Originally published on 10/11’s Pure Nebraska Program.
In its first full year of existence, the Legacy Fund for Seward County (LFSC) found itself responding to a pandemic unlike any yet seen in the 21st century. They met the moment, using their status as a Nebraska Community Foundation affiliated fund to find funding opportunities that kept their community safe and connected in an unprecedented time.
“We were able to open up a fund specifically for those needs and raise $119,000 that could go back into the community,” said LFSC Advisory Committee member Adam Greenquist, adding that many funds went to churches and schools for tablets and wireless hotspots. “A lot of teachers were able to still continue their education through those tough times.”
Those first two years were difficult, but the circumstances prepared the Legacy Fund as it moved toward helping the communities of Beaver Crossing, Bee, Cordova, Garland, Goehner, Milford, Pleasant Dale, Seward, Staplehurst and Utica thrive well into the future. Since 2022, the Legacy Fund has invested $180,000 In the county. The volunteer fund advisory committee has awarded grants to support the arts, parks and recreation, housing efforts, beautification and early childhood education.
“The Legacy Fund for Seward County has funded and helped get toys, materials, art supplies as well as scholarships for families that need a little help financially,” said Samantha Patterson, childcare director at the Seward Wellness Center. “It gives the kids a place to go and gives parents peace of mind.”
Alongside impactful grantmaking, Legacy Fund for Seward County is committed to growing a robust unrestricted endowment. Similar to a community savings account, unrestricted endowments are a valuable tool to keep hometowns across Nebraska growing, thriving, and improving for future generations. While a portion of the income earned by the endowment is granted annually to fund projects and programs to benefit the community, the principal remains intact and grows every year. Forever. With a successful campaign, Legacy Fund for Seward County will be able to make more sizeable investments in local projects and programs that will improve the quality of life in Seward County.
A generous couple has ensured their legacy will continue to be felt in Seward County forever. The “Brad and Sue Bowen Homegrown Challenge” provides an opportunity to build LFSC’s unrestricted endowment, further capitalized by funds personally contributed by volunteer members of the Legacy Fund for Seward County Advisory Committee and Nebraska Community Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to Brad and Sue for their generous support and partnership with Legacy Fund for Seward County,” said Shane Baack, Legacy Fund chair.
If the Legacy Fund can raise $300,000 by December 31, 2027, volunteers will secure an additional $150,000 and grow the endowment by $450,000, significantly increasing the resources available to improve the quality of life in the county now and long into the future. “My dream for the Legacy Fund for Seward County is to be a unified resource,” said Brandon Mares, another fund advisory committee member. “Something that we can build off and grow and be able to touch each person’s individual drive. Everybody has a mission, and with our help I think we will be able to lead them to success.”
