TOGETHER A GREATER NEBRASKA 2017 Annual Report A Letter from the Board Chair and the President Building Assets accomplishing together. Education, wellness, for Today and prosperity and quality of life are all improving. $200 Peer learning amongst our 1,500 affiliated Tomorrow $190 $180 fund leaders is frequent and fruitful. Nebraska ($ in millions) $170 Community Foundation stands proudly Estimated Planned Gifts $160 $150 beside these leaders to secure the capital, Non-Permanent Assets $140 Endowed Assets consensus and partnerships necessary to $130 make it all happen. $120 $110 And our network continues to grow. Three $100 $90 hundred Nebraskans have told us they are $80 including their hometown in their estate plans. $70 $60 Jeff Yost Al Steuter Last year over 8,500 gifts were made to NCF and $50 President and CEO Board Chair its affiliated funds, and $29 million was $40 $30 reinvested in Nebraska’s people and places. $20 Friends: Nebraska is terrific! $10 Together, we are taking control of our future. Nearly everything and everyone works. As of 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Together, we are achieving more. Together, 06.30 Jobs are abundant and quality of life is high. we are building a Greater Nebraska. NCF in Numbers We have great public schools, an engaged n 219 affiliated funds serving 250 communities citizenry, the streets are safe and clean and in 80 counties people are kind and giving. In September, n 1,487 volunteer Fund Advisory Committee WalletHub ranked Nebraska the fifth happiest members state. Nebraska has what people want. n 8,506 contributions in FY 2017 Jeff Yost Al Steuter n 39,142 contributions in the last five years This didn’t just happen. It is the result of President and CEO Board Chair ambitious people making bold plans, sharing n $80.3 million in endowed assets

n a collective vision, mobilizing community Cover photo: Future students of The Valley Child $130.6 million in total assets assets, and working together. In hundreds Development Center break ground on what will n 307 planned gifts totaling $60.2 million soon be Red Cloud’s new state-of-the-art facility of hometowns across the state, our affiliated for early childhood education. The Red Cloud n $291.6 million reinvested in Nebraska funds are at the center of this good work. Community Foundation Fund has been instrumental and its hometowns since 1994 in this community’s audacious investment in early childhood development, a critical need and key ($128.6 million in the last five years) In this report, you will see evidence of people attracter across Greater Nebraska. n $603 billion estimated intergenerational the extraordinary things Nebraskans are Photo at right courtesy of Hastings Tribune transfer of wealth in Nebraska by 2060 (see page 18) 2 | 2017 Annual Report BUILDING A BETTER TOMORROW TOGETHER

Shannon Olberding (left), Lisa Bilstein, Erin Jelinek, Nicky There is a familiar old saying, “If you want something Cadwallader and Megan Gotschall (not pictured) are five ambitious young women leading the Atkinson Community Exploring the Better done, ask a busy person!” Foundation Fund. According to Fund Advisory Committee member Jim Brennan (bottom left), “These younger people have Half of Nebraska That about sums up the situation for the five very a different perspective. They’re engaged and moving forward.” active working mothers who are moving full speed Millions of people across the country and around the world are reading about Greater ahead for the future of Atkinson in north-central Nebraska through NCF’s new collaborative Nebraska. These young women, in their mid- venture with Omaha World-Herald known to late-30s, form the super majority of the volunteer as “The Better Half.” advisory committee of the Atkinson Community The Better Half Foundation Fund. is a collection of columns Some are “returners” – people who left to go to school celebrating and start their careers, but found their path back to Nebraska’s their hometown. Others are newcomers to Atkinson. intriguing The Better Half follows journalists and All share a passion for the future of their community “I had memories from childhood of the old equipment, places and married couple Matthew Hansen and fascinating Sarah Baker Hansen across the state to and a zeal for building its unrestricted endowment. but I wouldn’t want my kids crawling up the slide on a foods. These discover Nebraska’s intriguing people, ladder with rungs 18 inches apart!” Olberding said. places and foods. stories, written Shannon Olberding, the chair of the Fund said, Illustration by Matt Haney/The World-Herald by Omaha “We believe an unrestricted endowment is important It took two years and a lot of work, but the Fund met World-Herald journalists Matthew Hansen because it is permanent. It’s here for the long- its $50,000 goal in the summer of 2015, and the modern and Sarah Baker Hansen, encourage us to term. When we give back, it keeps giving back, park and playground were completed and formally experience more of what makes Nebraska to our children, our grandchildren and our great dedicated in June 2016. unique. As part of the collaboration, complementary stories contributed by NCF grandchildren.” The park is just one example of the new amenities were also published, celebrating the work, An opportunity to demonstrate the Fund’s aimed at making Atkinson a more attractive location achievements and generosity of affiliated fund volunteers and donors. commitment to its community arose in the summer for young people to raise their families. Fortunately of 2013. The City of Atkinson agreed to have the for Atkinson, these returners and newcomers are The entire series can be viewed at omaha.com/ Fund begin raising money for new playground demonstrating loads of enthusiasm and talent. And living/the-better-half. Read them and you’ll learn how people working together are creating equipment and other improvements at Mills Race increasingly, the new crop of community leaders stronger communities in places as small as Byron Park, a former state recreation area. includes fearless young women with fresh ideas. (pop. 83) and as large as Norfolk (pop. 24,210).

Together a Greater Nebraska | 3 Coming Together PARTNERING WITH SCHOOLS The Hear Nebraska Good Living Tour aims to expose new audiences to Nebraska’s homegrown musical talent, meanwhile giving young people across Greater Nebraska A stimulating educational environment for children another reason to love their hometown. That’s why is a critical element for creating a community Nebraska Community Foundation was proud to sponsor where students, parents and businesses will thrive. the statewide tour which celebrated its third year Boone County Foundation Fund took the lead by in existence this summer. supporting the research and planning for a quality Community-based affiliated funds have been instrumental afterschool program at Boone Central Schools. to the tour, working closely with Hear Nebraska to supply Now it provides salary support for the afterschool concert goers and musicians with unique performance venues, additional funding, and fun activities for fans of program director, Mollie Morrow. all ages. This year, Hebron, Auburn, Imperial, Red Cloud, “The idea for this afterschool program came about McCook, and Norfolk each drew hundreds to their towns to celebrate great music and community. based on the needs of the community and a school Fifth grader Clay Sandman (left), and third graders Dalton Rolf survey,” said Morrow. “Initially, it was going to be (middle) and Zeke Sandman, settle in for fun and games during Photo by Lauren Farris | Hear Nebraska their first week of afterschool care at Boone Central Schools, a just that, an afterschool program where kids could program supported by Boone County Foundation Fund. get a nutritious snack, have care, and work

Hundreds flocked to Auburn’s Legion Memorial Park on a warm on homework.” in some cases, gender and age. The local 4-H program evening in June to hear Nebraska singer-songwriter Daniel is helping with Lego robotics. Third through fifth Christian perform as part of Hear Nebraska’s third annual However, early in 2017, Boone Central Schools Good Living Tour. graders will design wearable technology, like LED was awarded a Nebraska Extended Learning bow ties and badges. Younger children will build Opportunities grant. “We are one of five districts wind-powered boats. that are a part of a challenge to create quality programs that are replicable in other districts. The cost of the program is $30 per week. Boone Working together with Boone County Foundation County Foundation Fund may also consider awarding Fund was a big step up for Boone Central when it grants to the school to cover the cost for families came to competing for the grant,” said Morrow. in need.

In addition to traditional afterschool programming, “The afterschool program is such a blessing for Boone Central’s curriculum is rooted in STEM our family and my kids,” said Lynne Webster of (science, technology, engineering, math) topics. Albion. The enrichment opportunities they have The program opened in September with 33 students are invaluable. I have been so impressed with the in kindergarten through fifth grade. Activities are organization and engagement of our program! I am being designed around the students’ interests and truly grateful!”

4 | 2017 Annual Report A MAIN STREET ATTRACTION

If you live in one of Nebraska’s larger cities, you Stuart Community Foundation Fund was in place probably take for granted grabbing a bite to eat and and all contributions to the renovation project were heading off to a first-run movie. People in Stuart, tax-deductible. Pictured from left to right, Jon Schmaderer, Dr. Jonna Kohle, Nebraska (pop. 590) take it for granted, too. Jay Wallinger, Alicia Knapp, Jim Brennan, Jan Krotter Planning and work on the $375,000 renovation Chvala, Darby Paxton, Joel Steinhauser, Don Claussen, The Murphy Theatre & Media Center was a movie project took years to complete and involved the entire Darrel Dexter, Steve Brewster, and Nicky Cadwallader. theater only in the imaginations of a group of community, donating both funds and labor. When the community visionaries. But even they may have Murphy opened in April 2013, everyone realized the Collaboration found it hard to believe that within the first five final product was worth the wait and the effort. years of operation, the venue would sell nearly Powers Philanthropy Said Jon Schmaderer, a key volunteer who helped 38,000 tickets, out-performing many similarly-sized Great things happen when the leaders of public guide the late Murphys’ dream into a reality, theaters. and private organizations, businesses and “Watching as families and children fill the theater institutions come together to design community The last business to occupy this turn-of-the-20th- each weekend makes us confident that Clement solutions based on local talent, resources and century, solid brick structure was the LP Gas and Mary would know that their wishes had assets. This type of synergy can be found in Holt County. Here, people are living, working and Company, owned by Clement and Mary Murphy. been honored.” succeeding, 100 miles from an interstate highway. The Murphys gifted the Moviegoers enjoy a 3-D film at the Murphy Theatre & Media Center in Stuart. The Murphy This highly successful county-wide collaboration building to the village of Stuart, enjoys sellouts, like this one, on a regular basis. In fact, in its first five years of operation, an among communities facilitated by Nebraska but had one condition. They astonishing 38,000 tickets have been sold. Community Foundation caught the attention and wanted their gift to be used as earned the respect of corporate leaders beyond a special place for young people Holt County. to gather, grow and engage in In June, representatives of NCF community funds the community. With the help throughout Holt County visited the Grande Prairie and guidance of community Wind Farm to accept an $80,000 contribution leaders, they finally settled on a from BHE Renewables, the first of five annual distributions to benefit the respective community- state-of-the-art media center. based affiliated funds in Stuart, Atkinson, O’Neill Doing it right would require and Chambers. Also sharing in the generous annual contribution is NCF affiliated fund, Holt significant funding, both public County Economic Development Fund. and private. Fortunately, the

Together a Greater Nebraska | 5 Telling Our Story EMBRACING EVERYONE Together

Nebraska Community Foundation’s partnership Community Foundation Fund. Afrank’s passion for the with Norfolk Daily News presents yet another project spread quickly among Fund volunteers and opportunity for us to share more good news community members alike. Over 130 donors contributed out of Greater Nebraska. The 10-part series of articles, which kicked off generously to the project, which held its grand opening on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in September. in August 2017, features “ The excellent work done amazing communities by Nebraska Community “The outpouring of support has been humbling to doing extraordinary Foundation — in helping things in Northeast communities, counties and say the least,” Afrank said. “We’ve had contributions Nebraska. the region better plan for of all sizes.” the future — speaks for In a recent editorial, itself… I would be hard The park includes a labyrinth of pathways meant Daily News editor Kent pressed to come up with Keagan Sullivan gets a push from his sister McKenna. Before the to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers or crutches, Warneke called the a better organization to completion of Embrace Park, Keagan had never been able to fully partnership a “win-win partner with.” experience the joy of a swing set due to limitations of his ventilator handicap-accessible swings, a vast selection of slides endeavor,” adding – Kent Warneke tubing. This specially designed, fully accessible swing allows Keagan and bars to hang from, music and sensory boards, and Norfolk Daily News Editor to enjoy unrestricted play. It’s clear he is loving the new experience. “choosing to work with a wheelchair accessible teeter-totter. All aspects of Nebraska Community the park are specifically designed to be enjoyed by all Foundation is a reflection of the important role it “Without the Norfolk Area Community Foundation children without restriction, no matter their abilities. plays in helping communities, counties and the Fund, we wouldn’t have a park,” said Emily Afrank, a region look toward the future.” pediatric physical therapist at Faith Regional Health Located just west of the YMCA, Embrace Park will Called “Together a Greater Nebraska,” the series Services in Norfolk. Afrank was the first to conceive eventually include a fully accessible splashpad as well highlights stories from around the region that of the idea that Norfolk might one day have a fully as new parking and two new sports fields adjacent to center on unique community culture, leadership accessible park for children of all abilities to enjoy. the park. development, economic development, team- and community-building, business success stories, and “Embrace Park was a dream of mine which quickly “I am so grateful for the Fund’s support and guidance the benefits of building an endowment. became a reality with the assistance of the Norfolk and look forward to working with the Norfolk Area An archive of Together a Greater Nebraska Area Community Foundation Fund. Their expertise Community Foundation Fund in the future on other articles can be viewed at norfolkdailynews.com/ in fundraising and grant applications, as well as their projects,” Afrank said. greater_nebraska. relationship with donors were huge assets to be able In the meantime, she can’t wait to enjoy the park and to raise the money for Embrace Park,” said Afrank. put it to use with her young therapy patients. After Fundraising for the $630,000 project was handled all, they were the original source of inspiration for this and swiftly achieved through the Norfolk Area ambitious endeavor.

6 | 2017 Annual Report Cathy David, RN, and Abby Frihauf demonstrate how a new CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY defibrillator works when a person goes into cardiac arrest.

When Sandhills Care Center, a privately-owned nursing interim improvements. More than $300,000 has been home in Ainsworth, closed in 2015, it was an unexpected raised to build a new facility, once the current center shock – not just to the residents and employees – but begins to cash flow again. BCCFF will provide $50,000 to the entire healthcare community and the people of to enhance the new facility Brown County. when it is completed. At “ The recently opened independent living complex, that point the City/County Staff members were left unpaid. Residents and their the assisted living center, care center board will seek a county hospital, and now families were left with an uncertain future. new private owner. the reopened Sandhill Care Center provide a full range of Through an interlocal agreement, the City and County “The Sandhills Care Center services to maintain quality of assumed ownership and established a board of life for our aging population.” is of vital importance in directors to get the facility up and running again. The – Jerry Ehlers establishing a continuum of Ainsworth Brown County Community Foundation Fund (BCCFF) health care services in the assisted in securing funds to reopen the center. The Sharing Resources area,” said Jerry Ehlers, BCCFF volunteer. North Central Nebraska Development Center launched Imperial Community Foundation Fund uses the a relief fund to help those who were suddenly left “The funding assistance provided by the BCCFF payout from its unrestricted endowment to help attract an increasing number of young families to without incomes. through its unrestricted endowment is an outstanding this growing Southwest Nebraska hometown. example as to how we can become a major player in The center reopened early in 2017 and is currently addressing a vital community need,” Ehlers said. In addition to recent support for projects such serving 16 residents. With community support for as a skate park, public art, and the Smokin’ on remodeling the facility, BCCFF committed $10,000 for BCCFF’s unrestricted endowment continues to grow, Broadway community party, the Fund provides thanks to the Building Community Capacity in Rural significant support to Chase County Hospital Sandhills Care Center administrator Stephanie Rucker (left) is and the area’s emergency medical services. Nebraska initiative, an opportunity presented to pictured with director of nursing Chelsea Hladky, in front of the This year the Fund granted more than $11,000 nursing home that was reopened in Ainsworth in 2017. Brown Brown County through its affiliation with Nebraska for a defibrillator and other emergency medical County Community Foundation Fund worked together with numerous public and private partners to make it possible. Community Foundation. It is nearing its goal of raising equipment. Over the years, about $22,500 has $500,000 to earn a $250,000 challenge grant from helped the hospital enhance services and recruit doctors. The Sherwood Foundation. When completed, the Fund will have well over $1 million in unrestricted In Imperial, leaders don’t compete for charitable endowment to provide ongoing support for critical dollars – they collaborate to multiply the resources and the benefits that make living in needs throughout the county. their hometown a great choice for families.

Together a Greater Nebraska | 7 Regional SHARING WHAT WE’VE LEARNED

Relationships Asuncion Ball received help “When I venture outside my comfort zone to visit “Generative. That is how I would describe the McCook learning English other communities, for regional meetings or to Community Foundation Fund,” said Andrew Ambriz, and earning her serve as a mentor, I come away with a greater nursing degree the community’s new economic development through an appreciation for the good people working to make director. “The word represents their presence in adult education their communities better. There is always at least program funded one thing they are doing that is more creative and this community.” in part through inspiring than what we have thought of doing. The the McCook It also describes the impact McCook Community Community Chest, nature of the NCF network is that we share these an organization ideas to raise everyone up, and we are very good Foundation Fund (MCFF) has had on other NCF revitalized by the McCook at ‘borrowing’ ideas! This creates new and broader affiliated funds that are seeking creative, workable Community relationships all across the state. solutions to challenges shared by hometowns across Foundation Fund. “This is collaboration, not competition, and it’s the state. McCook Fund Advisory Committee members leaders,” Ambriz said. “The Fund Advisory Committee is contagious. We celebrate the quality of life we are known throughout the NCF network as generous have in our communities, regardless of size or looked to for direction.” mentors. Seven current McCook FAC members location. Every time I look around the room full of folks from all across the state, I get the same feeling travel many miles to spend countless hours sharing Those leadership qualities helped revitalize the McCook – this is truly Nebraska at its finest! Why wouldn’t I with other affiliated Community Chest when fundraising began to fall off and want to participate in such a wonderful adventure?” funds what they have “ We think of a foundation in board members were becoming discouraged and burned terms of estate planning and learned about building out. However, the organization was valuable and greatly – Peggy Been charitable giving. There is McCook Community Foundation Fund quality relationships, more. The other part is giving needed for the overall well-being of the community. strengthening time and talent, and nurturing leaders and change makers by The Community Chest board members looked to MCFF community connections, McCook sharing knowledge.” for help and joined as an account within the Fund. FAC Community and investing in – Andrew Ambriz Foundation members assisted with board recruitment, provided McCook Economic Fund Advisory homegrown talent. Development Director Committee strategic direction, and instilled enthusiasm. In 2016, member Peggy MCFF was established MCFF provided a grant to the Community Chest to set Been records comments from in 2001; it was energized in 2007 through NCF’s up the website for McCook’s first-ever Big Give day. More the group at a HomeTown Competitiveness initiative; and in 2015, it than $100,000 was raised to benefit 18 local charities. peer learning session held in surpassed its fundraising goals and added almost $1 Shickley. MCFF’s mission is to “inspire investment in the quality of million to its already robust endowment. life for the people of Southwest Nebraska.” As it “Along the way, the Fund’s reputation helped recruit a works to fulfill its mission, the Fund is inspiring others skilled cadre of respected and connected community along the way. 8 | 2017 Annual Report BUILDING ON TEAMWORK Community volunteers and peer mentors gather in Stuart to share ideas and plan for action.

Volunteers in Howells, a community of about 600 Community Foundation is a big part of that,” people in Northeast Nebraska, wondered what to Smith said. do with more than $50,000 left over from a wildly Within a year of forming, the Fund made its first grant successful quasquicentennial celebration in 2012. to purchase a new sound system for the community’s “I just thought, wow! beloved Howells Ballroom. Since then, the Fund has “ I would say giving an We’ve been so used made improvements at the parks and worked with the endowment gift is not just to doing short-term about the money, it is about Howells Community Club on several projects. Recently projects for so long. helping build on the heart the two groups joined forces to resurface the east side Together, and soul of the community Our Q125 goal was of the Howells tennis courts, converting the area into and keeping the community We Do Better to make memories. engaged and together.” a basketball court with a new interlocking rubberized At Nebraska Community Foundation, we This was different. – Jeff Wegner, Vice Chair surface and new backboards. believe adults learn best from their peers, Howells Community Fund We needed something especially when they’re working toward the “There’s a lot to be said about the process of raising that was a legacy,” same goal – building a Greater Nebraska. money instead of just getting one huge gift from a said Kathy Heard, Howells Community Fund Advisory single donor,” said vice chair Jeff Wegner. It’s about the Based on this principle, NCF deploys a corps Committee member. of volunteer peer mentors hailing from all team, the time, the learning, the effort, the sense of corners of the state. Each mentor possesses “When we first started talking about organizing the accomplishment, and all those things that sustain special expertise or skills honed from their fund we thought, who do we go to? Did we want to a community.” own experiences in community development manage the money? No!” said Kent Smith, chair of and generously volunteers their time to other community leaders in the form of workshops, the Howells Community Fund. in-person and virtual meetings, conferences, “We interviewed a dozen or so communities and webinars. about the pros and cons of starting their Affiliated fund leaders tell us that access to own foundation. We wanted the service, the these peer mentors is one of the most valuable history and guidance, and importantly, the aspects of being part of the NCF network. Peer- to-peer interactions are producing remarkable credibility we could get through NCF. It was results in communities of all sizes. Through a professional structure, not just us deciding shared success stories and strategies, peer what to do. I am proud that people trust us mentors equip volunteers with new ideas and with their charitable dollars, and Nebraska renewed inspiration. Howells Community Fund worked with the Community Club to resurface the east side of the tennis courts, converting the area into a basketball court with a new interlocking rubberized surface and new backboards. Together a Greater Nebraska | 9 OPENING OPPORTUNITY DOORS

In 2009, Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund that directly impacts young children, especially those Advisory Committee members rewrote their mission who come from underprivileged families. statement to more closely reflect the needs of their Readers EDGE serves all pre-school and kindergarten community. “Investing in people” has guided their classes in the public schools, plus children in Head grantmaking ever since. Start. Once a month, volunteer readers – known as Part of that investment involves mentoring “Book Besties” – visit the classes to read a book and their youth advisory committee. This is no token lead a related activity. Most importantly, every child committee. The group has authority to award receives a copy of the book to take home. At Syracuse Summer Blast, kids experience STEM curriculum hands-on by dissecting parts of a cow! 20 percent of the Fund’s annual payout from its In Nebraska City, 47 percent of children qualify for free unrestricted endowment. With that endowment now or reduced lunch. Literacy has been shown to reduce exceeding $1 million, it is a big responsibility. Expanded Learning generational poverty, yet many children are being Chloe Higgins, a high school senior, has been on the raised in homes where there are no books. The Syracuse Library Foundation Fund has big dreams for its hometown, especially local youth. youth advisory committee since eighth grade. Last The pilot program in April 2016 was very successful. year, she recommended a $5,000 grant for a program At the top of the wish list was the creation of an The book was “Peter Rabbit.” Children’s comments expanded summer learning program. NCF put Fund included questions like, “Can I read this every day?” volunteers in touch with Bright Lights, an organization “Can I keep this book at my house?” These are that has been offering summer learning adventures to elementary and middle school students in Lincoln gratifying responses for the 12 volunteer readers and for nearly three decades. Bright Lights staff members others who help with the program. were delighted to lend their expertise to launch Syracuse Summer Blast, the first program of its kind in Chloe Higgins is no stranger to the power of the area. philanthropy. She has been recognized in the past, by Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund and In its inaugural year, Syracuse Summer Blast offered courses like Disgusting Science and Lego Robotics, the Nebraska Chapter of Association of Fundraising all with a special emphasis on STEM (science, Professionals for her volunteer work. She says, “I grew technology, engineering, math) curriculum. up being taught to serve others, and that’s what I “They don’t even realize how much they are learning,” try to do in every area of my life. Making just a small said Joy Stilmock of the Syracuse Library Foundation Kindergarten students at Northside Elementary School each difference in somebody’s day can turn their whole receive their own copy of “Owen,” a storybook provided through Fund. “They are having fun and there are no tests!” the Readers EDGE program, funded by Nebraska City Community life around.” Foundation Fund’s youth advisory committee. 10 | 2017 Annual Report CLOSING THE SKILLS GAP Exploring New Worlds Together Jesse Osborn (left) and Joe Massman work together to complete a project involving electronic and mechanical engineering at Bertrand Area Community Fund recently awarded Columbus High School’s STEM Academy. (science, technology, engineering, math) facilities $1,600 to Bertrand Community School to and curriculum. purchase virtual reality equipment for the library. Scotus Central Catholic High School will integrate the The grant enables teachers to take students on virtual field trips without leaving the classroom. arts with its STEAM programming, to include classes in robotics, 3-D printing, drones, graphic design, and video These virtual excursions open a world of and audio editing. Virtual reality equipment may also possibilities for students and educators. Teachers who incorporate virtual field trips into their support certain science subjects. curriculum can provide an interactive learning experience. Students can tour the International STEM courses at Lakeview Community Schools will Space Station, the White House, the Great incorporate a focus on agriculture. “Get Growing” Barrier Reef, and learn about sharks while being will offer experiential learning to K-12 students in surrounded under water! aquaponics, tower gardens in the greenhouse and “Everything I use is free,” said Stephanie Dannehl, For more than a decade, public and private partners classrooms, an outdoor garden, and eventually a school librarian and technology integration in Columbus have worked together to build a quality chicken coop and community partnerships in specialist. “Google Expeditions is the app that has workforce to fill hundreds of jobs that require 21st livestock production. about 300 places to learn about. The teacher can century skills. Recruiting people from outside the guide the students or the students can learn at “Certainly, people are making decisions about where their own pace.” community has not kept up with the vacancies. to locate based on more than just jobs,” said K.C. Belitz, Columbus Area Future Fund is doing its part to support Students at Bertrand Community School can travel to president of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce a strategy that relies on “growing your own.” and explore hundreds of different places through the new and a member of the Columbus Area Future Fund and virtual reality equipment provided by a grant from the Bertrand Area Community Fund. The Fund is part of a broad coalition investing in Nebraska Community Foundation board. programs that prepare students for the many good- “Educational opportunity is a key consideration for paying jobs that are available in their community right our target market – young families. The high quality now. To assist with fundraising, Columbus Area Future of all our schools and our public amenities make a Fund has made grants of $30,000 to each of the area’s strong statement that this is a community willing to three high schools. invest in its people,” Belitz said. “Beyond being a conduit The STEM Academy at the new Columbus High for major funding initiatives, Columbus Area Future School opened in March 2017 and is considered by Fund is becoming a facilitator, and every community many educators to be a standard bearer for STEM needs that.”

Together a Greater Nebraska | 11 NEBRASKA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

NCF Staff Members Jeff Yost President and CEO Jason Kennedy Chief Financial and Administrative Officer Teri Alley-Davis Office Manager Reggi Carlson Communications Specialist Janny Crotty Affiliated Fund Development Coordinator Phuong Dinh IT System Administrator

The NCF Board of Directors. Pictured from left (front) Judy Parks, Lynn Roper, Steve Brewster, Lora Damme, Judy Brockmeier, Sara Coffee Radil, Carol Karla Egger Lockwood, Dennis Stara. (Back) Lori Pankonin, Dan Bahensky, Doug Bereuter, Al Steuter, Paul Madison, Casey Garrigan, Greg Vasek, Dale Dueland. Senior Accountant Not pictured: K.C. Belitz, Richard Walter. Amy Fey Accountant Kristine Gale NCF Board of Directors Affiliated Fund Development Coordinator Executive Committee At-Large Members Honorary Members Jim Gustafson Members Dan Bahensky of Kearney Helen Boosalis* of Lincoln F.E. Pete Peterson of Director of Advancement and Gift Planning Fort Collins, CO Jenny Herstein Al Steuter of Johnstown K.C. Belitz of Columbus Fred Bruning of Bruning Chair Beverly Pollock of Ogallala Assistant Director of Advancement Steve Brewster of Stuart Steve Buttress of Kearney Dennis Stara of Lincoln Sid Salzman* of Ainsworth Jana Jensen Dale Dueland of McCook Janet Krotter Chvala of O’Neill Affiliated Fund Development Coordinator Immediate Past Chair Brandon Day of Norfolk Jim Scholz of Omaha Casey Garrigan of Omaha Greta Leach Frank Sibert of Kearney Lora Damme of Talmage Connie Day* of Norfolk Director of Community Development Carol Lockwood Vice Chair Bob Stowell of Ord Philanthropy of Scottsbluff P. Mark Graff of McCook Judy Brockmeier of Eustis Shannon Harner of Lincoln Brian Thompson of Waverly Les Long Paul Madison Secretary Kathleen Thuman of Lincoln Controller of Nebraska City Nancy Hoch of Nebraska City Lynn Roper of Lincoln Carrie Malek-Madani Richard Hunt of Blair Susan Ugai of Lincoln Treasurer Lori Pankonin of Imperial Director of Marketing and Communications Kim Lauritzen* of Omaha Mimi Waldbaum* of Omaha Judy Parks of Papillion Anders Olson Greg Vasek of Lincoln and Jeanene Wehrbein* of Fred Lockwood of Scottsbluff Affiliated Fund Development Coordinator Richard Walter of Shickley Sara Coffee Radil of Omaha Plattsmouth Rodrigo Lopez of Omaha Juli Roso Advancement Committee Ray Welsh of Pender Co-Chairs Ed Loutzenheiser* of Juniata Office Assistant Jim Wolf* of Albion Bob Mundy of Omaha Karl Shaddock Honorable Douglas *Deceased Bereuter of Cedar Bluffs Senator Ben Nelson of Omaha Assistant Director of Community Development Philanthropy Communications Ron Parks of Papillion Maxine Moul Committee Chair President Emerita Diane M. Wilson Manager of Public/Private Partnerships 12 | 2017 Annual Report Our Work BENEFACTORS ADVANCE OUR MISSION

Headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska Community Foundation serves communities, through June 30, 2017 organizations and donors throughout Cumulative Lifetime Gifts Nebraska. We provide a wide range of services $1,000,000 and above $50,000 to $99,999 Carol and Fred Lockwood/ HunTel Systems The Ford Foundation Bruning State Bank Lockwood Foundation Blair including financial management, strategic New York, NY Bruning Scottsbluff Moeller Electric development, education, training and W.K. Kellogg Foundation Cornerstone Bank Bob Mundy/Coordinated Byron Battle Creek, MI York Planning Inc. dba Mundy Nebraska Investment convening to 219 affiliated funds statewide. The Sherwood Foundation Brandon and Tammy Day/ Daycos Associates Finance Authority Omaha Norfolk Omaha Lincoln Nebraska Community Foundation isn’t your Lynn and Dana Roper $250,000 to $999,999 Farmers Mutual Insurance Nebraska Life Magazine typical community foundation, nor is it a Company of Nebraska Lincoln Norfolk Consolidated Companies/ Lincoln Dennis and Nancy Stara Pete and Jonnie Peterson grantmaker. We don’t do things to people Thompson Family Lincoln Lincoln Great Plains Communications Fort Collins, CO or for people. We work with nearly 1,500 Blair First National Bank of Omaha $10,000 to $24,999 Pinpoint Communications volunteers across the state to put financial Omaha Richard E.* and Louisa L. Manning Bellevue University Cambridge Geneva Robert and Jeanette Hunt Bellevue Sara Coffee Radil and Gary Radil and human capital to work Omaha Great Plains Communications Ken Morrison* Bettenhausen Family Foundation/ in their places, based on Donor-Advised Fund Hastings Robert Bettenhausen Reinke Manufacturing Company Lincoln Deshler local needs and priorities. Blair Omaha World-Herald Foundation Peter Kiewit Foundation Omaha Dennis Berens Rural Health Fund Security Bank Using the tools of Omaha Pinnacle Bank, Nebraska Lincoln Laurel philanthropy, community Judy and Ron Parks/Millard Omaha Bradford Insurance Agency Bob and Jean Stowell/ Manufacturing Corp. Union Bank & Trust Norfolk Springdale Title & Realty development and economic Omaha Lincoln Judy K. and Don A. Brockmeier Ord development, we’re helping Jim* and Elaine* Wolf Richard and Darlene Walter Eustis Dale* and Jean* Tinstman Albion Shickley Wayne and Bev Buller Lincoln Nebraskans across the Anonymous Westwood Trust Albion Tri-County Bank/ state create the hometowns Omaha Schmaderer Family $100,000 to $249,999 Countryside Bank Unadilla Stuart of their dreams. $25,000 to $49,999 Ameritas Charitable Foundation Susan Ugai Lincoln Abel Foundation Diller Telephone Company Diller Lincoln W.H. and E.C. Damme Farms LLC/ Lincoln Bob and Michelle Dudley Sandra and Steven Wendell Lora Damme and Jay Longinaker America First Foundation Axtell Talmage Omaha Norfolk Elkhorn Valley Bank Diane Wilson and Kay Richter Judy Hemberger Lemoine “Andy” and Lincoln Estes Park, CO Geri* Anderson Norfolk A Voice for Rural Development Philanthropy Jay and Susie Wolf MNB Entities and Graff/ McCook Farmers National Company Omaha Albion Nebraska Community Foundation is heralded as a Thomas Families Cooper Foundation national model for its groundbreaking work in community McCook Lincoln Fillmore County Hospital Wolf Foundation Albion development philanthropy. NCF is frequently asked to Frank and Shirley Sibert John and Carmen Gottschalk Foundation speak about our innovative approach at special events, Kearney Omaha Geneva Jeff Yost and Cindy Ryman Yost Lincoln and national and international conferences. In September, Kathleen Thuman, Lincoln/ Kenner Family Donor-Advised Fund Fortify Group Shickley NCF President and CEO Jeff Yost was selected to deliver a Farmers State Bank, Maywood Hebron Anonymous (2) TEDx talk titled “People Attraction Priority One” sharing * Donor is deceased Anonymous Bruce and Kim* Lauritzen Shannon Harner and Philip Goddard how progressive communities across the NCF network are Omaha Lincoln rewriting their futures. Together a Greater Nebraska | 13 219 AFFILIATED FUNDS

of Nebraska Community Foundation

Benefiting 250 Communities This map depicts counties and communities that in 80 Counties benefit from planned gifts and affiliated funds June 30, 2017 of Nebraska Community Foundation.

Norden Valentine Mills Naper Anoka Chadron Burton Butte Spencer Lynch Gordon Springview Bristow Crofton Rushville Verdel Newport Niobrara Stuart Bloomfield Verdigre Johnstown Bassett Atkinson Emmet Wausa Creighton South Sioux City Ainsworth O'Neill Page Laurel Long Pine Orchard Homer Inman Royal Amelia Ewing Winnebago Alliance Clearwater Wayne Thurston Chambers Neligh Whitman Pilger Pender Bingham Ashby Seneca Purdum Oakdale Tilden Bancroft Norfolk Mullen Brewster Bartlett Wisner Hyannis Thedford Elgin Meadow Lyons Decatur Scottsbluff Grove Stanton Beemer Halsey Craig Almeria Taylor Petersburg West Point Dunning Burwell Ericson Albion Newman Grove Primrose Boone Humphrey Elyria Ord Howells Arthur Greeley St. Edward Lisco Stapleton Genoa North Loup Cedar Columbus Gandy Arnold Rapids Belgrade Arcadia Octavia Linwood Fullerton Abie Broken Bow Bellwood Omaha Kimball Dix Keystone David City Wahoo Potter Loup City Clarks Bruno Ralston Callaway Ansley Silver Creek Rising City Paxton Garrison Brainard Sidney Brule Osceola Big Springs Surprise Ceresco Ogallala Ulysses Dwight Davey Plattsmouth Ravenna Seward Madrid York Pleasant Grant Utica Dale Waverly Wallace Waco Walton Elsie Grand Island Lincoln Venango Beaver Crossing Milford Bennet Friend Hickman Unadilla Nebraska City Eustis Panama Curtis Trumbull Exeter Dorchester Syracuse Imperial Hayes Center Elwood Bertrand Hallam Douglas Burr Talmage Brock Julian Holstein Tobias Wilber Adams Johnson Peru Champion Hamlet Holdrege Axtell Wauneta Shickley Clatonia Tecumseh Auburn Brownville Bruning Palisade Indianola Arapahoe Nemaha Davenport Lewiston Denotes a County-Wide Fairbury Stratton Cambridge Deshler Hebron Blue Springs Affiliated Fund McCook Humboldt Trenton Ruskin Diller Wymore Red Cloud Byron Chester

14 | 2017 Annual Report 94 Community-Based Eustis Area Community Foundation Fund O’Neill Community Foundation Fund Affiliated Funds Exeter Area Community Foundation Fund Palisade Community Foundation Fund Ansley Area Community Foundation Fund Friend Area Fund Pender-Thurston Education & Community Foundation Fund Arnold Community Fund Future of Decatur Foundation Fund Perkins County Community Arthur Area Community Foundation Fund Greater Waverly Area Foundation Fund Foundation Fund Atkinson Community Foundation Fund Greeley Community Fund Plattsmouth Community Foundation Fund Axtell Community Fund Hallam Area Fund Ralston Community Foundation Fund Bennet Area Community Foundation Fund Hayes County Community Fund Ravenna Area Vision Fund Bertrand Area Community Fund Hebron Community Foundation Fund Red Cloud Community Foundation Fund Growing Together Big Springs Community Fund Hickman Area Community Rock County Community Fund Blaine County Area Community Foundation Fund With an unrestricted endowment of nearly Rushville Community Fund Foundation Fund Holstein Improvement Committee Fund $1.7 million, the Shickley Community Foundation Ruskin Community Foundation Fund Bloomfield Community Foundation Fund Holt County Economic Development Fund Fund’s investments in community – and Shickley Community Foundation Fund Boone County Area Foundation Fund Howells Community Fund especially the school – continue to grow. The Spencer Community Foundation Fund Brown County Community Humboldt Area Community Fund has supported construction of the school’s Foundation Fund Foundation Fund Stratton Community Fund new greenhouse, where students of all ages get Burr Community Fund Hyannis Area Community Foundation Fund Stuart Community Foundation Fund hands-on learning opportunities, plus fresh Butler County Area Foundation Fund Imperial Community Foundation Fund Syracuse Development Foundation Fund vegetables for lunch. Byron Community Foundation Fund John and Alyce Wozab Memorial Fund Tecumseh Community Foundation Fund (Valley County) In this district of about 150 students, there is no Calamus Area Community Fund Thedford Area Community skimping on extra-curricular activities; top-notch Callaway Community Fund Keith County Foundation Fund Foundation Fund equipment; or superior, full-time early childhood Ceresco Community Foundation Fund Keya Paha County Foundation Fund Tilden-Meadow Grove Community Foundation Fund development. They have the unwavering support Chambers Community Improvement Kimball Area Foundation Fund Trenton Community Foundation Fund Foundation Fund Laurel Area Community Foundation Fund of the Shickley Community Foundation Fund. Trumbull Community Foundation Fund Chester Community Fund Logan County Community $110 Columbus Area Future Fund Foundation Fund Unadilla Area Community Fund Endowment-Building $100 Craig Community Fund McCook Community Foundation Fund Valley County Community for Community-Focused Foundation Fund $90 Creighton Community Foundation Fund Mullen Area Foundation Fund Affiliated Funds Verdigre Community Foundation Fund $80 Crofton Community Foundation Fund Naper Community Foundation Fund Endowed assets Wallace Community Foundation Fund plus expectancies $70 Cuming County Community Fund Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund Wauneta Community Fund ($ in millions) $60 Curtis Community Foundation Fund Nemaha County Development Wausa Community Foundation Fund $50 Davenport Area Community Fund Foundation Fund Wayne Area Legacy Fund $40 Davey Area Community Foundation Fund Newman Grove Community Wheeler County Community $30 Deshler Community Fund Foundation Fund Foundation Fund $20 Diller Community Foundation Fund Niobrara Community Foundation Fund Wilber Area Community Foundation Fund $10 Norfolk Area Community Foundation Fund Dorchester Community Foundation Fund Wymore-Blue Springs Area Fund As of 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Elgin Community Foundation Fund Oakdale Community Fund 06.30

Together a Greater Nebraska | 15 219 Affiliated Funds of Nebraska Community Foundation (continued) 29 Organizational Affiliated Funds William H. and Erma C. Damme Fund 7 Public/Private Partnership Funds Brown County Hospital Endowment Fund Daycos4Good Donor-Advised Fund Basin Coalition Fund Chase County Hospital Foundation Fund Alice Devoe Fund FutureForce Fund Christian Heritage Endowment Fund Dennis and Ruth Demmel Family Nebraska Habitat Projects Fund Donor-Advised Fund Diane Nelson Endowment for the North Platte Decree Committee Fund Rudolph R. Elis Donor-Advised Fund Governor’s Residence Fund Partnerships for Innovation Fund Farmers National Education Fillmore County Hospital Foundation Fund Platte River Recovery Implementation Foundation Fund Foundation for Thayer County Health Program Fund First National Bank of Omaha Fund Services Fund Rainwater Basin Joint Venture Fund Friends of the Governor’s Residence Fund First State Bank Nebraska Donor-Advised Fund 23 Designated or Scott Steinhauser of the Brown County Community Foundation Fund Grace Lutheran Church Foundation Fund leads a discussion at a peer learning event held in Ainsworth. Bud and Georgie Gerhart Family Fund Field of Interest Funds Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters Charitable Foundation Fund Lawrence Goscha Scholarship Fund Orin and Ruby Barlean Scholarship Fund Leadership Nebraska Foundation Fund Graff Charitable Foundation Butte Anoka Scholarships Fund Donor-Advised Fund Lucille Burch Foundation for Animal Chief Standing Bear Journey for Justice Succeeding Together Companions Fund Dale and Sharon Harlan Scholarship Fund Donor-Advised Fund Milford Public Schools Foundation Fund Concordia University Nebraska Robert and Jeanette Hunt Great Plains Endowment Fund More than $13 million in new contributions to Nebraska CASA Association Dodge Communications Fund County Fund Don and Artice Fells Fund locally controlled, unrestricted endowments. Leona Ihde Fund Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Bobby Foehlinger Memorial Scholarship Fund That is the financial goal for a partnership of 25 Education Foundation Fund Kenner Family Fund Nebraska DECA Foundation Fund Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund Ken Good Scholarship Fund NCF community-based funds which began in Nebraska LEAD Program Foundation Fund McGregor Family Donor-Advised Fund Lyndall A. Harris Memorial Fund 2012 and will continue through 2020. Equally Nebraska Library Association Steven J. and Lorraine K. Miller Neal and Pauline Keller Scholarship Fund Foundation Fund Charitable Fund Donald Keenan Memorial Fund for Math important are the skills, the knowledge, and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Fund Eugene and Donna Oakeson Family Fund and Science Education relationships developing among dozens of Northeast Nebraska RC&D Foundation Fund Tom and Cynthia Olson Family Martens Family Scholarship Fund Donor-Advised Fund leaders across the state. Northern Cheyenne Breakout Legacy Fund McManigal Family Fund Omaha Hearing School for Children ServeNebraska Fund Nagengast Family Scholarship Fund Donor-Advised Fund The Building Community Capacity in Rural SkillsUSA Nebraska Foundation Fund Nebraska Business Hall of Fame Ron and Judy Parks Donor-Advised Fund Scholarship Fund Syracuse Library Foundation Fund Nebraska initiative involves 13 affiliated funds Jennifer Reinke Donor-Advised Fund Omaha Hearing School for Children The WealthSpring Fund each challenged to raise $500,000 to receive a Marguerite Rose Donor-Advised Fund Scholarship Fund Ukena Charitable Trust Fund Margaret Russell Trust Donor-Advised Fund Irene and Verne Pretzer Scholarship Fund $250,000 matching grant from The Sherwood Valley County Health System Paul and Karen Seger Family Fund Edna and Richard Reinke Scholarship Fund Foundation Fund Foundation. Another 12 funds are working to Brad and Nancy Sherwood John and Geraldine Slama Designated Fund Wachiska Audubon Society Fund Donor-Advised Fund St. Edward Medical Clinic Fund raise $200,000 each for a $100,000 Sherwood West Holt Medical Services Foundation Fund James Sherwood Donor-Advised Fund Tri-Valley Medical Foundation Foundation matching grant. Wymore Public Library Foundation Fund Sherwood Foundation Fund Designated Fund 45 Donor-Advised Funds for Rural Nebraska Verner and Mildred Vinzant Elwood Care The first round of communities – McCook, Nebraska Center Endowment Fund Howard and Peggy Atkins Fund Frank and Shirley Sibert Donor-Advised Fund Waco Community Scholarship Fund City, Norfolk and Shickley – have successfully Erna R. Badstieber Trust Donor-Advised Fund Irene C. Stenger Donor-Advised Fund Youth Scholar College Scholarship Fund completed the challenge, and many of those BCBSNE Fund for Quality & Efficient The Nelson Institute Fund Health Care Thuman Family Donor-Advised Fund volunteers are mentoring others in strengthening 21 Life Income Funds Bruning State Bank Donor-Advised Fund Wolf Family Donor-Advised Fund Additional gifts are invested through NCF to community engagement and leadership. Cabela’s Donor-Advised Fund Yost/Leak Donor-Advised Fund benefit Nebraska communities and organiza- 16 Connie Fund Anonymous Donor-Advised Funds (4) tions and provide income for the donors. 16 | 2017 Annual Report ANNUAL GIFTS SUPPORT OUR WORK

Gifts received 7/1/2016 – 6/30/2017 $100,000 and above $5,000 to $9,999 Dale and Mary Dueland Nebraska Life Magazine Bettenhausen Family Gary Hoebelheinrich Peter Kiewit Foundation Ameritas Charitable McCook Norfolk Foundation and Katherine Kabes Omaha Foundation Farmers National Company Tom and Cynthia Olson Lincoln Lincoln The Sherwood Foundation Lincoln Omaha Lincoln Judy K. and Don A. Brockmeier INSPRO Omaha Steve Buttress Fillmore County Hospital Lori and Russ Pankonin Eustis Lincoln Anonymous Kearney Geneva Imperial Reggi and Doug Carlson Jason and Tracia Kennedy Cornerstone Bank First State Bank Nebraska Pender Grain Elevator Lincoln Roca $25,000 to $99,999 York Lincoln Pender First Central Bank Kurt and Jerene Kruse Lora Damme and Sandra and Steven Wendell Fortify Group Pinpoint Communications McCook Albion Jay Longinaker Axtell Shickley Cambridge Graff Charitable Foundation Richard and Janet Labenz Talmage Westwood Trust Frenchman Valley Farmers Sara Coffee Radil McCook Lincoln Farmers Mutual Insurance Omaha Cooperative and Gary Radil Lorensen Lumber & Grain Lane Gewecke Consulting Company of Nebraska Imperial Omaha Pender Lincoln Lincoln Wolf Foundation Albion Frontier Bank Reinke Manufacturing Dennis and Nancy Stara Michael McFarlin Judy and Ron Parks Pender Company Lincoln Omaha Papillion Jay and Susie Wolf Albion Mark and Linda Graff Deshler Al and Lois Steuter Anders Olson $10,000 to $24,999 McCook Reliant Transportation Johnstown Norfolk $2,000 to $4,999 Abel Foundation C. John Guenzel Lincoln The Colonial Press Ron and Judy Parks Lincoln Auburn Agency Crop, Inc. Roca Sandhills State Bank Omaha Donor-Advised Fund Auburn Bassett Papillion Consolidated Companies Jim and Terri Gustafson $500 to $999 Lincoln Baird Holm LLP Lincoln Sandman Family Foundation Richard and Catherine Schmoker Omaha Acklie Charitable Foundation Diller Edina, MN Great Plains Communications Jeffres Sand & Gravel Lincoln Blair Bellevue University Burwell Security Bank James Stuart III Family Bellevue Dan and Beth Bahensky Laurel Foundation Carol and Fred Lockwood Elna Johnson Kearney Scottsbluff BKD, LLP Imperial Springdale Title & Realty Lincoln Lincoln Samuel* and Joyce Baird Ord Susan Ugai MNB Financial Group Paul and Angie Madison Lincoln McCook Bradford Insurance Agency Nebraska City The Ambassador Group Lincoln Norfolk K.C. and Colleen Belitz Nebraska City Kiel VanderVeen Pinnacle Bank McPherron, Skiles & Columbus Omaha Bruning State Bank Loop CPAs Jeffrey Yost and Nebraska City Bruning Steven Brewster McCook Cindy Ryman Yost Greg and Marcia Vasek Lynn and Dana Roper Stuart Lincoln Cline, Williams, Wright, Millard Manufacturing Lincoln Lincoln Janny and Ryan Crotty Johnson & Oldfather LLP La Vista Richard and Darlene Walter Dale Tinstman*/Tinstman Lincoln $1,000 to $1,999 Auburn Family Donor-Advised Fund Moeller Electric Shickley Bank of America James R. and Anne E. Domgard Lincoln Community Hospital Byron Ray and Deb Welsh McCook Charitable Foundation Lincoln Union Bank & Trust Nebraska Farm Bureau Charlotte, NC Pender Lincoln D.A. Davidson Shannon Harner and Lincoln Douglas and Louise Bereuter Diane Wilson and Kay Richter Lincoln Philip Goddard Lincoln Nebraska Investment Cedar Bluffs Lincoln Daycos Finance Authority Angie and Brian Zimmer Norfolk Lincoln Jenny and Jack Herstein Lincoln Walton

Together a Greater Nebraska | 17 The Transfer of Wealth GIVING WISELY Opportunity

Whether you have spent your whole life in Nebraska, or were Don and Arlyce Ausdemore feel a sense of community Charitable IRA Rollover as a giving method,” born and raised here, moved away, but still care deeply about pride and volunteerism when they return to their Don said. “Jim answered all our questions, and he your hometown, now is the time to think about giving back. hometown of Crofton. Both husband and wife grew even gave us his cell phone number,” Don laughed. up in farming families that had homesteaded near Nebraskans are generous by nature. Nebraska Community This giving method can be used by individuals age Foundation empowers people who hold true to their this Northeast Nebraska community. After college 70-1/2 or older. Nebraska values. You can provide for your family, realize graduation, they both became teachers and moved tax benefits, and importantly, create a lasting legacy through to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, on the far northeast side “The great thing about a Charitable IRA Rollover charitable gifts to your community. of the Upper Peninsula. is that it adds nothing to your gross income, Our 2011 Transfer of Wealth Study estimated that more than which is important if you are filing a short IRS tax $600 billion will transfer from one generation to the next in Don and Arlyce return to Crofton regularly to see return. Now, we can transfer our annual required Nebraska by relatives and for special events. “There is something Nebraska Community Foundation distribution to our church, the college, and back to 2060. In 51 Intergenerational Transfer of Wealth Analysis about the values of faith and family that is so counties, the our hometown through the Crofton Community impressive in Crofton,” said Arlyce. “When we visited peak years for Foundation Fund,” Don said. this transfer are for the 125th anniversary, people really stepped up to happening welcome us.” Arlyce added, “Our hope is that the community right now. continues to have the same Midwestern values and Peak Years Don spoke proudly of Crofton’s numerous state of Transfer environment we see every time we return for a visit, Think of the 2010 to 2019 2020 to 2029 titles in track, basketball and football. “The town is opportunity! Peak2030 Years and after and to continue to improve the quality of life of Transfer continuing a strong tradition of excellence in If only a small 2010 to 2019 2020 to 2029 2030 and after so that younger people will want to stay or portion of our education and athletics,” he said. return.” intergenerational wealth were shared with the communities “It’s a great place to be a student.” where that wealth was built over generations, our hometowns “It is important to have a robust would have abundant resources for reinvestment. These warm feelings for their endowment because, unlike hometown have inspired Don In 2002, when we began a serious effort to encourage income from farming, and Arlyce to contribute to planned giving, there were only 18 planned gifts totaling with an endowment, you $6 million to benefit 14 communities. Today, there are 307 the Crofton Community can count on having planned gifts, conservatively estimated at $61 million, to benefit Foundation Fund. dozens of communities and organizations across the state. funding for necessary “We began working improvements year after We are honored to be working with generous donors and with Jim Gustafson their financial advisors who care about the future of our year. It will be there and NCF when we Arlyce and Don Ausdemore spent their adult lives hometowns. forever,” Arlyce said. started using the in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, but they continue to give generously to their hometown of Crofton. 18 | 2017 Annual Report

THE LEGACY SOCIETY Ten Tools for Planning

Becoming a Member of the Legacy Society If you would like to support Nebraska Community Foundation, Your Gift give back to your hometown, or if you have already made Nebraska Community Foundation’s Legacy Society is our way to 1) Charitable Bequest a future gift intention in your will, through a beneficiary celebrate and say thank you to generous donors of both current A provision in your will that designation, or with a life income arrangement, contact gifts and future gift provisions through estate plans that benefit creates a legacy Jim Gustafson, Director of Advancement and Gift Planning, Nebraska. You will be enrolled in the Legacy Society when you 2) Gift of Retirement Plan at (402) 323-7341 or [email protected]. let NCF know of your charitable intentions. With permission, Avoids potential double taxation you will be honored in NCF’s annual report and you will receive Recognition in the Legacy Society is based on contributions made through 3) Gift of Life Insurance and information known on or before June 30, 2017. an invitation to attend the NCF annual banquet. Easy, convenient and flexible 4) Donor-Advised Fund Presents maximum tax benefits and grantmaking flexibility THE NCF STAKEHOLDERS CLUB 5) Charitable Gift Annuity Provides lifetime income 6) Gift of Securities Honors those generous Douglas A. and Patricia L. Friedli Lori and Russ Pankonin Bob and Jean Stowell Nebraska City Imperial Ord Offers triple tax benefits individuals who have made a Douglas and Judy Gaswick Judy and Ron Parks Brian and Kelli Thompson 7) Gift of Ag Commodities planned gift of any amount Imperial Papillion Waverly A tax-wise gift compared to cash to Nebraska Community Mark and Linda Graff Pete and Jonnie Peterson Kathleen Thuman McCook Fort Collins, CO Lincoln 8) Gift of Real Estate Foundation to support our William and Sandra Graves Beverly and Jack* Pollock Estates of Dale and Jean Tinstman Produces significant tax community-building mission. McCook Ogallala Richard and Darlene Walter advantages Jim and Terri Gustafson Gail DeBuse Potter and Shickley Lemoine “Andy” and Lincoln James E.* Potter Gene Weedin 9) Charitable Remainder Trust Geri* Anderson Don and Alice Harpst Lincoln McCook McCook Increases income and bypasses McCook Lynn and Dana Roper Ray and Deb Welsh Judy K. and Don A. Brockmeier capital gains taxes In Memory of Leo Hink Lincoln Pender Eustis Jana M. Jensen Jon D. and Jennifer L. Schmaderer Marcia A. White 10) Wealth Replacement Trust Fred and Penni Bruning Bingham Stuart Lincoln Bruning Helps provide for family and Bethanne Kunz James P. Scholz Diane M. Wilson Wayne and Bev Buller charity Ord Omaha Lincoln Ericson Fred and Carol Lockwood Nicole Sedlacek Jay and Susie Wolf Judith Scherer Connealy To learn more about Scottsbluff O’Neill Albion and Matt Connealy planning your gift, visit Frank and Shirley Sibert Decatur Paul and Angie Madison Jeff Yost and Cindy Ryman Yost nebcommfound.giftlegacy.com. Nebraska City Kearney Lincoln Brandon and Tammy Day Dennis and Nancy Stara Norfolk Maxine and Francis Moul Benedict and Jane Zach Lincoln Lincoln Omaha Dale and Mary Dueland Al and Lois Steuter McCook Irv and Wanda Omtvedt * Donor is deceased Johnstown Lincoln Together a Greater Nebraska | 19 THE JIM AND ELAINE WOLF CLUB

The Jim and Elaine Wolf Club recognizes the Peter Kiewit Foundation Nucor Corporation Steinhart Foundation Omaha Norfolk Nebraska City generosity of those individuals, foundations Richard P. Kimmel & Tom and Cynthia Olson The ARC Norfolk and corporations who have made cumulative, Laurine Kimmel Charitable Lincoln Norfolk lifetime gifts of $100,000 or more to an NCF Foundation Omaha Hearing School The Sherwood Foundation Lincoln for Children Omaha affiliated fund. The Club is named in honor of In Honor of Vincent J. Omaha Kathleen Thuman, Lincoln/ the late Jim and Elaine Wolf, who initiated NCF’s and Marie V. Kreifels Judy and Ron Parks Farmers State Bank, Nebraska City endowment with a gift of $100,000, and provided Papillion Maywood Dan and Patty Kreitman Pinnacle Bank, Nebraska Tietjen & Son LLC the first $100,000 challenge grant to Boone Wahoo Omaha, Columbus, Gretna, Byron County to build a permanent endowment. Larry R. Larson Ogallala, O’Neill Dale* and Jean* Tinstman Omaha Raimondo Foundation Tri-County Bank/ Russ and Laurie Allen Cornerstone Bank/ Great Plains Communications Lawler Foundation Columbus Schmaderer Family Pender Holthus Family Blair Humble, TX Anthony F. and Stuart Lemoine “Andy” and York Gerald* and Wade Leak and Jay Yost Jeanne Raimondo W3 Cattle LLC Geri* Anderson W.H. and E.C. Damme Verlene Gunderson New York, NY Columbus Pender McCook Farms LLC/Lora Damme Wausa Raymond Lohmeyer* Rolland R. Ramsthel* Ona O. Warden* and Jay Longinaker Gary Jon Aten and Bonnie McManigal Gupta Joel* and Helen Lundak Jim and Lanita Recob Dennis and Toni Werner Talmage Caroline Skopec Aten Sebastopol, CA Nebraska City Laurel Chambers Atkinson Brandon and Tammy Day/ Robert Harm* Duncan G. McGregor Reinke Manufacturing Wiebe Ralston Foundation Daycos Howard and Peggy Atkins Don and Alice Harpst Revocable Trust and Janice E. Company Ralston Kimball Norfolk Deshler McCook McGregor Revocable Trust Hugh, Bill and Cam* Wilkins Rupert Dunklau Foundation Blue Cross Blue Shield In Memory of Lyndall Harris Gibbon Jennifer S. Reinke Geneva of Nebraska Lincoln Hebron Judy Hemberger Steven J. and Wilkinson Family Omaha Charles* and Margre* Durham Estes Park, CO Lorraine K. Miller Harold and Marilyn Rink Curtis Brandt Family Elwood Area Foundation, Inc. Lincoln Pender Humboldt Community Paul John Anton and Unadilla Elwood Foundation, Inc. MNB Entities and Graff/ Rock County Growth, Inc. Doris Wirth Foundation Thomas D. Buckley Trust Bette J. and Robert A.* Essig Humboldt Thomas Families Bassett Nebraska City Chappell Burwell McCook Robert Hunt* Suzanne and Walter Scott Jay and Susie Wolf Wayne and Bev Buller Farmers National Company Foundation Darrel and Deb Johnson Kenneth Morrison*/ Albion Albion Omaha Omaha Shickley Morrison Roberts Jim* and Elaine* Wolf Larry and Mary Lynn Callen Don* and Artice* Fells Foundation Harold W. Sears* Kermit* and World’s Foremost Bank Tucson, AZ Hastings First National Bank of Omaha Lottie Wolf* Karns Paul and Karen Seger Lincoln Cargill Omaha L. Arvene* and Neva* Atkinson Imperial Michael Yanney Family/ Minneapolis, MN Myers and Family Frontier Bank W.K. Kellogg Foundation Brad and Nancy Sherwood America First Companies Thomas and Charlene Chilvers Pender Battle Creek, MI Karl H. & Wealtha H. Elkhorn Omaha Pierce George F. Garlick Nelson Family Foundation James Sherwood Ron and Wanda Kelly Lincoln Dale and Janie Zadina Consolidated Companies/ Richland, WA Thurston Big Pine Key, FL Ord Thompson Family Donald E. Nielsen Bud and Georgianne Gerhart Kenner Family Frank and Shirley Sibert John and Frances* Zuroske Lincoln Foundation Lincoln Hebron Kearney Oakland Albion Lloyd* and Naomi* Geweke * Donor is deceased 20 | 2017 Annual Report THE CONNIE DAY CLUB Investing in Young Adults Twenty-one years ago, the late Connie Day of Norfolk used a $500,000 life insurance policy to establish a donor-advised fund with The Connie Day Club honors individuals who have NCF. Over the years, earnings from her endowment have funded nearly made a planned gift of $500,000 or more in their $300,000 in programs that improve the lives of children and young will, through a beneficiary designation or with a life adults in Northeast Nebraska; yet the principal of the endowment has income arrangement to an affiliated fund of Nebraska grown to $867,500. Community Foundation. By designating a $500,000 life insurance policy to establish the Connie Fund, Connie This past year, the Fund made a commitment to a popular program Day created an endowment to benefit the children of for teens in Norfolk. The Zone is a place for youths to hang out with Northeast Nebraska. friends and play games. It is also a program that encourages community involvement, health and wellness, and leadership. Lemoine “Andy” and Estate of Russell DeVoe Estate of Grace Moller Geri* Anderson Mary Kay Dolejs Dr. D.J.* and Josephine When federal funding disappeared in 2010, former Zone youths helped McCook Omaha Nagengast Estate of Erna R. Badstieber Estate of Rudolph Elis Bloomfield to form a new board and reopen The Zone in 2012. With 65 youths on Estate of Estates of Don and Greg M. Retzlaff its roster, the program is currently at capacity. Shirley Kreutz Bennett Artice Fells Adams John* and Maurine* Biegert Estate of James Fisher Estate of Margaret Russell A $37,000 grant from the Connie Fund will provide bridge funding to Shickley Frank and Shirley Sibert Estate of Lawrence Goscha allow staff and board members time to explore how to evolve to the next Estates of Bruno and Kearney Bernard and Susan Hay LaVerne Boettcher Scottsdale, AZ Estate of Irene C. Stenger stage and address program development and leadership succession. Densil* and Elaine Estate of Sharon K. Holmberg Allen D. Strunk Future funding will support sustainable growth of this important Christiansen Las Vegas, NV Pender Jerry and Karla Huse program through coaching and mentoring for staff as well as leadership Norfolk Estates of Gerhard J. and Gary Chvala* and Amelita A. Tunink development for board members. Jan Krotter Chvala Family Estate of Leona M. Ihde Estates of Mildred and O’Neill Estate of Verner Vinzant Executive director Julee Pfeil of The Zone joins a Estates of Leonard and Clarence W. Kettelhut discussion on how to decorate the windows for Jay and Susie Wolf Audrey Cumming Mark A. and Albion Norfolk’s Oktoberfest celebration. From left to Tom and Deanne Suzanne M. Kolterman right, staff member Hayley Stamp, Kallie Arnold, Lester* and Helen* Wolfe Damkroger Seward Julee Pfeil, and Maleia Taylor. The students in McCook Lincoln Estate of Glenn Korff this photo have been coming to Estates of The Zone for three years. Brandon and Tammy Day Estates of John and Alyce Wozab Norfolk Margaret and Mary Linhart Benedict and Jane Zach Estate of Connie Day Estate of Omaha John Day Helen E. Martens John and Frances* Zuroske Ravenel, SC Albion * Donor is deceased

Together a Greater Nebraska | 21 THE HOMETOWN HERITAGE CLUB

The Hometown Heritage Jim Brennan Joe and Bev Ferguson Richard Holland and Wendell* and Joyce Kronberg Atkinson Norfolk Ralston Club recognizes friends who Kathleen High Holland Janet S. Brewster Estate of Blanche A. Fillipi Lincoln Kurt and Jerene Kruse have made provisions in their Stuart Bud and Rita Fleischer Estate of Eleanora F. Houser Albion estate plans with a future Estate of Joe G. Brewster Columbus Don* and Phyllis Hovendick Bethanne Kunz Four Seasons, MO Ord gift intention of any amount Steven A. Brewster Estates of L.J. and Mitzi Fox Stuart Estate of Paul M. Fox Dave Hunt Estate of H. Neil Lancaster to benefit an affiliated fund Holdrege Judy K. and Don A. Brockmeier Douglas A. and Patricia L. Friedli Larry R. Larson of Nebraska Community Eustis Nebraska City Neal* and Elizabeth Hunt Omaha Albion Foundation. Steve and Sharon Brown Erv and Marcia Friesen David and Susan LeGrand Valentine Nebraska City Stephen Hunt Nebraska City Plattsmouth Colin and Teresa Albers Frank L. and Mary B. Bruning Douglas and Judy Gaswick Estate of Arlen Lohmeyer Nebraska City Bruning Imperial Estate of Richard W. Jacoby Estate of Raymond Lohmeyer Estate of Wyonna Alfs Fred and Penni Bruning Estate of Kenneth J. Good Larry and Pat Jakubowski Susan Lorence and Ray Newton Bruning Howells Sally Andersen Mark and Linda Graff Plattsmouth Omaha Rick and Tracie Chochon McCook Estate of Helen F. Jasa Mark and Jana Lorensen Columbus Estate of Laura “Merle” Atkinson William and Sandra Graves Jana M. Jensen Pender Bingham Larry and Kelly Ballinger Janet L. Krotter Chvala McCook Chad Lottman O’Neill Pender Wayne and Linda Green Nick and Susan Jensen Diller Pender Estate of Dr. John L. Batty Judith Scherer Connealy Chambers Douglas and Cindy Lottman and Matt Connealy Daniel and Tacy Griess Estate of David C. Johnson Diller Guy and Bonnie Bechtel Decatur Ogallala Alliance Gene and Beverly* Johnson Bonnie and Gerry Luckey Estate of John E. Daro Wausa David City Estate of Kenneth Beckmann Estate of Gerald G. Grote Edwin and Barbara Dickau Jim and Terri Gustafson Loral* and Elna Johnson Estate of Donald Lundeen Kerry and Colleen Belitz Newport Columbus Lincoln Imperial Ronald Maas Eugene and Judy Dondlinger Bennet Estate of Trudy L. Bergen Steven and Beverly Harms Calvin* and Audrey Jones and Family Shickley Thedford in Memory of Don Keenan Davenport Paul and Angie Madison Bob and Michelle Dudley Don and Alice Harpst Jay Jones Nebraska City Estate of Charles Wilton Berryman Norfolk McCook Thedford Estate of Barbara J. Birmingham Cora Lynn Fosler Malmberg Dale and Mary Dueland Jerry and Kathy Heard Sally Juilfs Pender F. Kay Blackstone McCook Nebraska City Red Cloud Howells Estates of Bonnie and Eric Duhachek Peggy and Steve Hemphill Joseph R. and Gina D. Kamler Eugene Martinson Marcia A. Boden Ogallala Shickley Roseville, CA Diller Brian and Joan Mastny Estate of Raymond W. Eisenhauer Estate of Franklin Kjeldgaard Clarkson Wayne and Pat Boilesen Estate of Joan Hendrickson Rori D. Erickson Albion Estate of Arnold W. Henrichs Estate of Wayne C. Kjeldgaard Travis and Heidi McConnell Albion Wallace Estate of Mary Ellen Bosworth Sharon A. Hersemann John C. Klosterman Bette J. and Robert A.* Essig Nebraska City David City Marilyn D. McNabb Estate of Elizabeth Boyce Burwell Keith and Karen Knudsen Lincoln Jim and Helen Bradford Carol Hilker Estates of Dale and Irene Fadschild Laurel Redge and Phyllis Meierhenry Norfolk Pender Jared and Julie Faltys and Family Clancy, MT In Memory of Leo Hink Dawn Koehlmoos Norfolk Fremont Dorothy Mejstrik* Howells 22 | 2017 Annual Report Funding Together in Friend

Jerry and Nadia Meyer Annette A. Pritchard Shari Sheppard Estate of Russell Troxell Callaway Laurel Callaway Bryan and Melissa Turner Estate of Martin H. Meyer Mark and Kelly Ptacek James Sherwood Nebraska City Estate of Doris B. Miller O’Neill Big Pine Key, FL Lee and Joyce Turner Randall Moeller Gail DeBuse Potter and Dennis* and Rita Shimmin Nebraska City Pender James E.* Potter Ogallala C. Scott and Brenda VanderVeen Lincoln Maxine and Francis Moul Shawnna L. Silvius Nebraska City Lincoln Richard* and Lois Quimby Nebraska City Kiel VanderVeen Nebraska City Jordan and Jennifer Mueller Jim and Cathy Smith Nebraska City Columbus Rob Rainer and Cindy Kai Wallace Richard Vosteen and Pender Michael and Lynn Namuth Mary and Kent Smith Joyce Flood Vosteen Sidney Pauline Ragan* Howells Lincoln Wymore Kathryn Nelson Estate of Randall J. Smith Jim and Susan Wakefield Nebraska City Estate of Rolland R. Ramsthel Janice Spurling O’Neill Estate of Barbara Fassler Neumann Estate of Eris G. Randall Shickley Estate of Kathryn A. Wall Estate of Elsie A. Newman Molly A. Reinecke Ron and Connie Stauffer Estate of W. Gaylord Wallace Norfolk Norfolk James F. and Ginger Nissen Richard and Darlene Walter Lincoln Mary Peterson Reinholt Estate of Esther Stehl Shickley Plattsmouth LG Norman Joel and Kendra Steinhauser Jo Ann Ward Pender Estate of Edith M. Robbins O’Neill Albion Chuck and Jana Olsen Keith Roby Gerald and Loydeen Stengel Merritt C. Warren Norfolk Plattsmouth Shickley Creighton Janet and Glen Olson Beth and Dean Roelfs Al and Lois Steuter Gene Weedin Laurel Diller Johnstown McCook Lori and Russ Pankonin Jason and Jenny Roth Estates of Charles and Gracie Roger and Jeanene* Wehrbein Imperial Pender Stoops Plattsmouth David and Tammy Partsch Bill and Gladys Sandman Bob and Jean Stowell Ray and Deb Welsh Nebraska City Diller Ord Pender Estate of Edward and Eldiva Pavlik W. Randall Sandman Doug and Jenise Straight Bill and Maureen Wenke Diller Shickley Pender Avery Tuttle, age nine, enjoys the new Estate of Kendall M. Peterson Jon D. and Jennifer L. Schmaderer Al and JoAnn Svajgr Bruce and Cheri Werner Larry and Angie Peirce park equipment installed with the help of Stuart Cozad Petersburg David City community volunteers and funding from Mike Schuldt Jim* and Peggy Thalken Estate of Mary Louise Weverka Hope M. Peterson Plattsmouth Ogallala Lincoln Charles and Kelsey Wiiest the Friend Area Fund. Additionally, the Dennis D. Schmidt Estate of JoAnn Tharp Nebraska City Patricia A. Petsche Diller city constructed a new park clubhouse, Petersburg Ted and Ramona Thieman Annette and Bruce Wiles Nicole Sedlacek Petersburg Plattsmouth thanks to funding from an endowed Estate of John B. Petteys O’Neill Matthew and Leslie Timm Estate of Sylvia Viola Wilson Paula Mitchell Pflueger donor-advised fund, created by the late Pender Norfolk Estate of John H. Seide Estate of Karen J. Winship Ron Sheppard Estate of Daniel E. Timms Leona Ihde of Beaver Crossing. Tom and Verla Plummer Don and Michelle Wolfe Callaway Lincoln Estates of Dale and Jean Tinstman Overland Park, KS * Donor is deceased Together a Greater Nebraska | 23 $7,500 and above for the 12 months CONTRIBUTIONS TO AFFILIATED FUNDS ending June 30, 2017

Donor Beneficiary Affiliated Fund Donor Beneficiary Affiliated Fund

$500,000 and above $25,000 to $49,999 First National Bank of Omaha First National Bank of Omaha Fund, Butler County, Alice E. Christiansen Pender-Thurston Nebraska Cattlemen Research & Education Estate of Esther Pilster Wymore Public Library Foundation Fund Foundation Fund, Diller, Nebraska, LEAD Program Nucor Corporation Leadership Nebraska Foundation Fund, Norfolk Foundation Fund Estate of Kendall M. Peterson Ralston Estate of Russell D. Devoe Alice Devoe Fund Cornerstone Bank Boone County, First State Bank Nebraska John T. Zuroske Trust Marguerite Rose Donor-Advised Fund Donor-Advised Fund, Nebraska Business Hall of Fame $250,000 $499,999 Scholarship Fund, Nebraska LEAD Program The Sherwood Foundation Sherwood Foundation Fund for Rural Nebraska Foundation Fund, Red Cloud, Wheeler County Estate of Mary Louise Weverka Calamus Area Estate of Sharon Holmberg Spencer Duncan G. McGregor Revocable Trust McGregor Family Donor-Advised Fund Dale and Janie Zadina Valley County and Janice E. McGregor Revocable Trust Brian and Carey Hamilton Charitable Fund Nebraska Business Hall of Fame Scholarship Fund Jennifer R. Reinke Jennifer Reinke Donor-Advised Fund Anonymous Brown County Dennis and Sally Hansen Red Cloud, Yost/Leak Donor-Advised Fund $100,000 to $249,999 Rock County Growth, Inc. Rock County Donald J. Schmaderer Nebraska Cattlemen Research & Education Foundation Fund, Stuart Anonymous Columbus Ron and Wanda Kelly Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Fund, Raimondo Foundation Columbus Pender-Thurston Graff Charitable Foundation Graff Charitable Foundation Donor-Advised Fund, Kurt and Jerene Kruse Boone County McCook, Stratton Brad and Kathy Wulf Red Cloud The ARC Norfolk Norfolk David J. and Shirley J. Hoelting Pender-Thurston Lawler Foundation Orin and Ruby Barlean Scholarship Fund Bob and Cynthia Milligan Fund Diller W3 Cattle LLC Pender-Thurston Pender Implement Company Nebraska LEAD Program Foundation Fund, Fillmore County Hospital Foundation Fillmore County Hospital Foundation Fund Pender-Thurston Harold and Marilyn Rink Pender-Thurston Bob and Jean Stowell Valley County Frontier Bank Pender-Thurston US Bank Nebraska Business Hall of Fame Scholarship Fund, $50,000 to $99,999 Norfolk, Rock County BHE Renewables Atkinson, Chambers, Holt County, O’Neill, Stuart Norfolk Iron & Metal Norfolk Estate of Lance F. Johnson Wymore Public Library Foundation Fund Elna Johnson Imperial Tri-County Bank Atkinson, Holt County, O’Neill, Rock County, Stuart Penro Construction Company Pender-Thurston Russ and Laurie Allen Pender-Thurston James E. Gran Nebraska Cattlemen Research & Education Estate of Oscar Hemenway Wheeler County Foundation Fund Daycos Daycos4Good Donor-Advised Fund, Norfolk Gottsch Livestock Feeders Red Cloud National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Rainwater Basin Joint Venture Fund Ron Bruns Feed Yards Pender-Thurston The Jerry & Blanche A. Fillipi Foundation Pender-Thurston $15,000 to $24,999 Faith Regional Health Services Norfolk, Wayne Neil and Kristen Jack Eustis Biles Farm Pender-Thurston Kayton Farms Boone County Anonymous Chief Standing Bear Journey for Justice Richard E. and Joan S. Adkins Jr. Laurel, Nebraska LEAD Program Foundation Fund Scholarship Fund Gary and Bev Meyer Red Cloud Rupert Dunklau Foundation Pender-Thurston Anonymous Diller Anonymous Perkins County Larry and Mary Lynn Callen Keith County V & I Family Trust Diller, Irene and Verne Pretzer Scholarship Fund Estate of Wayne Kjeldgaard Big Springs

24 | 2017 Annual Report Donor Beneficiary Affiliated Fund Donor Beneficiary Affiliated Fund

The Riverview Donor-Advised Fund Rock County Matthew D. and Connie Felber Pender-Thurston South Central State Bank Red Cloud Donald B. and Arlyce Ausdemore Crofton Dolores K. (Dot Kokes) Speidel Valley County Tuttle Inc. Friend Jay Yost and Wade Leak Yost/Leak Donor-Advised Fund Gerald and Darlene Ehlers Brown County Lorensen Lumber & Grain LLC Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Fund, John C. and Patricia K. Phillips Red Cloud Pender-Thurston Wayne and Bev Buller Boone County Jay and Susie Wolf Boone County, Nebraska Cattlemen Research & Bob Dudley Norfolk Education Foundation Fund Bob and Marilyn L. Harris Nebraska Business Hall of Fame Scholarship Fund Eustis Body Shop Eustis Richard A. and Mary Heyne Pender-Thurston James A. Vanous Butler County Janet L. Krotter Chvala Stuart Elmer and Mary Beth Vanous Butler County Todd G. and Brenda Syfie-Mundhenke Brown County Betterment Fund Josh Swan Norfolk Wanda M. McCabe Callaway Advance Services Norfolk Kathleen Lute Keith County Byron State Bank Byron $10,000 to $14,999 Cornhusker Auto Center Norfolk Richard P. Kimmel & Laurine Kimmel Nebraska City Harmar Farms Consolidated First State Bank Nebraska Donor-Advised Fund Charitable Foundation Pillen Family Farms Boone County Renee` and Jim Adkisson Brown County Stutterheim Crop Advisory Eustis Matthew and Leslie Timm Pender-Thurston Svajgr Family Descendants Trust Diller Pinnacle Bank Arnold, Diller, Dorchester, Holt County, Imperial, The Leroy Thom, Jean Thom and Red Cloud Leadership Nebraska Foundation Fund, Nebraska T-L Foundation LEAD Program Foundation Fund, Perkins County, Verdigre Union Pacific Foundation Cheyenne County Judy K. and Don A. Brockmeier Eustis Valley County Health System Foundation Valley County Health System Foundation Fund Nebraska Cattlemen Nebraska Cattlemen Research & Education Estate of William A. Wisnieski and Howells Foundation Fund Patricia J. Wisnieski Charter West Bank Pender-Thurston $7,500 to $9,999 Mike Schuldt Plattsmouth Mark and Linda Graff Graff Charitable Foundation Donor-Advised Fund, Master Hand Feeds Thedford McCook, Red Cloud Robert and Myrna Krohn Family Foundation Boone County Steven L. and Jill M. Smith Pender-Thurston Al and Lois Steuter Brown County Appeara Norfolk, Pender-Thurston Citizens State Bank Friend, Nebraska Cattlemen Research & Education McCook National Bank McCook, Stratton Foundation Fund KRK Perkins County Dennis D. Schmidt Diller Wakefield Insurance Agency O’Neill Heritage Bank Red Cloud Wagonhammer Ranches Nebraska Cattlemen Research & Education Foundation Bill and Maureen Wenke Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Fund, Fund, O’Neill, Wheeler County Pender-Thurston R. L. March Farms Rock County Laugh & A Half Marathon Norfolk United Methodist Church Friend Terry and Lynette Roth Pender-Thurston DeKalb Seed Arnold Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust Norfolk South Loup Seed Arnold Alice J. Chace Laurel Raymond J. Scott Valley County Rex A. and Julie K. Mahoney Boone County Lora Damme and Jay Longinaker William H. and Erma C. Damme Fund, Nemaha County Together a Greater Nebraska | 25 Statement of Financial Position Statement of Activities June 30, 2017 and 2016 For the years ended June 30, 2017 and 2016

2017 2016 2017 2016 ASSETS CHANGES IN NET ASSETS Cash and temporary cash investments $6,436,752 $22,342,039 Revenue and support Certificates of deposit 28,694,043 22,578,969 Contributions $29,253,406 $27,229,661 Investments 94,910,394 72,269,318 Investment income/(loss) 8,322,283 (240,702) Investment in real property 75,131 75,131 Actuarial gain/(loss) (49,691) (34,271) Interest receivable 57,281 – Administrative fee revenue and Gift annuities insurance 309,449 328,001 reimbursements 1,711,731 1,250,198 Due from related party – 16 Total revenue and support 39,237,729 28,204,886 Property and equipment, net 83,172 76,028 Total assets $130,566,222 $117,669,502 Expenses Program services 24,561,153 17,920,764 LIABILITIES Management and general 2,142,543 1,766,800 Funds held for agencies $8,670,617 $7,920,637 Fundraising 367,612 347,034 Accrued payroll liabilities 69,250 52,048 Total expenses 27,071,308 20,034,598 Accrued other liabilities 2,931 6,991 Gift annuities payable 812,505 845,328 INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 12,166,421 8,170,288 Total liabilities 9,555,303 8,825,004 Net assets, beginning of year 108,844,498 100,674,210 NET ASSETS Net assets, end of year $121,010,919 $108,844,498 Unrestricted, undesignated 104,033,110 90,589,127 Unrestricted, board designated 1,016,101 1,004,552 Temporarily restricted 14,112,373 15,401,984 Permanently restricted 1,849,335 1,848,835 Total net assets 121,010,919 108,844,498 The financial statements of Nebraska Community Foundation are audited annually by an independent public accounting firm. A copy of the audited financial statements may be obtained Total liabilities and net assets $130,566,222 $117,669,502 by contacting the Foundation’s office. A copy of the Foundation’s tax filing (Form 990) may be obtained on the Foundation’s website or by contacting the Foundation’s office.

26 | 2017 Annual Report Assets, Disbursements and Contributions of Nebraska Community Foundation with its Affiliated Funds

$140 $90 Total Assets 130.6 Endowed Assets 80.3 ($ in millions) 117.7 ($ in millions) $80 $120 70.9 107.6 68.4 66.7 $70 98.8 $100 $60 83.6 52.1 78.7 $80 69.5 44.1 $50 39.7 56.6 $40 48.8 $60 32.1 46.3 25.0 25.5 $30 $40 $20 $20 $10

As of 08 09 10 11 12 1413 15 16 17 As of 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 06.30 06.30

Grants and Disbursements Number of Contributions Per Year 10,000 ($ in millions) 37.1 $40 To NCF and its Affiliated Funds 8,833 8,506 8,018 7,794 7,445 7,460 8,000 28.0 $30 7,018 6,898 6,446 6,573 24.5 22.0 22.6 6,000 20.1 20.0 20.8 20.6 $20 4,000

10.8 $10 2,000

Fiscal 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Fiscal 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Year Year

Together a Greater Nebraska | 27 TOGETHER A GREATER HOMETOWN

But “Pender Pride” extends far beyond financial contributions. At the heart of that pride is the Pender- “ Nebraska Community Thurston Education and Community Foundation Fund. Foundation helped us achieve pride. A pride in Evidenced by its name, the Fund has long enjoyed a our community and how collaborative and mutually beneficial partnership with we can work together to Pender Public Schools. For many years, the school has do something way beyond offered teachers and other staff members a payroll what we thought we could deduction opportunity to contribute to the Pender- do. Or ever dreamed we could do – that we ever Thurston fund. Nearly all employees — 51 of 56 — are dreamed was possible!” taking advantage of this giving method this year. – Melissa Kuhlmann In return, the Fund offers support to the school through Byron a scholarship program for teachers, funding for the band program, and continuous aid and guidance as Every fall, the Pender-Thurston Education and Community Foundation Fund provides “welcome back” bags to Pender Public Schools staff and holds a they navigate, together, the growing needs of an ever- brief presentation to talk about the Fund’s mission and vision. This year, 51 out of 56 school staff members generously contributed to the Fund. expanding student body. Class sizes at Pender Public Pictured here are Fund volunteers Katie Gutzmann (left) and Susan Jensen. Schools have been rising significantly and steadily over the past several years. Drive through Pender, Nebraska and you’re sure to “We are very fortunate to have a strong school system notice numerous construction projects taking place – P.O. Box 83107 n Lincoln, NE 68501-3107 within our community and even more fortunate that www.nebcommfound.org a 38,000-square-foot community center, a hospital a great partnership exists between our Fund and the 402.323.7330 n 402.323.7349 (FAX) expansion, a new law enforcement center and jail, as well [email protected] school,” said chair, Katie Gutzmann. “We are humbled as new Main Street housing and storefront restoration. by how many staff members at the school choose to In all, that’s about $50 million being invested into Committed to Quality donate to our cause each year. Pender has a lot of great and Accountability community revitalization. Nebraska Community Foundation is confirmed initiatives happening, and that’s because of everyone in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations as established by the Fifty million dollars in a town of just over 1,100 people. stepping in to help make things happen and supporting Council on Foundations. This means that NCF meets the nation’s highest philanthropic standards That equates to about $45,000 for every Pender resident. one another along the way.” for operational quality, integrity and accountability.