It’s right there in Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund’s (NCCFF) mission statement: invest in people. For 25 years, NCCFF leaders have fostered a culture of giving that prioritizes Nebraska Citians and their well-being—reinvesting $6.8 million so far into the community they love. From helping ensure everyone has what they need to lead dignified lives to funding opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, abilities, and leadership, NCCFF does what it can to bring a margin of excellence to the Otoe County seat.
For Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund volunteers, education is the foundation of a strong community. The Fund has awarded $126,750 in nontraditional scholarships throughout its history, with a preference given to those who will stay and work in the community. Many recipients are teachers or other professionals who plan on applying their newfound skills in the place they love.
“It helps lighten the financial burden of paying to further my education,” said teacher Emily Wiebeck, a scholarship recipient. “I am excited to use the opportunity to pay it forward in my teaching and coaching throughout the wider community.”
A commitment of the FAC is ensuring the youngest residents have what they need to pursue their biggest dreams. Together with EDGE Nebraska City, a program of Partners for Otoe County that works with families to increase literacy and community connection, NCCFF created the EDGE Poverty Alleviation Endowment. The two organizations will continue distributing books, supplies, and other resources to help children reach their greatest potential from a young age.
The fund is also intentional about reaching residents of every background. When NCCFF hosted The Dream Switch, a live performance about belonging in 2021, it didn’t just award a grant to bring the concert to Nebraska City—it also ensured that their grant would go toward making the performance bilingual, allowing Spanish-speaking residents to fully enjoy the event.
Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund’s story is also one of collaboration. The community is home to half a dozen family foundations that have supported an array of projects, including a new hospital, an addition to the library, an aquatic center, school renovations, and much more. With such an abundance of generosity already in place, volunteers with NCCFF understand that their skills and resources may be best used to supplement and amplify existing efforts. For example, two different library endowments totaling more than $1 million boost the community impact of the Morton-James Public Library—one provides general financial support while the other is used exclusively to purchase books.
As NCCFF plans for its next 25 years, it hopes to continue all the good work already underway. Volunteers are focused on recruiting and retaining young professionals, further empowering youth through impactful grantmaking, and remaining a strong collaborator with other area organizations. Most importantly, it plans to stay committed to their mission of investing in the people that make Nebraska City a wonderful place to call home.
“We feel that if we can invest in the people of this community, Nebraska City will be stronger tomorrow, next week, next year, and into the next generations,” said Melissa Turner, FAC chair. “As we like to say here in the Home of Arbor Day, the best time to plant a tree is 25 years ago. The Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund is evidence of that.”
