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Private Support Sparks HTC Initiative

Tom and Cynthia Olson

Donor-Advised Funds

Private Support Sparks HTC Initiative

Tom and Cynthia Olson of Lisco established a donor-advised fund through NCF with a gift of more than $100,000 in 2006. They wanted to get Garden County in western Nebraska growing again, and NCF’s message of rekindling hope through HomeTown Competitiveness inspired them. They started using their charitable dollars to support homegrown prosperity.

Today things are happening in Garden County. Eight local public and private entities have partnered to leverage support for several community development grants. Recently, NCF was awarded a USDA matching grant for $124,000 over three years to support HTC in Garden County. The county has hired an HTC coordinator and business coach.

Now “Grow Garden County HTC” is moving into strategy development. In January, 70 residents came together to set priorities for leadership development, entrepreneurship, youth engagement and philanthropy. With a county population of just over 2,000, that’s a significant number of people taking on leadership roles.

“With the difficult economic times facing our country today, it is an opportunity for Garden County to demonstrate its great quality of life and that it is forming a strategic plan to diversify its economy beyond agriculture production. Grow Garden County can be successful with the joint effort of individuals throughout the county,” said Mr. Olson.

Garden County is known for its pristine natural environment and excellent hunting and fishing. This may be why more than half of the teens surveyed there say they would like to stay in or return to the area if career opportunities were available. The same number would be interested in entrepreneurship training and owning their own business someday.

People like Tom and Cynthia Olson are helping to make that possible. As Chairman of the Lisco State Bank and with banking interests in other communities, Mr. Olson recognizes that investment in people is critical to the future of our small towns. Philanthropic assets are a perfect, yet often untapped, resource for community reinvestment.

“To come back and give back can insure that our legacy will be around for awhile,” said Mr. Olson. “One thing is certain; it is a good, safe investment that can pay big dividends.”

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Private Support Sparks HTC Initiative

Tom and Cynthia Olson

Private Support Sparks HTC Initiative

Tom and Cynthia Olson of Lisco established a donor-advised fund through NCF with a gift of more than $100,000 in 2006. They wanted to get Garden County in western Nebraska growing again, and NCF’s message of rekindling hope through HomeTown Competitiveness inspired them. They started using their charitable dollars to support homegrown prosperity.

Read more »

$2.3M Estate Gift for Entrepreneurship and People Attraction

Rudolph H. Elis

A $2.3 million endowment has been established to support entrepreneurship and people attraction in north-central Nebraska. Rudolph H. Elis created a donor-advised fund in 2006 that was funded by a bequest upon his death.

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Siberts’ Challenge Grant Creates Endowment in Red Cloud

Frank and Shirley Sibert

An attitude of gratitude prompted Frank and Shirley Sibert, former longtime residents of Valentine, in north-central Nebraska, to give a $100,000 gift of appreciated securities to the Red Cloud Community Foundation Fund, an affiliated fund of the Nebraska Community Foundation and their hometown, in South Central Nebraska.

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More Donor Stories...

  1. Bruno and Laverne Boettcher »
  2. Harold and Marilyn Rink »
  3. Robert Harm »
  4. Lemoine “Andy” and Geri Anderson »
  5. Paul and Karen Seger »
  6. John Daro »
  7. Rolland R. Ramsthel »
  8. Verlene and Gerald Gunderson »
  9. Don and Alice Harpst »
  10. Jim and Ginger Nissen »
  11. Kathryn Wall »
  12. Doris Miller »
Title Description
Charitable Gift Annuity A Charitable Gift Annuity, allows the donor to make a gift and receive fixed income payments for life and/or for the lifetime of a surviving beneficiary. More information.
Charitable Remainder Trusts A Charitable Remainder Trust is a legal instrument into which a donor transfers irrevocably the ownership of assets such as securities or real estate. In return, the donor receives an immediate charitable income tax deduction and the right to receive an income. When the trust ends, the property remaining in the trust passes to the Nebraska Community Foundation to be used according to the donor’s directions. More information.
Donor-Advised Funds A donor-advised fund can be established and funded either currently or with a testamentary gift. The donor or the fund advisors recommend grant disbursements to eligible charitable organizations within Nebraska Community Foundation guidelines. This type of fund also qualifies for the highest charitable income and estate tax deductions allowed by law, while bypassing capital gains tax on gifts of appreciated assets to the fund. More Information.
Endowment Building A Permanent Endowment Fund is held in perpetuity and invested in a manner that protects the principal while the investment income provides ongoing support for donor-designated projects and expenses approved by the Fund Advisory Committee. Many donors choose to give to unrestricted endowments of the affiliated funds they wish to support.
Gift of Ag Commodities Fluctuating prices have created opportunities for making tax-advantaged gifts of grain or livestock.
Gifts of Real Estate A gift of real estate offers several special tax incentives and other benefits. More Information.
Gifts of Retirement Plan Assets Many Nebraskans have taken advantage of generous tax incentives provided by tax law to save for their retirement years. Known as “qualified” retirement plans, these plans, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), 401(k), Keogh and others, feature income tax benefits when contributions are made to the plan. Plus, the money in the plan accumulates tax-free until it is withdrawn for retirement. More Information.
Gifts of Securities Tax laws offer a triple tax benefit for gifts of securities (stock, bonds and mutual funds) that have increased in value since purchase or acquisition. Donors can receive several tax benefits: charitable income tax deduction, avoidance of capital gains taxes, and reduction of potential estate taxes. More Information.
Gifts of Tangible Personal Property Tangible personal property is broadly defined in the tax code as any property, other than land or buildings that can be seen or touched. More information.
Scholarships Scholarships, especially non-traditional scholarships, are a technique many donors have used to help strengthen the workforce for their hometown.
Wills and Bequests A bequest, a gift in your will, is an opportunity to make a difference in the quality of life in your hometown and continue the support you have provided during your lifetime. More Information.

Nebraska Community Foundation / 650 J Street Suite 305 / P.O. Box 83107 / Lincoln, NE 68501 / P: (402) 323-7330 F: (402) 323-7349 / E-mail Us