Pride of place is an important aspect of belonging, and that sense of pride runs deep in Nebraska’s Sandhills, one of the most unique and ecologically diverse places on the planet. It’s where the Calamus Area Community Fund (CACF) has been doing its work for nearly 30 years.
Originally established to serve Burwell and Garfield County, CACF expanded its reach to include Loup County and hometowns like Taylor. “We’re two counties, one big community,” said Jim Welniak who serves on both the local fund advisory committee and Nebraska Community Foundation’s statewide board of directors.
It’s that sense of pride and belonging that has powered CACF’s endowment-building efforts over the years. As a fund, they boast one of the highest numbers of individual donors across the NCF network—currently approaching 5,500. Considering both counties are inhabited by just over 2,400 people, it’s an impressive accomplishment.
“Everyone in the community can be a part of the vision and the dream whether you’re donating $50,000 or $15,” said Megan Helberg, also a member of the fund advisory committee and NCF board of directors.
That vision, that “Our Calamus Area communities are thriving in a regional economy, as well as providing a welcoming home for families to live the Good Life,” is closer to being realized every day.
Since its establishment, CACF has reinvested more than $1.5 million toward that good life. Starting in 2006, the Rolland Ramsthel Registered Nurse Scholarships have aided students as they pursue health care careers. This year alone, $25,500 went to six recipients. Overall, CACF awarded $32,150 in scholarships for the 2025–2026 school year. Other grants have supported the
local historical society, heritage tourism, the arboretum, Harrop Sandhills Park, lifesaving fire and rescue equipment, track improvements, pool improvements, recreation offerings, and a matching facilities grant to bring more quality early childhood education to the area.
“It’s a testament to all those $15 donations. Now our community is really reaping the benefits,” said Helberg. There is perhaps no greater point of pride in CACF’s corner of the Sandhill’s than Nebraska’s Big Rodeo. Thousands come from miles around to experience the grandeur of the Sandhills and honor the over one hundred-year-old tradition. But in May 2022, a violent storm destroyed the ticket office and main grandstands. The devastating event was a turning point for the Fund. They pledged $100,000
toward the rebuild which would include not only new seating and restrooms, but a beautiful community gathering space to be enjoyed year-round.
The grandstands illustrated to the whole community the importance of having an unrestricted endowment in place. You can never predict when tragedy will strike, so it’s best to be prepared. It also served as a reminder of why community members should contribute to the Homegrown Challenge campaign CACF is currently engaged in.
Together, members of the CACF Advisory Committee and alumnus Ed Knott pooled together $100,000 to serve as an incentive for community members to pitch in their own $300,000. If successful, not only will they earn the gift from Knott and the FAC, but also an additional $50,000 incentive from Nebraska Community Foundation. Raising money is never easy, but in a place like the Calamus Area, it’s not hard to build your case.
“This is home,” said Helberg. “And so, if you’re going to give, why not give to your home? Why not give to the place that makes you feel not just like you’re welcome, but that you truly belong?”
