Posted on November 21, 2009

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Nebraska Community Foundation Receives $1 Million Challenge Grant

The Lincoln-based Nebraska Community Foundation has received a $1 million challenge grant from the Ford Foundation to boost its endowment and build its staff in order to expand its efforts and community development philanthropy statewide, the Omaha World-Herald reports.

To secure the gift, the organization must raise an additional $3 million from Nebraska-connected donors by the end of 2010. More than $1 million has already been committed toward its long-term goal of building a $12 million endowment.

For the past ten years, the organization has taught strategies related to entrepreneurship and fostering economic development through philanthropy. Since the foundation was founded in 1993, more than 50,000 contributions have been made to community funds administered by the foundation and more than $96 million has been awarded to charities and community groups in Nebraska.

The foundation is one of five organizations nationwide to receive one of the Ford grants. "This is validation of our work," Nebraska Community Foundation president Jeff Yost told the World-Herald. "It's gratifying and we're really proud."

Hendee, David. “Ford Foundation Bets on Neb.” Omaha World-Herald 11/12/09.

Primary Subject: Community Improvement/Development
Location(s): Lincoln, Nebraska

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