The Calamus Area Community Fund Vision for Thriving Nebraska Towns

In this episode of Building a Better Nebraska: 30 Years and Beyond with Nebraska Community Foundation, we’re joined by Megan Helberg and Jim Welniak from the Calamus Area Community Fund. As one of the first affiliated funds of NCF, they share their inspiring journey of community-building in Burwell, Taylor, and beyond.

Discover how their endowment fund has grown to $2.4 million, thanks to over 5,000 charitable gifts from donors of all ages. Learn about their impactful projects, from rebuilding the historic Nebraska Big Rodeo grandstands to opening state-of-the-art childcare facilities. Megan and Jim highlight the power of proactive planning, inclusivity, and building relationships to ensure their communities thrive for generations.

This is a story of local pride, resilience, and the transformational impact of working together to create a brighter future in Greater Nebraska.