Investing in NCF to Preserve and Build the Economic Vitality of Nebraska Communities
Consolidated Companies, Inc.
Since 2003, Consolidated Companies has partnered with the Nebraska Community Foundation to strengthen rural communities. As of June 2011 it has contributed more than $280,000 to the Nebraska Community Foundation for staff support and development services to our affiliated funds in the central and western areas of our state. Of that total amount, more than $180,000 has been given during our Ford Foundation Challenge campaign.
Consolidated Companies, headquartered in Lincoln, is a telecommunications provider with a big heart for the small communities it serves in central and western Nebraska. Consolidated has invested vast resources to keep our most remote communities connected to the world by providing telephone, Internet and digital TV to its customers. It also has invested company resources in area economic development, infrastructure and schools. The company slogan, “It’s our home, too,” rings absolute truth.
Consolidated Companies is a family-owned business founded by Sandhills native Clifford Thompson in 1950. Brian Thompson, one of 14 third-generation shareholders, is Vice President of External Relations. Brian has served on the NCF Board for seven years and is the Immediate Past Chair. His genuine commitment to community is shared by both his family and his company. Thompson family members also continue to own and operate their ranch in Blaine County, and in 2009 celebrated its 100-year anniversary.
Consolidated Companies was instrumental in establishing NCF affiliated funds to serve the surrounding areas of Arthur, Eustis, Hyannis, Mullen, Thedford and Wallace. In 2003, the company began offering challenge grants to these communities. As of June 2011, these six communities with a combined population of fewer than 3,000 people had raised more than $526,000 as a result of Consolidated challenge grants, and they have built permanent unrestricted endowments totaling more than $660,000.
“We see our support for NCF as an ongoing, long-term investment. NCF is helping to preserve and build the economic vitality of the communities our company serves.”Brian Thompson, Vice President-External Relations, Consolidated Companies, Inc.
Several Consolidated employees serve as volunteer Fund Advisory Committee members who lead efforts to build local endowments. Grants from these endowments support health and human services, education, safety, recreation, entrepreneurship, youth engagement and the arts.
Consolidated has awarded more than $135,000 during the past 13 years (between 1998 and 2011) in scholarships, both for college-bound students and for non-traditional/adult students who want to gain additional knowledge or expertise to better serve their communities. Consolidated also has provided significant financial support to Blaine County, Keith County, Perkins County, Curtis, Maywood and Paxton.
The Nebraska Community Foundation is honored and fortunate to have a champion like Consolidated Companies on our roster. The Thompson family, their company and employees are key players in bringing new prosperity to rural Nebraska.
In the photo: Brian Thompson (center) presents one of many incremental challenge grants to the Mullen Area Community Foundation Fund. Consolidated Companies matches local funds on a one-to-two basis up to $15,000 to encourage local charitable giving.
