McCook, Nebraska isn’t standing still.
As a regional hub in Southwest Nebraska, it could rely on its location alone. Instead, local leaders are choosing to build momentum — investing in projects, partnerships, and people to shape the future on their own terms.
In this episode of Nebraska: You Belong Here, Scott Foster visits with Ronda Graff and Dale Dueland about how the McCook Community Foundation Fund has become a catalyst for growth.
Since 2002, the fund has helped lead conversations and action around:
- Housing and economic development
- Pickleball court expansion and recreational upgrades
- The McCook Aquatic Center
- YMCA feasibility study and capital campaign
- Southwest Nebraska Big Give
- Arts, creative district, and education initiatives
Today, the McCook Community Foundation Fund holds $8.3 million in total assets and a $5.8 million unrestricted endowment, giving the community the financial capacity for transformational change — not just short-term relief.
More than $5.43 million has been reinvested locally to improve quality of life and create opportunities.
This is a story about removing barriers. About turning ideas into action. And about choosing active momentum over passive hope.
📍 McCook, Nebraska (Population: 7,446)
🌄 A regional hub building forward