I have been privileged to be invited into the lives of donors and their families as they consider how best to leave their mark on Lincoln. It has been a great honor to work alongside many dedicated legal and financial advisors as they assist their clients in crafting their charitable legacies.
For Betsy Grindlay, giving back to her community isn’t something reserved for someday – it’s woven into the everyday.
“I love the feeling of our big, small town – including the unexpected run-ins in the produce aisle,” she said. “There’s this shared sense of responsibility to make this place better for each other.”
The OBBBA, with nearly 900 pages of provisions, reshapes policy across major sectors of the U.S. economy. Included in the OBBBA are several provisions that impact philanthropy.
As our country faces the aftermath of another devastating storm, many are looking for ways to offer help and hope for those in the wake of the flash flooding in Texas. We wanted to share a few of the many funds set up to help with emergency food, shelter, clothing, medical treatment and more.
The 14th annual Give to Lincoln Day on May 29 raised $9.5 million for 502 local nonprofits – the highest amount raised in the event’s history and nearly $1M more than the year prior. Coordinated by the Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF), Give to Lincoln Day is an online event encouraging donations to support the local nonprofits and causes people care about. The funds are designated to help support charitable organizations that serve Lincoln and Lancaster County.
In the role of VP for Finance, Ross will oversee the Foundation’s financial system, including financial management, investment monitoring, human resources, and information systems. He has a Master of Business Administration from University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Ross succeeds Scott Lawson who retired on April 30 after 15 years with the Foundation.
Lincoln’s 14th annual giving day is scheduled for Thursday, May 29. Coordinated by the Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF), Give to Lincoln Day is an online event encouraging donations to support the local nonprofits and causes people care about. A record number of 502 nonprofits have registered for this year’s event. Every participating nonprofit organization will receive a proportional share of a $650,000 match fund, based upon its percentage of total dollars raised, thanks to LCF and sponsors including Presenting Sponsor, West Gate Bank.
As a board member of Lincoln Community Foundation, Connie has joined with other leaders in advancing community conversations about Black Led Philanthropy. She also served as a panelist in their most recent event on financial literacy in early February.
Jean Jeffrey knows what it’s like to be the only woman at the table. While pursuing her CPA in the early 1960s, she walked into her first business class to see a lecture hall full of men – with just one seat open in the middle of the room.
The 14th Give to Lincoln Day is just around the corner! This annual giving event benefiting local nonprofits kicks off May 1 and builds up to Lincoln’s One Big Day of Giving on Thursday, May 29.
Chuck’s legacy of giving back shines through new scholarship program.
The Lincoln Community Foundation welcomes three new members to its board of directors: Dr. Kathy Farrell, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, College of Business; Kassy Knudson, Lincoln Industries; and John Olsson, Olsson.
Lincoln Community Foundation recently received re-accreditation with the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® establish legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations everywhere.
As California’s wildfire season grows increasingly more severe, with the state suffering through some of the largest, deadliest, and most destructive fires in the past 5 years, many are looking for ways to offer help and hope to the nearly 200,000 people in and around Los Angeles facing evacuation and loss.
When Lawson joined LCF in 2010, the organization recorded $797,000 in gift revenue and $64 million in assets. In 2024, LCF received gift revenue of $44 million and now has assets totaling $250 million.
One resource we all have available to give is time, however, it can be hard for individuals to know where to start and how to connect with the causes and organizations they care about – a challenge that the United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County set their sights to solve through their new online platform, VolunteerLNK.org.
More than 120 community members attended a gathering at Auld Pavilion Recreation Center on October 3 to hear the latest findings from Lincoln Vital Signs and learn how our community is coming together to address persistent disparities.
Jim Krieger grew up with a mother who believed in quality early childcare, a woman far ahead of her time. What’s more, she talked the talk and walked the walk – working in Lincoln’s high-poverty schools during the early 1960’s.
2025 is just around the corner but there’s still time to make a difference this year! To assist your year-end giving, here are a few helpful reminders...
Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) promotes Sandi Handsen and welcomes three staff members: Kate Bolz, Justy Gortemaker, and Phil Truong.
Lincoln Community Foundation announced today that seven organizations have been named by the estate of Mark H. Tallman to each receive approximately $90,000 a year over the next 10 years.
As our country faces the aftermath of another devastating storm, many are looking for ways to offer help and hope for those in the wake of Hurricane Milton. We wanted to share a few of the many funds set up to help with emergency food, shelter, clothing, medical treatment, and more.
The news from Florida to North Carolina in recent days has been devastating. Many communities are now facing the long task of recovery in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Organizations are galvanizing quickly to provide resources.
Each May the LCF office experiences a flurry of activity thanks to Give to Lincoln Day. From fielding calls and emails from donors and nonprofits, to facilitating thousands of gifts and grants, to coordinating events with local media and sponsors, our small but mighty staff is firing on all cylinders.
LCF’s Garden Performance Series celebrates its golden anniversary.
The Lincoln Community Foundation is committed to providing timely updates on legal and policy developments to help you and other professionals who advise philanthropic clients stay on top of best practices in charitable planning. In that spirit, donor advised funds and the rules governing these vehicles are topics that are popping up more frequently in financial and even mainstream media. Our team is closely watching these regulatory developments.
The Lincoln Community Foundation’s Board of Directors today announced the selection of Tracy Edgerton as its new President & Chief Executive Officer.
The award is a national partnership between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Council on Foundations, now in its eleventh year, and calls attention to philanthropy’s work with government partners.
When I first joined Lincoln Community Foundation as President/CEO in December 2021, my favorite part of the onboarding experience was meeting one on one with our donors and community partners. Those early days were filled with coffees and conversations.
The 13th annual Give to Lincoln Day on May 30th raised more than $8.5 million for 463 local nonprofits – the highest amount raised in the event’s history.
The Foundation Garden Performance Series will present its annual series of events on Wednesdays from May 22 through September 18.
Jack and Sally Campbell became the third recipients of the award on April 30, 2024. Their story started nearly 80 years ago when they were set up on a blind date in high school by a mutual friend. Jack was from Lincoln and Sally lived in Kearney. Their first date was to see Tommy Dorsey’s Orchestra at the Turnpike.
The Charity Award was established by the Foundation to provide the community with an opportunity to recognize individuals for their philanthropic contributions. Marc and Kathryn (Kathy) LeBaron were honored as the 2024 recipients on April 30, 2024.
LCF is pleased to introduce eight newly minted Chartered Advisors in Philanthropy (CAP®) in our community, thanks to a new partnership between LCF and the American College of Financial Services.
Bob and Sheri discussed what draws them to this volunteer opportunity year after year over coffee at the Mill Coffee Telegraph. For Sheri, it was her own college experience that inspired her to give of her time.
The Connection Cadre launched several months ago with invitations to the 30 graduates of the Childcare Teacher Foundations Classes – training hosted by Lincoln Littles and focused on providing training and guidance for those interested in working in early childcare.
Lincoln’s 13th annual giving day is scheduled for Thursday, May 30th. Coordinated by the Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF), Give to Lincoln Day is an online event encouraging donations to support the local nonprofits and causes people care about.
Many of us experienced concern and panic for our family, friends and neighbors as tornados tore through the Great Plains in recent days. Many organizations are galvanizing quickly to provide resources for immediate basic needs as well as longer-term recovery efforts.
Susan and Michael Ferris met as she approached her senior year of college and he was ready to start medical school. Eventually they married and, like families of so many beginning physicians, lived in various cities across the country – Michigan, California, Wisconsin – eventually landing in Lincoln.
By using a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to support a qualified charity, those funds are transferred directly to that charitable organization, tax-free.
Calling all performers! The Lincoln Community Foundation Garden Performance Series is now accepting applications for the Summer 2024 Concert Series.
Since 2019, nearly $4.7 million has been raised in support of Lincoln Littles programs, operations, and initiatives – including tuition assistance for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to attend quality early childhood education programs throughout the community.
Rosalind Carr wants you to know that an ordinary family can make an impact. “You don’t have to have inherited wealth,” she said. “You can live a frugal life and have enough money to do something like this.”
The Lincoln Community Foundation welcomes three new members to its board of directors: Susie Blue, retired Matt Talbot; Brett Ebert, Ball, Loudon, Ebert & Brostrom, LLC and Rhonda Seacrest, Community Advocate.
Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) recently announced the sixth annual giving campaign for Lincoln Littles. Inspired by the Prosper Lincoln community agenda, the month-long campaign will raise funds and awareness for Lincoln Littles’ work in early childhood. Since the first giving day in 2019, the community has contributed more than $4 million in support of Lincoln Littles, providing affordable and quality early childcare to more than 1,000 children.
In 2023, Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) distributed nearly $1,025,000 in Open Door Grants to local nonprofit organizations and scholarships for students.
There’s still time to make a difference in 2023! As you consider your year-end giving, visit our helpful guide for important dates and reminders.
The Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) is pleased to welcome Sandi Hansen to its team of professionals who are committed to building a better, stronger community for people today and generations to come.
The Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) recently awarded $850,000 in grants from its Affordable Housing Fund to seven organizations working to create and preserve affordable housing.
The Trust for Public Land recently reported that 90 percent of Lincolnites live within a ten-minute walk of public green space. That may be surprising, until you reflect on the supporting statistics...
The 12th annual Give to Lincoln Day on May 24th raised more than $7.5 million for 456 local nonprofits. The funds are designated to help support charitable organizations that serve Lincoln and Lancaster County.
Strong communities use data to make collective changes that ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. Lincoln’s ongoing data report, Lincoln Vital Signs, informs residents about trends affecting our city and invites collaboration across all sectors of our community to address the findings.
History meets innovation, that’s how the new owners of Culinary Kitchen describe the transition of the old Korn Popper building into a test kitchen featuring a luscious menu of breakfast, brunch, and lunch waffles.
Nearly 300 community members gathered in early May at the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center for the Foundation’s annual donor recognition event. This year the event included two awards that celebrate extraordinary displays of generosity and leadership.
Lincoln Community Foundation and Civic Nebraska along with members of the Community Builder Coalition recently unveiled the Strong Neighborhoods Grants program to support neighborhood-based, resident-led programs and projects across Lincoln.
The 12th annual Give to Lincoln Day on May 24th raised more than $7.5 million for 456 local nonprofits.
The Foundation Garden Performance Series will present its annual series of events on Wednesdays from May 17th through September 13th.
Ryan and Erin Dobesh aren’t ones to take a back seat when it comes to their community. Passionate professionals, the Dobesh’s have intentionally sought out opportunities to get involved and give back despite their busy schedules.
Couple Celebrates a Milestone Anniversary Through Philanthropy
Will Scott on family philanthropy and Give to Lincoln Day.
100 women. $100 checks. A big impact for the community.
On May 2, 2023, Bill* and Marilyn Cintani became the 12th recipients of the Charity Award. Bill and Marilyn are known for their generous contributions to so many corners of the community, and for their work in partnership with the Lincoln Community Foundation.
The JoAnn Martin Civic Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Mae Colleen Jones on May 2, 2023.
Lincoln’s 12th annual giving day is scheduled for Wednesday, May 24th. Coordinated by the Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF), Give to Lincoln Day is an online event encouraging donations to support the local nonprofits and causes people care about.
Launched in 2019 and inspired by the Prosper Lincoln community agenda, LCF has raised nearly $4 million in support of Lincoln Littles programs, operations, and initiatives – including tuition assistance for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to attend quality early care and education programs throughout the community.
LCF’s former Vice President for Gift Planning and General Counsel, Paula Metcalf, was honored with the J. Robert Sandberg Distinguished Service Award at the 2022 Charitable Gift Planners of Nebraska’s luncheon on December 2nd.
NextGen Lincoln recently granted a total of $15,000 to three nonprofit organizations serving our community.
The Lincoln Community Foundation welcomes four new members to its board of directors: Mike Boyle, Kawasaki; Juan Carlos Huertas, First Plymouth Church; Ben Kiser, Nelnet; and Makenzie Rath, Talent Plus. Steve Schaffer, Lutz, joins the board as the incoming president of NextGen Lincoln.
There were happy dances and happy tears at Educare Lincoln on September 14 as Mae Whitmer toured the new early childhood classroom opened in memory of her sister-in-law, Jane (Erickson) Whitmer, who passed away in 2019 after a courageous battle against cancer.
Strong communities use data to make collective changes that ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. Lincoln’s data report – Lincoln Vital Signs – informs Lincoln residents about trends affecting our city and invites collaboration across all sectors of our community to address its findings.
At the close of 2021, Lincoln Community Foundation’s board of directors prepared to celebrate President Barbara Bartle’s retirement and for a moment, members of the board were stumped.
Strong communities use data to make collective changes that ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
The 11th annual Give to Lincoln Day on May 26th raised a record-breaking $8,010,304, $80,000 over the previous record set last year.
Lincoln Community Foundation is pleased to announce the return of its Garden Performance Series. Enjoy performances from local musicians every Wednesday from May 25th through September 14th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Foundation Garden (1415 N Street).
Before he leaves his house in the morning, the new president of the Lincoln Community Foundation drinks an entire pot of coffee – then pours a couple more cups when he arrives at work.
Craig and Devon Ames both grew up amidst a spirit of generosity – always aspiring to an “attitude and heart that are open to helping others.”
True to the collaborative spirit of our great city, Lincoln’s affordable housing story is the product of public, private, philanthropic, and nonprofit partnerships.
Lincoln’s 11th annual giving day is scheduled for Thursday, May 26th. Coordinated by the Lincoln Community Foundation, Give to Lincoln Day is an online event encouraging donations to support the local nonprofits and causes people care about.
Together, Lisa and Tom have established a legacy as heart-forward philanthropists who give freely of their time, talent, and treasure to the many causes and organizations they care about.
Lincoln Community Foundation recently received re-accreditation with the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® establish legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations everywhere.
The Lincoln Community Foundation welcomes five new members to its board of directors: Eric Buchanan, Buffett Early Childhood Fund; Mark Hesser, Pinnacle Bank; Kile Johnson, Johnson Flodman Guenzel & Widger Law Firm; Susie Keisler-Munro, Assurity Life Insurance Company and Lauren Pugliese, Nelnet.
The day is inspired by the Prosper Lincoln Early Childhood community agenda goal of increasing accessible and affordable high-quality early childhood education.
The giving day will raise funds for tuition assistance, allowing more children from working, lower-income families to access quality early childhood education programs.
I am honored to carry out the foundation’s inspired mission as its next president/CEO. The new year gives us time to reflect and move forward with a renewed sense of optimism.
“There is something special about Lincoln,” said Kyle Cartwright. “It is the perfect mix of urban and rural.”
“The Foundation is truly the heart of Lincoln, a place where public, private, non-profit and philanthropy intersect,” she said. “It’s been a gift to serve for so many years.”
What started as 2,100 ideas to address the 2014 Lincoln Vital Signs findings has evolved into a focused community agenda. LCF has provided backbone funding for Prosper Lincoln since its inception.
Using an Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) framework, these Community Builders work with CLC schools, families, and neighborhoods to build relationships, make connections, and elevate community/resident voices.
The Lincoln Community Foundation’s Board of Directors today announced the selection of Alec Gorynski as its new President & Chief Executive Officer.
With the shared goal of building capacity and sustainability within Lincoln’s nonprofit community, Lincoln Community Foundation, Network for Good (NFG) and Cause Collective partnered to bring NFG’s fundraising capacity building program, Jumpstart, to Lincoln nonprofits.
The funds are designated to help support 456 local nonprofits that serve Lincoln and Lancaster County.
Listening to Matthew and Ann Finkner speak about their attraction to Lincoln and each other, one thing becomes clear: music is a strong link.
Barbara’s notable career spans 48 years of fundraising, program development, community engagement, and teaching.
The 10th annual Give to Lincoln Day on May 25th raised a record-breaking $7,928,241, almost $1 million over the previous record set last year.
Lincoln’s 10th annual giving day is scheduled for Tuesday, May 25. Coordinated by the Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF), Give to Lincoln Day is an online event encouraging donations to support the local nonprofits and causes people care about.
Seeds of giving were sown early for John & Kris Bergmeyer – with precious family lessons about paying it forward and leaving a legacy of kindness.
Time was of the essence in early March 2020. Communities across the country were grappling with how to support their vulnerable residents in the first wave of the pandemic.
Collaboration is key in the City of Lincoln – especially during these challenging times. Agencies and non-profits regularly join forces to achieve amazing things. Sometimes the relationships come together at the right moment to form something much larger than anyone could imagine.
A year into the pandemic, many are feeling the effects of “Zoom fatigue” from working and socializing from home. However, when networking is a significant component of your organization’s activities, engagement is key.
These grants will be leveraged by other entities including local banks, city, corporate and individual philanthropists to continue the work of the community agenda.
