Community Foundations

by Cynthia Peterson

Community foundations seek support from the general public just like a public charity. And, like private foundations, they also provide grants. Community foundations may also manage and administer donor advised funds, scholarship funds, may provide technical assistance and training programs for nonprofits. The Cleveland Foundation, founded in 1914, was the first community foundation in the U.S. Today, there are over 800 community foundations across the United States.

So, what is a community foundation?   

A community foundation is a tax-exempt organization that primarily provides support for the needs of the geographic community/region where it is based, from funds it maintains and administers on behalf of multiple donors.

Lincoln Community Foundation

Since 1955, Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) has connected donors, small and large, to needs in this great city, as their assets have grown to more than $185 million. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, LCF’s 2022 annual report noted incredible generosity from donors coupled with equally fantastic care and concern for one another in the community. They reported 1,235 active funds, 659 donor-advised funds, and 503 Legacy Society members. In 2022, Lincoln Community Foundation:

• Awarded almost $21 million in grants
  and programs. 
• Awarded upwards of $550,000 in scholarships to 300+ students.
• Contributed $15,000 to three local nonprofits.through the young professional giving circle, NextGen Lincoln.
• Hosted the Lincoln COVID-19 Response Fund.

Through partnerships and collaboration, LCF continues to facilitate positive change for the common good. For example, along with Civic Nebraska and the Community Builder Coalition, June 2023 saw LCF unveil the Strong Neighborhoods Grants program to support neighborhood-based, resident-led programs and projects across Lincoln. LCF granted $25,000 to support and equip neighborhood stakeholders to achieve their neighborhood development goals. In August 2023, LCF announced grants of $1,566,787 for 195 nonprofit organizations, 112 of which were local to Lincoln. These grants came from designated funds in support of the donors’ favorite nonprofits and houses of worship. And, one of LCF’s most popular initiatives, Give to Lincoln Day, a day-long community giving event, has raised more than $57 million for local nonprofits in its 12-year history including a record-breaking $8 million in 2022, for the benefit of 479 nonprofits. (The 13th annual Give to Lincoln Day will be held on May 30, 2024.) LCF measures it success by the quality of life achieved for people today and generations to come. 

Many other foundations and charities in Lincoln have partnered with or benefitted from LCF’s efforts. 

For more information: www.lcf.org.

Lincoln Parks Foundation 

Lincolnites love their parks! Lincoln has a remarkable community parks and recreation system that includes 137 parks, 93 playgrounds, 172 miles of trails, 9 pools, 6 recreation centers, 5 public golf courses, 5 dog runs, a nature center, and public gardens. Amenities such as these are important for the city’s quality of life and economic development. 

Established in 1992, Lincoln Parks Foundation (LPF) is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit working in partnership with the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department. Its mission is to inspire and nurture a philanthropic legacy for parks and recreation in the community. LPF enlists the help of individuals, corporate donors, and other charitable foundations in efforts to sustain and improve Lincoln’s parks system. 

Past successful campaigns included a $1.7 million renovation of Lincoln’s beloved Sunken Gardens, $4.75 million capital campaign for Union Plaza, and the $2.2 million renovation of historic Sherman Field. LPF also provided funding for smaller projects like mini grants for neighborhood parks, and scholarships for kids to attend recreation center programs and swimming lessons. 

In 2023, Lincoln Parks Foundation in collaboration with other supporters, provided disc golf equipment to Big Brothers Big Sisters Lincoln. Renovation of the Veterans Memorial Garden commenced that summer, too. 

LPF is leading the capital campaign for South Haymarket Park coming in 2025. Construction starts in 2024 for this destination park in the heart of Lincoln’s Haymarket, near 7th and N streets.  It’s expected to support the continued growth of downtown residential living, be a catalyst for economic development and tourism, and promote a livable community for all residents. Amenities will include an interactive water feature, playground, dog park, and in-ground skate park. 

To learn more about LPF see: www.lincolnparks.org

University of Nebraska Foundation

In the midst of the Great Depression, community leaders came together to create the University of Nebraska Foundation because they wanted to create excellence at the university not possible through state funding alone. In 1937, the foundation’s first bequest was in the amount of $325. Eighty-six years later, the University of Nebraska Foundation announced a record $354.5 million in new funds committed for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, as the Only in Nebraska campaign helps inspire philanthropic support for the state’s only public university system.

Growing the College of Engineering is a major priority of Only in Nebraska. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Engineering’s Kiewit Hall is evidence of that commitment. Slated to open in January 2024, it represents the largest academic facilities project in UNL’s 154-year history.

If you’re interested in learning more, see www.nufoundation.org or www.onlyinnebraska.org.

The Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries

Today, as when it was founded in 1954, The Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries (FLCL) provides support so libraries remain the vital and active community centers that are paramount to this thriving community.

FLCL has events, raises funds, and manages multiple endowments all for the benefit of enriching the lives of library users. All proceeds from the 2023 Wine & Dine for Libraries fundraiser benefitted the electronic options offered at the libraries. 

In 2011, FLCL created its Legacy Society to provide additional funds for city libraries, to honor retiring board members, and to recognize those individuals or groups that have made provisions in their estate plans to include the Foundation. The Foundation makes a contribution in honor of each retiring board member to commemorate their dedication and service. 

Just as FLCL has helped Lincoln libraries grow, so too has the foundation itself. 

When city funding for a special collection of work by and about Nebraska authors ended in 1981, the Junior League of Lincoln stepped in and formed the Nebraska Authors Project to provide continued support for the growing collection. The Nebraska Literary Heritage Association grew out of that project and was established in 1983 under the auspices of the Foundation, which administers the Heritage Room Endowment Fund. The Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors currently houses more than 13,000 volumes representing more than 4,000 authors. 

See foundationforlcl.org for more information.