Are You a Non-Traditional Student?
If so, NCCFF Has the Scholarship Created With You in Mind.
Are you an adult community member who needs higher education or technical training to pursue better employment?
Then the Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund has a scholarship just for you. It’s time to apply for a 2023 NCCFF Non-Traditional Scholarship. These $2,000 scholarships are available to individuals who have not been on a continuous course of study since high school graduation and who now wish to
continue their education.In the past 22 years, these scholarships have spring boarded over 70 adult Nebraska City residents into pursuing the education and training needed to position themselves into higher paying and more satisfying careers. This scholarship is a prime example of the Foundation’s mission of “Investing in People” and improving the lives of Nebraska Citians.
To download a scholarship application, go to the Scholarship Application tab on this site.
Hurry!
Submission deadline is August 1, 2023.
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Five High School Graduates Receive Kimmel/Rotary Scholarships
Five Nebraska City area high school graduates each received a $2,000 Kimmel/Rotary Scholarships. These scholarships are funded by the Kimmel Foundation in honor of Richard P. Kimmel, a long-time Rotarian. They are administered by the Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund (NCCFF) through its Scholarship Committee.
The 2023 scholarship winners are: Connor Causgrove, Megan Essary,Ethan Graves, Kassidy Olson and Citlali Rodriguez. The NCCFF congratulates all the winners. Here are profiles of each student. Click our press release to see profiles of the winners.
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NCCFF Collects 'Nebraska City Wish List' Items at Community Picnic
The sun shone brightly Sunday, June 4, duringthe Nebraska City Community Picnic in Wildwood Park. Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund (NCCFF) enthusiasts were there asking picnickers what was on
their Nebraska City Wish List. Denise Davis, left, and Carol Crook, both NCCFF FAC members, chatted with people of all ages and collected their ideas on sticky notes for the Wish List.Do you have a Nebraska City Wish List item youwould like to share with us? Go to the NCCFF Facebook page and add your wish in a comment under the picnic post. Or send your wish in an email to: nccommunityfoundation@gmail.com.
Big things begin with little wishes!
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'Many Books One Community' Focuses on Friendship
Under the creative guidance of the Morton-James Public Library, the annual reading program formerly known as “One Book One Community” is now “Many Books One Community” and will be enriching the lives of even more Nebraska City students as well as adults. Once again, the Nebraska City Community Foundation
Fund is pleased to be a part of this community-wide program.
Library Youth Services Manager Amanda Winkler is overseeing “Many Books One Community”. Using feedback from previous years, she developed a program designed to engage more readers as well as increase participation throughout the community.Read all about these changes and more by clicking HERE.
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Donating to NCCFF Just Got Easier!
It’s easier than ever to join the Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund (NCCFF) in
its mission to invest in the people of Nebraska City.NCCFFnow has its own QR Code, designed by FAC member Brooke Chaney. Donating is a
simple matter of using a smartphone to scan the QR code below to go directly to
the NCCFF’s giving page on the Nebraska Community Foundation’s website. This is
where you can use your credit card to make your donation with one payment or
set up a recurring gift.If you don’t have a smartphone, you can use a computer to visit www.nebraskacitycommunityfoundation.organd select “How to Give.” Next, find NCCFF under the list of fund names and select “Donate Here”. Then select “Donate to this Fund.” Select “Annual Donor-General Account”.
ThankYou from all of us at NCCFF and the Nebraska City community.
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NCCFF Welcomes Two New FAC Members
The Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund (NCCFF) is happy to welcome two new members to its Foundation Advisory Committee (FAC). Brooke Chaney, left, and Cory Schlichtemeier recently joined the FAC. Both Nebraska city residents are excited about working with other NCCFF members in the coming months. To read more about them both, click HERE.
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Several NCCFF Supporters Participate in Nebraska Community Foundation's Annual Meeting
Several members of the Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund attended the Nebraska Community Foundation’s annual meeting, held this year in LaVista, NE. While there, Foundation Advisory Committee members attended focus sessions as well as participated in several panel discussions. Ideas and experiences were shared among the several hundred meeting attendees who represented Funds from across the state.
Posing in front of the NCCFF booth at a Connection Café networking event are, standing left to right: Carol Crook, Sharon Hersemann, Melissa Turner, FAC Chair; Dr. Jesse Dorman, FAC Vice Chair; Dr. Paul Madison, Brooke Chaney, Kiel VanderVeen and Cory Schlichtemeier. Kneeling are Doug Friedli and Brad Moyer.
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The Late Erwin 'Erv' Friesen and Wife Marcia Receive
the 2022 Philanthropists of the Year Award
For its Philanthropist of the Year Award, the Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund (NCCFF) takes great pride in selecting a person or persons whose generous donations of time and talent have touched hundreds, if not thousands, of lives in the Nebraska City community. NCCFF firmly believe that the late Erwin ‘Erv’ Friesen and his wife Marcia are prime examples of self-less givers, so they named them the 2022 NCCFF Philanthropists of the Year during the Foundation’s annual meeting Nov. 10th. Marcia Friesen accepted the award during the meeting supported by her daughter Julie Clark and Julie’s husband Bob, granddaughter Gracie and great-grandson Zane.
Click HERE to read about the Friesen’s and their many contributions to the Nebraska City Community.
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NCCFF Showcases Investing in Nebraska City at Its Annual Meeting
Held Nov. 10th at the Lewis and Clark Visitors’ Center, Nebraska City Community Foundation supporters gathered to enjoy homemade soup and pie and hear about this hometown non-profit’s successes during 2022. Melissa Turner, Foundation Advisory Committee (FAC) Chair, opened the meeting by applauding NCCFF for investing over $6.1 million back into the Nebraska City community during the past 22 years, making this a better place for everyone to live.
Click HERE to read all about the recent successes of Nebraska City’s hometown non-profit, the Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund.
In this photo, Nebraska City Public High School teacher Justin Aaberg accepts a ceremonial check representing his Non-Traditional Student Scholarship from Scholarship Committee Chair Sally Juilfs, left, and Sharon Hersemann, FAC Treasurer.
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NCCFF-Funded Job Enhancement Scholarship Boosts Local Workers
As a five-year maintenance employee at Lied Lodge, Jerry Keran was pleased he could increase his job skills by taking classes at Southeast Community College (SCC) in Nebraska City and Lincoln. He was especially happy with the financial aid he received through the NCCFF-funded Job Enhancement Scholarship, which covered 75% of his tuition. Read all about this scholarship, which is unique to SCC in Nebraska City, by clicking HERE.
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A Great Friend to NCCFF Passes Away
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Erv Friesen, a long-time supporter of the Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund (NCCFF) and extraordinary friend to the Nebraska City community. Erv served on the NCCFF’s Foundation Advisory Committee from 2009 to 2018, which included a term as Chair. He also served as Chair of NCCFF’s Sherwood Challenge Endowment Campaign that began in 2012 and eventually created a million-dollar endowment for his hometown nonprofit to reinvest in the Nebraska City community. Neither Nebraska City nor NCCFF would be the same without Erv’s input and assistance over the many years. He will be deeply missed by everyone at NCCFF.
You can read Erv Friesen’s obituary by going to:
https://publisher.etype.services/Nebraska-City-News-Press/e-paper-regular-edition/059F5A1E791F97A7
or
https://www.marshallfuneral.com/obituaries/Erwin-Erv-Don-Friesen?obId=25296039
See photos of Erv at:
https://publisher.etype.services/Nebraska-City-News-Press/e-paper-regular-edition/AFC72D8ADA02DC88
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NCF Explains Transfer of Wealth Possibilities to Rotary
Many Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund FAC members and supporters attended the May 25th Nebraska City Rotary meeting to hear a presentation by Janny Crotty from the Nebraska Community Foundation, headquartered in Lincoln. Crotty spoke to Rotarians about Transfer of Wealth in Nebraska and NCF’s Five to Thrive Program. Crotty, along with NCCFF enthusiast Doug Friedli, both stressed the importance of donating 5% of your estate to a Nebraska City non-profit endowment where the funds could benefit your hometown for decades to come.
To read the Nebraska City News Press coverage of Janny’s Rotary presentation, go to: https://www.ncnewspress.com/2022/05/30/nc-rotary-club-learns-about-planned-giving-from-nebraska-community-foundation/
In this photo, NCCFF enthusiasts gather around Janny Crotty after her presentation. From left to right are: Sharon Hersemann, Andrea Hincapie, Janny Crotty, Carol Crook, Chloe Higgins, Melissa Turner, Doug Friedli and Denise Davis.
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Nebraska City High School's JAG Program Gets a Boost with NCCFF Grant
Seeing an opportunity to invest in the future of Nebraska City High School students, Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund (NCCFF) gave the school a $10,000 grant to assist funding its Jobs for America’s Graduates Nebraska (JAG) Program.
Learn more about this grant and the JAG program, too, by clicking here: PRESS RELEASE
In the photo above, members of the NCHS JAG Career Association accept a ceremonial $10,000 check from Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund FAC members. Left to right, back row, are Melissa Turner, FAC Vice Chair, Marco Palacios, V.P. Civic Engagement; Shelby Todd, President; Lizzie Wredt, JAG Career Specialist Aaron Ammon, and Sharon Hersemann, FAC Treasurer. Front row, Jeremy Wallace, V.P. Social Awareness, and Bernardino Pereyra, Vice President of Career Development.
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NCCFF Grant Helps Put D.A.R.E. Back in the Classrooms
After a hiatus of two years, the Nebraska City Police Department is pleased to be back in the classrooms working with students through the nationally accredited D.A.R.E. Program. The Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund (NCCFF) is excited to again help fund this worthwhile youth program with a $1,500 grant. Click our press release to read more about it.
Above, NCCFF Advisory Committee members present a ceremonial grant check for $1,500 to NCPD Officer Casey Fertig. From left to right are: Brad Moyer, FAC Chairperson, Officer Fertig, and Sharon Hersemann, FAC Treasurer. NCCFF's donation helped enable the NCPD to get the D.A.R.E. program back in Nebraska City schools.
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"Pure Nebraska" Features Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund
Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund was featured by 'Pure Nebraska' in its Monday morning, Feb. 28th. broadcast. NCCFF enthusiasts were interviewed and spoke about the Foundation's many successes in this community with its planned giving.
To view this segment, go to. https://www.1011now.com/sponsored/nebraska-community-foundation/planned-giving-success-stories/
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ANNUAL REPORT: Over $6 Million! And the Giving Just Keeps On Growing
In 2021, a payout capacity of $45,000 was available from NCCFF’s unrestricted endowment, currently valued at $1.3 MILLION. During the last 21 years, NCCFF donors have reinvested $6.2 MILLION into our community. Thank you!
The 2021 Annual Report from your Fund Advisory Committee is available. We had a wonderful year thanks to all of our donors and volunteers. Let's keep up the momentum! Your report is found here: 2021 Annual Report
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Yolanda Peck, Local Immigrant Advocate, Receives Award Posthumously
A major highlight of the Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund’s (NCCFF) annual meeting is always the announcement of the Philanthropist of the Year Award. This year, that announcement was mixed with both excitement and sadness as the award was posthumously presented to Yolanda Peck, who passed away this April after a sudden illness.
During her years in Nebraska City, Yolanda Peck was well known for assisting the immigrant population to find ways to improve their lives and the lives of their families. No matter what need arose, no matter how large or small, Yolanda did her best to help achieve a better outcome for everyone. According to the people who knew her, most of the time she was successful. Yolanda spent countless hours working with the Center for Rural Affairs to create an inclusive and welcoming community for immigrants in Nebraska City.
Yolanda’s daughter, Mary Peck, accepted the award on her mother’s behalf at the NCCFF annual meeting. Mary read a copy of Legislative Resolution 153, which was a tribute to Yolanda Peck recently read to the Nebraska State Legislature and then entered into the state record.
This Philanthropist of the Year Award comes with a $500 grant from the NCCFF. Yolanda Peck’s grant will go to Project Response, a non-profit crisis center that provides free support and advocacy to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and related issues in Southeast Nebraska.
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Nebraska City Turns Up Its Dream Switch
Residents of Nebraska City enjoyed a beautiful evening with a free, live performance of "The Dream Switch" — presented in both Spanish and English on August 29, 2021. Attendees enjoyed great food, a beautiful art display featuring local students’ postcard depictions of their hometown, the engaging story and music of "The Dream Switch" (including an original song performed by students from Nebraska City Public Schools and Lourdes Central Catholic School), and a candid community conversation after the show. Topics covered what people love about Nebraska City and BIG DREAMS for the future of the town. Check out the video coverage from News Channel Nebraska to learn more.
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Free Performance to “turn up dream switches” in Nebraska City
August 29, 2021; Memorial Building Parking Lot. Learn the details here: PRESS RELEASE“The Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund is excited to be one of the ‘The Dream Switch’ performance sponsors,” according to Denise Davis, Foundation Advisory Committee Secretary. “This collection of songs is about embracing the opportunities that can be found right here in your own hometown. We hope local youth will be inspired to take a good look at what is available to them in Nebraska City and will eventually decide to share their talents and energy to make their hometown flourish.”
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NCCFF Summer Internship Reconnects Luke Partsch to His Hometown
Launched in 2020, NCF’s Hometown Internship program is attracting ambitious young Nebraskans to return to their hometowns for the summer and further the work and mission of their local Nebraska Community Foundation affiliated fund. This program is helping young people feel more connected to their hometowns, hone job relevant skills and network with adults and job creators in the area. Importantly, it’s allowing them to envision a bright future right in their own hometown. Learn all about NCCFF's 2021 Hometown Intern Luke Partsch: Click our press release to learn more about Luke and the exciting details of how Luke is working to improve our community!
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FREE WILLS GUIDE
Request your FREE Wills Guide NOW. Click the image to the left or the link below.
An estimated 70% of American adults have either no will or their will is outdated. Planning for the future is easier than you think and 2020 is the perfect time to get started. Nebraska Community Foundation’s FREE Wills Guide will guide you through the process. Download an easy to use, fill-in-the-blank booklet that can help you organize all the information you’ll need to plan your legacy.
JOIN THE CLUB, RECEIVE A WINDMILL
Make a planned gift to the community through our fund and you will receive a "Windmill" recognition award.
At the 2022 NCCFF Annual Meeting, past NCCFF FAC Chair Brad Moyer presented Windmill awards to Carol Crook, Kay and Dr. Dan DeFreece and Kim and Dr. Jesse Dorman.
Their generous gifts, which these Fund Advisory Committee members have written into their estate plans, continue a ten-year tradition for NCCFF. Every person who has joined the FAC in the past decade has made that same commitment.
To our knowledge, NCCFF is the only Nebraska Community Foundation-affiliated fund to continue this tradition. "So far, NCCFF has received 31 confirmed planned gifts, which further strengthens NCCFF’s Endowment Fund and allows us to continue ‘investing in the people’ of this community," Moyer said.
"Thank you all for giving back to your hometown through your estate planning."
Ways of Giving
- Online link for giving: DONATE HERE OR simply scan our QR code above.
- Speak to any Fund Advisory Committee Member; or
- Mail your donation to P.O. Box 444, Nebraska City, NE 68410
Note: If you donate on-line, when making a payment for annual dues the deposit should be designated to the General Account.
Can I designate how my donation will be used?
You may designate a specific Account for your donations. Funds donated to the Unrestricted Endowment Account will remain in that fund with investment income generated will be designated by the Fund Advisory Committee for projects within the community focusing on investing in the people of Nebraska City.
Does the donation have to be cash?
No. In fact, there may be some definite advantages in making donations in forms other than cash. Donations may be made in the form of gifts of agriculture commodities, an insurance policy beneficiary designation, a will or trust provision, or donation of appreciated assets. Through some of these means, you may even donate money to the community while receiving income from the funds for the remainder of your life!
Who can I talk to for more information on the kinds of Accounts available and how different types of donations might benefit me?
You may contact any of the Fund Advisory Committee members. They will either answer your questions or refer you to an individual with expertise in the area. Through the Fund's affiliation with the Nebraska Community Foundation, there are many resources available to ensure that your gift is structured properly to meet your intent.
How do I become an Annual Giver?
Annual Givers follow a minimum recommended donation of $100 per year per individual, $150 per family and $100 for non-profit organizations. A sliding schedule applies to businesses, depending upon the number of employees. Annual donations are counted and applied on a fiscal year basis with June 30th being the end of the fiscal year. A lifetime membership is available for a one-time $1500 donation to the General Account.
How will the Annual Giver donations be used?
These donors help us fund nontraditional scholarships and also cover the operating expenses of the foundation so that other donations and revenue generated from their investment will be available for community improvements.
Harry & Grace Moller
Library Endowment
Mrs. Grace Moller left $500,000 in her will to the Nebraska Community Foundation Fund to be administered for the benefit of the library through an endowed account.
The Account's earnings generate $20-30K each year for the Library - and will forever. In addition to making those grants the Account has grown to over $1,000,000 in 2020, so the annual grants available continue to increase.
Leadership & Youth
LEADERSHIP NEBRASKA CITY continues to thrive as it successfully builds relationships and encourages community involvement and active hope. In 2019-20, Class #15 began learning about our community - as they also learn about themselves.
https://www.leadershipnebraskacity.com
YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE began taking iPads to the nursing homes in 2014 and working with the elderly on learning how they can use technology to communicate with loved ones. Their 2018-19 project included a lot of leadership training, taking a lesson from LNC! See "News and Events" section below for more info.
Health and Recreation
A group of young people formed an organization and established the Skate Park Account to raise money to fund the building of a Skate Park for Nebraska City youth. They raised nearly $130,000 in donations and grants, which have aided in the completion of the Skate Park in Steinhart Park.
The Wildwood Dog Park was established through a hard-working group of committed volunteers that raised money to establish this much needed play area for dog owners. A great addition to our already wonderful park areas!
Those involved in the Baseball Fund haven’t slowed down since they established their Account. They not only have kept the American Legion Baseball program alive and well but they have also funded renovating the fields and building a concession stand at Steinhart Park.
Education
Each year the Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund offers scholarships to nontraditional students that reside or are employed in the Nebraska City area. These scholarships are directed to adults who are enhancing their careers through education with a focus on staying in or moving to Nebraska City. Many of these students would not be able to better their education without the assistance of our donors. THANK YOU! A link for the scholarship applications is on our site below - keep scrolling.
The Greater Nebraska Science and Engineering Fair Committee achieved its own 501(c)(3) tax exempt status in 2017 and transitioned into its own charitable entity. We are excited about seeing the entity continue to develop and provide outstanding science competition experiences for youth.
Benefits of Affiliation
https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/nebraska-city-community-foundation-fund/
The Funds' affiliation with the Nebraska Community Foundation offers a number of benefits that balance local, Nebraska City, control with professional management services and economies of scale:
Nonprofit Status
Access to NCF’s tax-exempt, Sec. 501(c)(3) status, allows donors to take a tax deduction for contributions. NCF issues charitable receipts conforming to IRS standards.Local Control with Expert Compliance Oversight
Locally selected Fund Advisory Committee members make the decisions about how the Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund's charitable dollars are spent. NCF in Lincoln has a legal responsibility for all funds entrusted with it to ensure that funds are used consistent with provisions of IRC Sec. 501(c)(3) and in compliance with donor intent. A local foundation would have the same legal responsibilities.Financial and Administrative Services
Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund has access to NCF’s financial and administrative services. NCF has the sole responsibility for all day-to-day financial activities, including recording contributions; making disbursements; cash management; preparing and filing IRS Form 990; obtaining an audit of its financial statements by an independent CPA firm and issuing the fund’s financial reports. Our endowed accounts can invest in one of two investment portfolios designed for nonprofits and offered by NCF’s investment advisor, the Omaha office of Westwood Trust.National Standards (Integrity & Accountability)
NCF has received recognition for having organizational and financial practices that are in compliance with National Standards established by the Council on Foundations. This demonstrates NCF’s integrity and accountability to donors.Peer Learning Network
NCF uses peer learning to help build community capacity and leadership. NCF facilitates peer-learning opportunities on many relevant topics to help our own Nebraska City leaders become more skillful and confident.Contributions to Multiple Funds
NCF is helping to evolve all Nebraskans’ giving habits to support causes and programs that will have greater impact upon the long-term sustainability of Nebraska’s hometowns. NCF’s educational efforts are helping many donors to consider the multiple causes they can choose to support with their current and planned gifts.Marketing, Communications and Web site
NCF marketing materials are available to affiliated funds at minimal or no charge. Sample or customized media relations materials, donor letters and financial planner communications can all be provided. NCF maintains an extensive Web site, providing information to affiliated funds, potential donors and financial planners. The ability to accept online donations is also available.Training and Technical Assistance
NCF staff has expertise in community development, strategic planning, planned giving and the development of public-private partnerships. NCF staff and Board Members are available to help funds get organized, provide guidance for strategic planning and advise on effective fundraising techniques. Workshops on topics ranging from leadership development to donor visitation techniques are held statewide.Gift Planning Assistance
NCF assists attorneys, CPAs, insurance agents, financial planners, bankers and brokers and their clients/donors with charitable gift planning. Brochures and materials on the benefits of charitable giving are available at no charge.Benefits of Affiliation
https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/nebraska-city-community-foundation-fund/
The Funds' affiliation with the Nebraska Community Foundation offers a number of benefits that balance local, Nebraska City, control with professional management services and economies of scale:
Nonprofit Status
Access to NCF’s tax-exempt, Sec. 501(c)(3) status, allows donors to take a tax deduction for contributions. NCF issues charitable receipts conforming to IRS standards.Local Control with Expert Compliance Oversight
Locally selected Fund Advisory Committee members make the decisions about how the Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund's charitable dollars are spent. NCF in Lincoln has a legal responsibility for all funds entrusted with it to ensure that funds are used consistent with provisions of IRC Sec. 501(c)(3) and in compliance with donor intent. A local foundation would have the same legal responsibilities.Financial and Administrative Services
Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund has access to NCF’s financial and administrative services. NCF has the sole responsibility for all day-to-day financial activities, including recording contributions; making disbursements; cash management; preparing and filing IRS Form 990; obtaining an audit of its financial statements by an independent CPA firm and issuing the fund’s financial reports. Our endowed accounts can invest in one of two investment portfolios designed for nonprofits and offered by NCF’s investment advisor, the Omaha office of Westwood Trust.National Standards (Integrity & Accountability)
NCF has received recognition for having organizational and financial practices that are in compliance with National Standards established by the Council on Foundations. This demonstrates NCF’s integrity and accountability to donors.Peer Learning Network
NCF uses peer learning to help build community capacity and leadership. NCF facilitates peer-learning opportunities on many relevant topics to help our own Nebraska City leaders become more skillful and confident.Contributions to Multiple Funds
NCF is helping to evolve all Nebraskans’ giving habits to support causes and programs that will have greater impact upon the long-term sustainability of Nebraska’s hometowns. NCF’s educational efforts are helping many donors to consider the multiple causes they can choose to support with their current and planned gifts.Marketing, Communications and Web site
NCF marketing materials are available to affiliated funds at minimal or no charge. Sample or customized media relations materials, donor letters and financial planner communications can all be provided. NCF maintains an extensive Web site, providing information to affiliated funds, potential donors and financial planners. The ability to accept online donations is also available.Training and Technical Assistance
NCF staff has expertise in community development, strategic planning, planned giving and the development of public-private partnerships. NCF staff and Board Members are available to help funds get organized, provide guidance for strategic planning and advise on effective fundraising techniques. Workshops on topics ranging from leadership development to donor visitation techniques are held statewide.Gift Planning Assistance
NCF assists attorneys, CPAs, insurance agents, financial planners, bankers and brokers and their clients/donors with charitable gift planning. Brochures and materials on the benefits of charitable giving are available at no charge.
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