deadline by raising $150,000. The Hunt family, owners of Great Plains Communications, contributed an additional $50,000 in matching funds. This is the fifth community served by Great Plains Communications to successfully meet the challenge to build an endowment for strategic grantmaking.

Thedford Area Community Foundation Fund continues to attract more folks to its annual fundraising banquet. The event drew 189 people from a population area of only about 700 and raised $20,000 for the Fund’s endowment. Since its founding six years ago, the Fund has made more than 40 grants for economic development and community improvement.

Shickley Community Foundation Fund honored Joan Hendrickson as its sixth Legacy Society donor during its sixth annual banquet. The Fund has 150 donor households in this community of 350, and it has reinvested $95,000 through grants to the Shickley area. The Fund exceeded the goal of harnessing 5 percent of its 10-year transfer of wealth. It will begin action planning with NCF this spring.

Affiliated Fund Updates

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NCF Community Funds

Left to right: Kevin Poppe, Great Plains Communications; Michelle Ross, PCCFF Chair; Brandon Wood, Great Plains Communications; PCCFF members Becky Uehling, Ashley Colglazier and Jeff Wallin; Gail Jensen, Hunt Family representative; Dan Ross, Great Plains Communications; Jana Jensen, Nebraska Community Foundation.

Norfolk area supporters include (from left) Julie Robinson, Courtney Klein-Faust, Tammy Day, Mayor Sue Fuchtman, Candy Allen and Paula Pflueger. Kneeling (from left) are Cindy Morrow and Renee Albin.

The Eustis cream can supper drew 183 people and raised $14,446 for the community’s endowment-building campaign.

NCF Gift Planning Director Jim Gustafson (right) presents a token of appreciation to Joan Hendrickson, a new member of NCF’s Legacy Society, as Don Harpst of McCook looks on.

KCCFF Chair Joanie Halligan, Terry and Gwen Johnson, and Vice Chair F. E. “Pete” Peterson announce the newest planned gift at the annual grantmaking celebration.

Runners and walkers in southeast Nebraska take off from downtown Hickman to enjoy one of the first races in 2010.

Members of Youth Change Reaction awarded McCook Elementary Principal Linda Baumbaugh, (front left,) $500 to help teach Spanish to elementary students.

On the Leading Edge I 5

www.nebcommfound.org

COMMUNITY ANd ORGANIZATIONALSUCCESS HIGHLIGHTS

Organizational and donor-Advised FundsThe WealthSpring Fund, a statewide affiliated fund, provides grants to organizations that build women’s financial stability. Recent awards went to support job skills training in fork lift operations, market gardening, resume and interview preparation and after-school childcare. Recently, WealthSpring collaborated with the Butler County Area Community Foundation Fund by providing a matching grant to Genesis Personal Development Center in David City. Funding will be used to assist women who are re-entering the workforce after escaping domestic abuse.

Holt County Economic Development Fund (HCED), an NCF affiliated fund, held its second annual event in January. Guest speaker Tim O’Brien,

Business Development Manager at the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, praised HCED’s county-wide HomeTown Competitiveness success. He said Holt County is leading the way in several areas: reaching out to young people, aggressive business assistance, community pride with a county-wide vision, and harnessing local resources to support these efforts. O’Brien said that a recent survey shows that 80 percent of Nebraska expatriates under the age of 30 would move back for a good job. This group cites “family and friends” as the most important reason to return.

The Seger Family Donor-Advised Fund has made its first grant of $4,850 to the Murphy Center in Stuart. The Murphy Center will operate as a regional theater and media center. The Center began exterior renovations in 2008; interior improvements are scheduled for completion in June 2010. Paul and Karen Seger initiated their donor-advised fund through a generous gift of ag commodities.

SAVE THE dATENCF ANNuAL CELEbrATiON iN LiNCOLN

Thursday, November 4Join us at the Embassy Suites as we celebrate the success of our hometowns across the state!

Affiliated Fund Exposition•Social Hour •Banquet•

Friday, November 5Affiliated Fund Training•

BECOME A FANJoin us on Facebook for the latest photos and news about NCF and its affiliated funds across the state. Share your comments and keep in touch.

Our address is http://tinyurl.com/NCFonFBBetter yet, go to Facebook and search Nebraska Community Foundation.

Pat Lostroh is all smiles as she accepts a second challenge grant from the WealthSpring Fund to benefit Genesis Personal Development Center.

Paul and Karen Seger of Atkinson

Peter Kiewit Foundation Helps Affiliated Funds Meet Emergency NeedsFor a second year, the Peter Kiewit Foundation of Omaha worked with NCF to provide grants to meet local emergency food and utility needs of distressed families. Six community-based affiliated funds – Columbus, Imperial, Keith County, McCook, Norfolk and O’Neill – each received $20,000 to re-grant to local social service organizations. On behalf of our affiliated funds and the communities they serve, NCF is grateful for the generous support provided to people in need across the state.

Doug Gaswick, left, Imperial Community Foundation Fund treasurer, presents a $15,000 Peter Kiewit check replica to Pastor Todd Burpo and Pastor David Kahle who represent the Southwest Nebraska Ministerial Association. At right,

ICF board member Derek Russell presents a $5,000 check to Becky Berry, director of the Imperial Community Center. Others ICFF members pictured from left, Elna Johnson, Elsie Newman, Chair Marvin Large and Secretary Lori Pankonin. (Imperial Republican photo)

I On the Leading Edge6

Charitable Giving

New Americans living in the Columbus and Schuyler area will be able to increase their financial literacy skills thanks to funding secured through the Nebraska Community Foundation. NCF worked with local leaders of the Hispanic community and others to raise $17,000 to match a $33,000 grant from the Ford Foundation.

“This grant is for new Americans to become involved in the community,” said Pat Heims, executive director of the Columbus Area United Way, which is partnering with the Columbus Multi-Cultural Alliance to deliver the new training program.

A key component of the program will provide counseling to help minority citizens become familiar with financial systems. Many new Americans do not use banks and therefore have difficulty establishing credit and applying for scholarships and loans.

A New Americans account has been established within the Columbus Area Community Foundation Fund. Committee members recently learned that an additional $7,200 Building Entrepreneurial Communities Act grant has been awarded to the program. Long-term goals for the New Americans program include economic empowerment, financial literacy, economic self-sufficiency and civic engagement.

Economic Education for Immigrant Families

Guadalupe Arcos is a personal banking officer at Pinnacle Bank in Columbus. She is a New Americans committee member working to increase financial literacy among new immigrants.

Grant Support for Economic development

Holt County Economic Development, an affiliated fund of NCF, has had a lot to celebrate since its launch in 2007. New and expanded businesses have created or retained more than 100 full-time jobs. Now there is more good news.

NCF’s Rudolph H. Elis Donor-Advised Fund, with an endowment of more than $2 million, will make its first grant to HCED to support entrepreneurial development and people attraction in Holt County. The three-year commitment of $87,500 will be matched two-to-one by local sources and will support the hiring of a business coach.

Holt County has been a HomeTown Competitiveness community since 2005. This grant is a manifestation of how HTC enables grassroots philanthropy to begin and complete a full circle of community reinvestment. Rudolph Elis was interested in investing in communities that were innovative and intentional in their

efforts to thrive. He specifically targeted the O’Neill and Norfolk areas for his charitable intentions because he saw evidence that these two NCF communities were on the road to success.

“The addition of a business coach to our staff will enable us to provide timely, critical assistance to connect our businesses to new programs, markets and areas of growth,” said Nicole Sedlacek, HCED Director.

ESI Earns National AwardNebraska 4-H recently received the Cathy Ashmore Leadership and Advocacy Award for the EntrepreneurShip Investigation (ESI)curriculum. The honor was presented at the 27th Annual Entrepreneurship Education Forum. The curriculum was developed in 2005 through a partnership with NCF’s HomeTown Competitiveness, the Nebraska Department of Education and other organizations.

The curriculum is used in a variety of settings beyond 4-H clubs, including home schools, clubs, camps and community-based organizations.

“Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education are critical to growing our economy, retaining and attracting back our young people, and creating a ‘line of succession’ for current businesses,” said Elizabeth Birnstihl, Associate Dean-Cooperative Extension at UNL.

ESI camps and curriculum are offered in numerous NCF affiliated fund communities through 4-H, schools and community groups.

HCED Director Nicole Sedlacek with Jon Schmaderer, HCED Secretary/Treasurer and NCF Board member.

The Nebraska Community Foundation partners with community leaders to inspire charitable giving, prudently manage financial resources and make strategic investments for the prosperity of our people and our communities.

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

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IMPACT GRANTMAKING ANdCONTRIBUTIONS TO NCF

www.nebcommfound.org

On the Leading Edge I

July 1, 2009 – december 31, 2009$100,000 or MoreThe Ford Foundation – New York, NY

$25,000 to $99,999Frank and Shirley Sibert – KearneyRichard E. and Louisa L. Manning – GenevaElaine S. Wolf * – AlbionKathleen Thuman/Farmers State Bank * – LincolnConsolidated Companies * – Lincoln

$10,000 to $24,999Robert E. Mundy/Mundy & Associates * – OmahaRichard and Darlene Walter/ Richard Walter Insurance Agency * – ShickleyBruning State Bank * – Bruning

$5,000 to $9,999The Day Companies Inc. * – Norfolk

$2,000 to $4,999McCook National Bank – McCookMcCarthy Group Advisors LLC – OmahaPinnacle Bank – GretnaDennis and Nancy Stara * – LincolnLockwood Foundation * – ScottsbluffJudith Brockmeier * – Eustis

$1,000 to $1,999First National Bank of Omaha – OmahaNebraska Investment Finance Authority – LincolnMark and Linda Graff – McCookPete and Jonnie Peterson * – BruleRobert Kathol – OmahaTri-County Bank * – StuartAllen and Kay Blezek * – Lincoln

Bettenhausen Family Foundation – LincolnCornerstone Bank – YorkTinstman Family Donor-Advised Fund – LincolnMcCook National Company – McCookRaymond E. and Debra Welsh * – Pender

$500 to $999 Union Bank & Trust Company – LincolnFehringer, Mielak & Fehringer PC LLC – ColumbusShannon Harner and Philip Goddard * – LincolnLora Damme – TalmageJudith Scherer Connealy and Matt Connealy * – DecaturSusan M. Ugai * – LincolnJeff Yost and Cindy Ryman Yost * – LincolnHarris Properties – LincolnHBE Becker Meyer Love – LincolnJeff and Judy Greenwald – LincolnSam and Joyce Baird – Lincoln

Don Schmaderer * – StuartJon and Jennifer Schmaderer * – Stuart

$100 to $499Brandon W. and Tammy C. Day – NorfolkJoe Ferguson * – NorfolkKarl “Jack” Randecker, Sr. – FarnamLori J. and Russell Pankonin * – ImperialDoug and Pat Friedli * – Nebraska CitySusan Stibal and Brian Ardinger – LincolnJana and J.C. Jensen * – BinghamKarla and Matthew Egger * – MartellMarcia A. White * – LincolnAmy and Craig Fey * – CreteIrv and Wanda Omtvedt – LincolnJim and Terri Gustafson * – LincolnLes and Terri Long * – LincolnSteven Hutchinson and Susan Thomas – Omaha

Contributions to the Nebraska Community Foundation

* All or a portion of this gift is part of a multi-year pledge commitment.

Kathleen Thuman – Lincoln Kathleen Thuman joined the NCF Board of Directors in 1999 and served as Board Chair from 2005 to 2007. “What first attracted me to NCF was what an outstanding vehicle to give back to the towns that were so good to me. I have banks in three little towns in western Nebraska and I’m a third generation banker. So those communities have been good to the Thumans for three generations,”

said Kathy. She now lives in Lincoln but spends most of the work week at her Farmers State Bank branches in Maywood, Trenton and Big Springs.Kathy Thuman recently made a cash contribution of $50,000 to NCF’s Ford Foundation Challenge campaign, with a pledge of an additional $100,000 over the next two years. “I really feel that the Nebraska Community Foundation’s endowment campaign is a great way to give to the whole state, and have some influence over the whole state, because we really are a single community. We’re a small population and we know each other,” Kathy said.“The Nebraska Community Foundation has given me a fabulous opportunity to get to know people and see places across the state.”Kathy said that the experience of settling her father’s estate in San Marcos, CA, made her focus on how she felt about Nebraska and where she wanted to spend the rest of her life. “When I weighed beautiful weather against the sense of community, influence, knowledge of the people, connections and communications in Nebraska, it was a no-brainer. I sold Dad’s house and I’m staying here, and I’m going to do everything that I can to improve the state,” Kathy said.

Friends of NCF are stepping up to the Ford Foundation Challenge to stake their claim in Nebraska’s future. From time to time, NCF will introduce our readers to some of our major donors. We are proud to share their stories and are grateful for their significant investment in our mission.

Ford Challenge Champions

Kathy Thuman of Lincoln

Doug and Judy Gaswick – imperialDoug Gaswick became involved with the Imperial Community Foundation Fund (ICFF) when it launched in 1999 and has served as treasurer throughout most of the Fund’s history. Recently, Doug and his wife, Judy, made a generous commitment to both the Imperial Community Foundation Fund and the Nebraska Community Foundation. Their gift comes in the form of a life insurance policy – $200,000 to ICFF and $50,000 to NCF – that will benefit our

organizations in the future. Doug and Judy make tax-deductible contributions to fund the premiums on the policy, and the policy is owned by NCF for the benefit of ICFF and the NCF Endowment. “Without NCF, the Imperial Community Foundation Fund would probably not be here,” said Doug. “As a committee member, I cannot imagine forming and administering a foundation without NCF’s guidance and assistance.” With about 4,000 people in Chase County, the Fund has raised nearly a half million dollars in endowed assets, plus additional planned gifts. “Without NCF, the Imperial Community Foundation Fund would not be where we are today in terms of endowment funds, structure and proper compliance. I felt it was only appropriate to award NCF a portion of the gift in this regard. Besides, Nebraska is a great state to live in and I would like to help do my part to keep it that way.”Doug and Judy Gaswick have two adult children. Nathan holds degrees in accounting and finance, and is continuing his education to get a teaching certificate. Nicki is a junior at UNL and is currently the president of the UNL Women’s Math Club, which promotes women in areas of math.“Imperial is a very progressive community with strong, forward-thinking leaders. We have some very proactive committee members promoting the purpose of the Fund,” Doug said.

Doug and Judy Gaswick of Imperial

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PAIDLINCOLN, NE

PERMIT NO. 449650 J Street, Suite 305 PO Box 83107 Lincoln, NE 68501-3107(402) 323-7330 • Fax (402) 323-7349www.nebcommfound.org info@nebcommfound.org

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Best Practice: Connecting With CommunityHow does an affiliated fund in a small city with lots of community benefit institutions distinguish itself? The Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund positions itself as the organization that invests in people.

Late last year the Fund received the 2009 Catalyst for Change Award from Partners for Otoe County. The award recognized NCCFF for the alcohol-free, family-friendly street dance it sponsored last summer.

The event featured live music. Admission was only $5 and kids 12 and under were free. It was an opportunity to increase public awareness about the Fund’s unique mission that focuses on people rather than bricks and mortar projects. Non-traditional

scholarships were awarded to adults furthering their education in business, construction management and nursing. The Fund announced its second philanthropist of the year award, honoring those who also give of their time and talent.

According to NCCFF committee member Scott VanderVeen, the purpose of the street dance was not to raise money. Rather, it was an opportunity to increase exposure for NCCFF, have fun and enjoy Nebraska City’s community life. The promotion of the event on Facebook resulted in more than 300 fans who continue to communicate about Nebraska City.

Involving young people is no token effort for NCCFF. The Fund’s Youth Council is actively involved and determines how 20 percent of annual grant dollars are spent.

“When the kids graduate, instead of a suitcase, let’s give them a mailbox,” VanderVeen said.

The youth group kicked off the year by purchasing “Seasons Greetings” signs for the entrances to town. Zachry Construction donated an additional $10,000 toward the

project, which also included replacing decorations and lights.

“We really appreciate the effort that this group has put forward,” said Public Properties Director Dan Giittinger.

Ben Rice, Youth Council leader, said the project is the group’s first step toward downtown revitalization and restoration. “There is a lot to be done by the Youth Council this year and we’re looking forward to it,” Rice said.

The Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund has completed NCF’s action planning process. Part of that plan includes a repeat performance of its successful street dance and continued youth engagement in community improvement projects.

Volunteers www.nebcommfound.org

BEST PRACTICES

Representatives from the Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund accept the Catalyst for Change Award from Tim Regler with Partners for Otoe County. From left: Colin Albers, David Partsch, Dave LeGrand, Kathryn Nelson, Shawnna Silvius, Erv Friesen, Scott VanderVeen, Tim Regler and Bill Davis.

From left: Shawnna Silvius, Youth Council advisor; Tyler Avery, coordinator; Ben Rice, chair; Dave Palmtag, member; Jaclyn Kreifels, volunteer with Zachry Construction; Spencer Radke, member; and Sam Sullivan, secretary. Not pictured: Mariah Earhart, member; Adrian Duvall, treasurer; and Alyssa Claussen, vice chair.