Affiliated Fund Development Coordinator
Kara Asmus is an Affiliated Fund Development Coordinator for East-Central Nebraska. Kara coaches volunteer leaders to build community awareness, conduct fundraising efforts and to increase community impact through grantmaking and citizen engagement.
Prior to joining the NCF team, Kara administered the “Drive for Five” program – a talent attraction, workforce development, and career readiness program for the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. She has also held leadership roles with the Boy Scouts of America, the Columbus Downtown Business Association, and has a background in advertising.
Kara discovered her passion for philanthropic work as a volunteer member of the Columbus Area Future Fund, an NCF affiliated fund. Other volunteer experience includes serving as a board member for Centro Hispano Comunitario de Nebraska, president for Columbus Area Vertical Voices, Daughters of the American Revolution, and she previously served ten years as chairman of the Columbus Days Parade, United Way, and the Columbus Jaycees, among many other organizations.
Kara obtained a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, specializing in Human Development and Family Rehabilitation Services.
Her hobbies include traveling, gardening, and genealogy. She and her husband, Mark, are life-long Nebraskans, both originating from the Hastings Area, and have lived in Columbus for over thirty-five years. They have two adult sons, Alex (wife Nikki and son Carter) of Columbus and Austin (wife Josie) of Kansas City.
Email: kasmus@nebcommfound.org