In the Community Archives - Omaha Community Foundation

Laura Contreras Promoted to Director of Community Investment

Omaha Community Foundation — Wed, 27 May 2026 15:43:54 +0000

The Omaha Community Foundation is pleased to share that Laura Contreras has been promoted to Director of Community Investment, a role that sits at the center of how the Foundation works alongside nonprofits and responds to community needs.

The Director of Community Investment leads the Foundation’s grantmaking strategy and nonprofit capacity-building efforts, working closely with partners serving the community across the Omaha Metro. The Community Investment department draws on community data and nonprofit relationships to understand what’s happening across the region, then translates those insights into pathways for donors to engage in ways that are thoughtful, responsive, and informed by real needs.

Over the past five years, Laura has been deeply involved in that work. Beginning as Program Manager and then Senior Program Manager, she has managed grant programs from start to finish, guiding application processes, supporting review committees, and communicating decisions and feedback to nonprofit partners. She has also helped lead special initiatives tied to some of the community’s most complex challenges, including COVID-era ARPA funding, food relief efforts, neighborhood recovery following the 2024 tornadoes, and responses to housing instability.

Her work often brings clarity to situations that are still taking shape, drawing on both a strong understanding of the nonprofit landscape and close relationships with community partners. Through that work, she has helped translate donor intent into action and supported efforts that lead to visible, lasting impact across Omaha and the surrounding region.

Many of her colleagues have experienced that steady leadership firsthand. One colleague noted, “Anyone who has worked with Laura has seen the thoughtfulness, care, and steady leadership she brings. She has built strong, trusted relationships across our community and within OCF, with a clear commitment to the Foundation’s mission.”

When announcing this promotion, OCF President and CEO Donna Kush cited Laura’s deep understanding of local nonprofit and donor needs, her commitment to the community, and her strong work with the Foundation as reasons for the selection.

Laura’s leadership also extends beyond the Foundation. She currently serves as Board President for the Latino Economic Development Council and has been involved with several local nonprofit boards. These experiences reflect the same commitment to the community that guides her work at OCF.

As Director of Community Investment, Laura will continue to shape the Foundation’s grantmaking and partnerships while helping the organization stay closely connected to the people and organizations doing the work on the ground.

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Nelson Family Foundation Honors Outstanding Educators Through Excellence in Teaching Awards

Sydney Calcagno — Fri, 22 May 2026 14:36:04 +0000

The Nelson Family Foundation recognized five outstanding educators at the 2026 Excellence in Teaching Awards celebration held Thursday, May 14, 2026. The annual event honored teachers from the Council Bluffs and Lewis Central School Districts whose dedication, skill, and commitment have made a meaningful difference for students and families across the region.

Established in 2008, the Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes teachers and counselors for their knowledge, abilities, and impact both in and out of the classroom. The program reflects the Nelson family’s long-standing commitment to education and youth development and highlights educators who support students academically while also addressing social, emotional, and personal challenges.

“This is our 18th year presenting the Excellence in Teaching Awards,” said John P. Nelson at the event. “After my parents passed away, we created this award to honor their dedication to education. Tonight, we’re proud to celebrate five truly deserving teachers.”

2026 Excellence in Teaching Award Recipients

Brandy Brock, College View Elementary
A 4th- and 5th-grade Special Education teacher in the Therapeutic Learning Program, Brandy Brock works with students navigating trauma, instability, and significant life challenges. Known as a steady and compassionate advocate, she prioritizes safety, trust, and individualized growth to help students remain connected to school.

Jada Miller, Kirn Middle School
Jada Miller is a sixth-grade English Language Arts teacher who helps students successfully transition into middle school. Drawing on her background in Special Education and her work toward a Talented and Gifted endorsement, she creates a structured, welcoming classroom where students feel supported, challenged, and confident in their learning.

Suzanne “Suzy” Smith, College View Elementary
A third-grade teacher, Suzy Smith is known for creating classrooms where students feel calm, supported, and eager to learn. Her balance of clear expectations and warmth helps students build confidence, independence, and strong literacy habits during a critical stage of development.

Evanne Jones, Titan Hill Intermediate
Evanne Jones is a fifth-grade teacher recognized for helping students build confidence and resilience, particularly in math. Through thoughtful differentiation, strong family communication, and a focus on perseverance, she supports students with a wide range of learning needs and helps many reach important academic milestones.

Kelli Hall, Lewis Central High School
With 18 years in the district, Kelli Hall is a Special Education teacher who co-teaches science courses and supports students with IEPs in accessing rigorous academic content. Families and colleagues value her clarity, compassion, and ability to help students stay engaged and move forward during complex challenges.

Since its founding in 1997, the Nelson Family Foundation has granted more than $3.7 million to organizations across education, health, human services, the arts, and other community priorities. Nearly $450,000 has been awarded through the Excellence in Teaching program since its launch, directly recognizing educators whose work strengthens students and schools throughout the region.

“These teachers support students through challenges, build trust with families, and create learning environments where young people feel safe, capable, and valued,” said Donna Kush. “Their impact is not always visible right away, but it stays with students for years to come.”

The Excellence in Teaching Awards celebrate educators whose daily work shapes student success and reflects the Nelson family’s enduring commitment to young people and the communities they call home.

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New Learning Opportunities for Omaha-Area Nonprofits

Molly Mullen — Fri, 15 May 2026 17:50:18 +0000

The Omaha Community Foundation’s vision is a connected community of passionate philanthropists, strong nonprofits, and thriving residents.

Because strong nonprofits are essential to a healthy community, we have offered capacity‑building workshops for more than a decade. This May, we are launching a new workshop series focused on finance and compliance, collaboration and partnerships, grant writing and fundraising, and other core topics designed to strengthen operations and improve long‑term financial sustainability. These workshops mark the first step in a new collaboration framework the Omaha Community Foundation is introducing this year to provide leadership, resources, and meaningful connections for our community’s nonprofits. All workshops are in person and free to attend.

*The first workshop, Community Foundations and DAFs 101, is full, and the waitlist is full. We will send updates if we are able to schedule another session of this workshop later in the year.

Please watch for an invitation to upcoming nonprofit workshops. If you are not yet subscribed to the nonprofit mailing list, you can join here.

Upcoming Sessions

Future workshop topics include finance and budget basics, donor relations, marketing and communications, and board support. A complete list will be published here once details are finalized.

Nonprofit Finances 101

Strong financial practices help nonprofits make informed decisions, communicate clearly with board members and donors, and plan for long-term sustainability. Understanding how resources are managed and reported builds trust and credibility with funders while supporting day-to-day operations.

June 23: Nonprofit Finance 101

This session will focus on practical insights nonprofit leaders can use to strengthen financial stewardship and align their financial practices with their mission. Learn the fundamentals of the three primary financial statements, including key ratios and metrics. You will gain a deeper understanding of operating activities, balance sheets, and how to analyze cash utilization.

When:
Tuesday, June 23rd 2026
1-3 p.m.

Where:
Project Harmony
11949 Q St.
Omaha, NE 68137

This workshop would be beneficial for Executive Directors and Finance and Accounting professionals. Our July workshop (Basics of Budgeting) will build on this content and be taught by the same team.

This workshop will be taught by Deyna Rouse, MSTax, MAC, CPA, Assistant Professor at Creighton University and Vanessa Denney, Vice President of Donor & Philanthropic Services at OCF.

Questions about the workshop? Contact Danielle Saunders at danielle@omahafoundation.org.

If you are not yet subscribed to the nonprofit mailing list, you can join here for future workshop invitations.

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Omaha Venture Group Marks Record Year of Grantmaking

Molly Mullen — Fri, 08 May 2026 18:59:56 +0000

On May 7, community members, nonprofit leaders, and supporters gathered at Shelterbelt Theatre to celebrate the Omaha Venture Group’s 2026 grant recipients and the growing impact of venture philanthropy across the region.

This year, Omaha Venture Group awarded its largest total grant amount to date, providing $10,000 each to five organizations advancing new and emerging initiatives in Omaha. The event offered an opportunity not only to recognize these organizations but also to bring people together in support of ideas that are strengthening neighborhoods and expanding access to opportunity.

Attendees had the chance to connect directly with this year’s recipients and learn more about the work taking shape across the community. The five organizations represent a wide range of focus areas, reflecting OVG’s commitment to supporting innovative approaches across sectors:

Arts & Culture: Creative Reuse Omaha, Inc.
Health: African Immigrant Family Services
Neighborhoods, Civic Engagement & Safety: Latino Economic Development Council (LEDC)
Workforce & Education: CareerLadder
Youth Sports: JSSA – James Scurlock Sports Academy

“OVG is a venture philanthropy giving circle that has granted over $865,000 to 183 nonprofits since 2002,” said Chad Allen, OCF Donor Services Advisor and OVG Chair. “Together with a group of folks new to philanthropy and established funders, we pooled our resources, learned from community leaders, and invested in organizations with strong ideas and measurable potential for impact. Beyond the dollars, we aim to bring attention, connections, and sustained support that help recipients grow and deliver results for Omaha.”

Each organization is launching or expanding efforts that address critical community needs while testing new ideas and approaches. OVG’s venture philanthropy model is designed to support this type of early-stage work, providing flexible funding and visibility for initiatives still gaining traction.

The evening also highlighted the connections that form when nonprofit leaders, donors, and community partners come together in the same space. Conversations throughout the event reflected a shared interest in learning, collaboration, and long-term impact.

The setting itself carried special meaning. Shelterbelt Theatre, which hosted the celebration, is a past OVG grant recipient, and catering was provided by House of Bah, also an OVG alum. Their continued success offered a visible example of how early investments can grow into lasting contributions to the community.

In addition to celebrating this year’s grantees, OVG Chair Laura Contreras, OCF Senior Program Manager, marked the leadership transition within Omaha Venture Group. Chandler Green, who has served as Board Chair since 2024, was recognized for her leadership and steady guidance. As she steps down from the role, Vice Chair Joe Woster will assume the position of Board Chair and continue supporting OVG’s work, alongside his service on the Omaha Community Foundation Board.

“We could not have coordinated this year’s OVG grant cycle without the help of our giving circle’s dedicated members and Board,” Contreras said. “Thank you to all who made this a successful grant season.”

As the evening came to a close, the focus remained on what lies ahead. The ideas represented by this year’s grantees are still evolving, and the support they receive now will help shape their trajectory in the months and years to come.

Through its continued commitment to venture philanthropy, Omaha Venture Group is helping create space for new approaches to take root in Omaha, backed by a community willing to invest in what is possible. If you are interested in joining OVG for the next season, contact Chad Allen.

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Survivors and Partners Gather to Commemorate Arbor Day Tornado Recovery

Molly Mullen — Fri, 01 May 2026 16:03:30 +0000

“In times of crisis, you need someone to step up and take the lead, and the Omaha Community Foundation stepped up.”

Jill Lynch‑Sosa, Executive Director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha, shared those words as survivors, partners, and first responders gathered April 29 to mark two years since the Arbor Day tornadoes. For many in the room, her statement reflected not only the urgency of the days after the storm, but the sustained commitment required long after public attention faded.

On April 26, 2024, multiple EF4 tornadoes cut a 32.5‑mile path across eastern Nebraska, damaging or destroying nearly 1,000 homes in Blair, Bennington, Elkhorn, Kennard, and Waterloo. The scale of destruction made clear early on that recovery would take time, coordination, and trust across agencies, counties, and communities.

A Coordinated Response

In the immediate aftermath, with early support from its board of directors, particularly Gail Graeve of Mutual of Omaha, the Omaha Community Foundation was called into action to support a meaningful and coordinated response. Over the following weeks, that call led to the creation of the Nebraska Tornado Recovery Fund and a broader strategy focused on long‑term recovery rather than short‑term relief alone.

Donna Kush, President and CEO of the Omaha Community Foundation, said that early leadership set the tone for everything that followed. “After raising $1.3 million in donations for the Arbor Day Tornado recovery, OCF established the Nebraska Tornado Recovery Fund,” she said. “This enabled us to convene partners and invest in disaster case management, coalition building, and comprehensive coordination across affected communities.”

Laura Contreras, Senior Program Manager at OCF, emphasized that the response was rooted in neighbors helping neighbors from the start. “They were able to support our community that they all live and work in, and so they wanted to be good neighbors and provide some support,” Contreras said following the commemoration.

The Role of Disaster Case Managers

At the center of the recovery effort were disaster case managers, who served as consistent, trusted guides for survivors navigating complex and often overwhelming decisions. Their work frequently involved sitting at kitchen tables, reviewing insurance policies line by line, helping families avoid fraudulent contractors, and staying engaged long after temporary aid ended.

“This recovery effort was possible because so many partners stayed engaged over the long term and showed up in meaningful ways for survivors,” Contreras said. “From navigating complex cases to meeting immediate needs and building systems that will serve communities in the future, the work reflected a shared commitment to walking alongside neighbors for as long as it took.”

Partners included:

Christian Outreach Program of Elkhorn (COPE) – Nancy Lary
East Central Long-Term Recovery Group – Jan Zurcher (not pictured)
First Lutheran Church of Blair – Erika Cada (not pictured)
Heartland Hope Mission – Kaylin Behrens, Michelle Rodgers
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Omaha – Jill Lynch-Sosa, Diego Padilla, Lily Reyes
Meristem Consulting – Sarah Sjolie

Tangible Outcomes and Future Preparedness

That coordination produced results felt both immediately and long term. Recovery partners augmented UNMC’s CASPER survey findings with direct supports for affected neighborhoods. Increased awareness helped leverage a private donation that ultimately covered remaining tornado‑related damage at a local cemetery.

Community clean‑up days in Elkhorn and Washington County supported more than 15 homes, while two tree distribution events helped restore neighborhood tree canopy by providing 350 trees. Partners also facilitated two asset‑mapping events that identified more than 35 physical and people‑based resources Douglas County can draw on during future large‑scale weather events, strengthening local infrastructure for response.

Two years after the storm, the gathering marked the conclusion of a formal recovery effort while recognizing the people and partnerships that made it possible to stay, adapt, and see the work through.

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Welcome to the 2026 CAP® class

Molly Mullen — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:12:44 +0000

Each year, a select group of professional advisors in Omaha commits to a rigorous, graduate-level learning experience designed to deepen their understanding of charitable planning and philanthropic impact. The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) program brings together professionals from law, accounting, financial services, and the nonprofit sector who want to better serve their clients while strengthening the community we call home.

Facilitated locally by the Omaha Community Foundation, the CAP® program is a year-long curriculum that prepares advisors to navigate the complexities of giving, legacy planning, and values-based decision-making. Through coursework, in‑person discussions, and exposure to real-world philanthropic challenges, participants gain the tools and perspective needed to guide thoughtful, effective generosity.

We are proud to introduce the newest CAP® class and to celebrate their commitment to helping Omaha remain one of the most philanthropic communities in the country.

Adam Austin is a Tax Shareholder at Lutz who works with privately held businesses to help them navigate tax compliance, planning, and more complex advisory needs. He serves clients across the healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and real estate industries and takes a practical, thoughtful approach to tax matters. Adam is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance and Accounting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Known for his ability to make the complex simple, he focuses on helping clients understand the why behind tax decisions so they can move forward and make the best decisions for themselves and their business.

Amy Bernstein Shivvers has served as Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation since July 2022, bringing more than 30 years of experience in management, marketing, strategic partnerships, and content development. Amy has led several key initiatives, including the Foundation’s 40th anniversary initiative, its first strategic planning process, successful endowment campaigns, and overseeing an office remodel and strengthening community engagement. Previously, she held leadership roles at Western Governors University, where she expanded partnerships and student enrollment across nine Midwestern states, and at Crain’s Chicago Business, where she built a seven-figure conference portfolio and launched Crain’s Academy.

Scott Berryman has been an attorney for more than 25 years. He has experience in all phases of trusts: planning and drafting, postdeath administration, and multi-generational trust administration as a trust officer. Scott is a Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor from the American Bankers Association, served two terms on Schwab’s DAFgivng360 council of professional advisors, and is an active member of the Omaha Estate Planning Council.

Rebecca Bode joined the Peter Kiewit Foundation in June 2015 and currently serves as Chief Financial Officer, where she oversees accounting, financial reporting, and resource management. She guides the financial steps of the grantmaking process from start to finish and collaborates with the Foundation’s team to support grantee partners as they pursue financial health and long-term sustainability. Additionally, Rebecca is actively involved in strategically planning the Foundation’s sunset, anticipated around 2030. Rebecca began her career in public accounting. She specialized in providing accounting, auditing, and consulting services to nonprofit organizations and privately held companies.

Ryan Decker, CFP, serves as a Vice President and Relationship Manager at Bridges Trust. In this role, he is responsible for managing client relationships, coordinating the delivery of investment and advisory services, and helping ensure clear communication across client and internal teams. He brings extensive experience in wealth management, client service, and organizational leadership, with a background that includes relationship development, investment strategy implementation, and long-term planning support. Ryan earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from Creighton University and holds the Certified Financial Planner designation.

Tony DeLuca is a co-founder and partner at Smith Pauley LLP and chair of the Firm’s trusts and estates practice group. Over the course of his nearly 15-year legal career, Anthony has been fortunate to work with some of the region’s most successful entrepreneurs, founders, executives, and families. He counsels clients on traditional estate planning, post-death estate and trust administration, and business succession planning matters, while devoting a meaningful portion of his practice to complex wealth transfer planning and federal transfer tax minimization for high-net-worth families. He is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago and Creighton University School of Law. Tony and his wife Jacqueline have two children.

Molly Hoge, CFP®, is a financial advisor at Edward Jones, where she works with individuals, families, and business owners to develop personalized financial strategies that align with their goals and priorities. She began her career as a retirement plan consulting actuary, spending a decade in Chicago and Omaha before transitioning to financial advising in 2020 to pursue more direct, community-centered impact. Molly earned degrees in actuarial science and finance from Drake University. Her expertise includes retirement planning, tax-sensitive investment strategies, insurance and education planning, and estate considerations. She is active in her church, volunteers with Math Motivators, and serves on the board of the Bennington Chamber of Commerce. Molly lives in Bennington with her husband and their three children.

Justin Hope is an audit and attest partner at Eide Bailly, LLP, specializing in nonprofit organizations. With over 20 years of experience, he has worked with nonprofits from small startup organizations to those with assets exceeding $1B, helping his clients to succeed in their missions. Professionally, he serves as the current Chairman Elect of the Nebraska Society of CPAs and is a member of the Nebraska Society of CPAs Not-For-Profit committee, as well as the Certifications chair of the Nebraska Healthcare Financial Management Association. Outside of his professional commitments, Justin has served on numerous boards of directors, including currently serving as the treasurer of Omaha Rodeo.

Emily Jung serves as Chief Trusts & Estates Officer for Harrison Financial Services and Harrison Family Office Services, where she brings more than 21 years of legal and wealth management experience to support strategic planning for families and business owners. A licensed attorney in Nebraska, Emily spent many years in private practice specializing in advanced wealth transfer planning, estate administration, and governance of not-for-profit entities before transitioning to financial services in 2021. In her current role, she partners with advisory teams to guide customized succession and tax-efficient transfer strategies while collaborating with external counsel to ensure a seamless client experience. She earned her BA from Southern Methodist University and her JD from Saint Louis University School of Law.

Sarah Ann Kotchian serves as CEO of the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative, leading the organization’s strategy, growth, and operations. She brings experience in nonprofit strategy, corporate development, and early childhood care and education. As a former lobbyist, she has experience with campaigns and various legal entity structures and investments to drive program, practice, and policy improvements for women, children, and families. She has served on local and state commissions, task forces, and boards of directors, and has been recognized as a State Children’s Champion by the Nebraska Head Start Association and a Public Citizen of the Year by the Nebraska Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a graduate of Creighton University and the University of Nebraska College of Law.

Steve Lindsay is Senior Vice President of Business Development for Bankers Trust in Omaha, joining the team in 2023. He brings more than 30 years of experience in corporate banking, private banking, and wealth management, including leadership roles such as president of a South Dakota trust company. Steve holds an MBA from Creighton University and a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University. An Omaha native, Steve is a cofounder and advisory board member of Kicks for a Cure, a graduate of Leadership Omaha, and serves on the Greater Omaha Chamber Board of Directors and Economic Development Council. He is also involved with Avenue Scholars, Partnership 4 Kids, and NorthStar. Steve and his wife, Amy, have three children.

Rochelle Mullen focuses her practice on mergers and acquisitions, securities transactions, real estate transactions, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and general corporate matters. She manages mergers and acquisitions for local, regional and national clients and advises clients on both regulatory and transactional securities law matters, including both exempt and non-exempt federal and state securities offerings. Rochelle works closely with real estate developers to efficiently and strategically implement a practical approach to a deal. Over the past three years Rochelle has worked extensively with developers and ethanol plant owners addressing business issues relating to carbon capture and sequestration.

Mike O’Malley is the Senior Director of Development for the Heider College of Business at Creighton University, where he leads the school and college development team and has served for 17 years with a strong focus on major and leadership gifts. Before joining Creighton, Mike spent 12 years as a District Sales Manager with Sysco Foodservice, guiding a team of 12 marketing associates and driving regional sales growth. Mike is married and has three college age boys. Outside of work, he is an active volunteer at Creighton Prep, enjoys building LEGO sets, and serves on the security team at Steelhouse Omaha.

Kathy (Schuele) Schubauer is a proud graduate of Marian High School, Texas Christian University, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She currently serves as Director of Donor Services at the Omaha Community Foundation, where she focuses on donor engagement, stewardship, and philanthropic impact. Prior to joining OCF, Kathy spent nearly a decade as a fundraiser for the College of Engineering at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She has volunteered with organizations including Heart Heroes, Teammates, Chi Omega, and the Children’s Nebraska Friends Board. Kathy lives in Omaha with her husband, Tyler, and their three sons.

Dan Walker is the General Manager of Epigram Capital, a private investment partnership. He was formerly Director of Research at Bridges Trust, a $12 billion AUM advisor, where he served as portfolio lead on three strategies with more than $2 billion in assets. Previously, he served as an Equity Analyst for Weitz Investment Management and Heartland Advisors. He is a CFA Charterholder and obtained an MBA in Applied Securities Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has held board positions for the Heart Ministry Center and RISE.

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Creating the Neighbor Recovery Fund: A Community Bank Model

Laura Contreras — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:17:22 +0000

In April 2024, tornadoes tore through eastern Nebraska, damaging and destroying homes across Douglas, Washington, and surrounding counties. In the immediate aftermath, the Omaha Community Foundation moved quickly to support relief efforts by establishing the Nebraska Tornado Recovery Fund, allowing donors to give within hours of the storms. At the same time, OCF began organizing nonprofit, government, and community partners to coordinate response and reduce duplication. This early work focused on stabilizing households and setting the foundation for longer-term recovery, recognizing that while emergency relief is critical, rebuilding lives and homes requires sustained coordination, flexible funding, and trusted local partnerships.

As direct assistance needs became more complex, partners recognized that no single organization or funding source could fill the gaps alone. The Neighbor Recovery Fund was created as a direct assistance mechanism using pooled resources totaling approximately $1.6 million from specific Tri-County Long-Term Recovery Coalition partners.

This approach did not create new dollars. It brought existing dollars into one shared decision-making process, so partner funding could be coordinated, reviewed consistently, and applied where it would make the most difference for survivors.

“The Neighbor Recovery Fund was built to close the gaps that insurance and FEMA do not cover,” said Sarah Sjolie, Disaster Recovery Coordinator at the Omaha Community Foundation. “It lets our partners respond to what a household actually needs to move forward, based on a case manager’s assessment, not a one-size-fits-all checklist.”

Funding partners included:

Omaha Community Foundation (Nebraska Tornado Recovery Fund)
The Salvation Army
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
Washington County Long-Term Recovery Group
First Lutheran Church (Blair)

Centralized intake partner:

United Way of the Midlands 2-1-1 (routes requests to disaster case managers)

Disaster case management partners:

St. Vincent de Paul
Heartland Hope Mission
Christian Outreach Program Elkhorn
East Central Long-Term Recovery Group

How the Neighbor Recovery Fund Worked in Practice

Across cases reviewed, the panel stayed focused on helping households move toward safe and livable housing. Decisions were guided by case manager assessments and reviewed through a consistent process.

Key elements of the model included:

Intake through 2-1-1 and disaster case management coordination
Biweekly review panel with de-identified case presentations
Shared decision-making across funding partners
Less duplication between organizations
Faster decisions and deployment of dollars
Fewer steps for survivors navigating multiple systems

“Flexibility is what made this recovery effort work,” said Sarah Sjolie. “Without adaptable funding and shared decision-making, we would not have been able to respond to the complexity of these cases.”

As of January 2026, the Neighbor Recovery Fund approved 102 requests, supporting more than 46 households and deploying $864,037 in direct assistance. Most funding (73%) was used for debris removal, repair work, and construction gap funding, helping households prepare for construction or complete rebuilds. Data also showed that many families required more than one round of support as their recovery progressed. Rather than replacing insurance or FEMA assistance, the fund consistently covered critical gaps that were preventing repairs from moving forward.

Impact on Future Readiness

This work strengthened coordination among partners and clarified roles that can be used again in future disasters. It also created a more streamlined intake and review process that reduced confusion and improved follow-through across organizations.

Key outcomes included:

Clearer shared processes and partner roles
A streamlined intake approach between 2-1-1 and case managers
A shared review and decision model among funders
Documentation of lessons learned and what worked in practice
Stronger partner relationships/coordination that can be activated quickly in future events

The Neighbor Recovery Fund created a shared way to review needs, coordinate funding, and reduce delays for survivors. It helped limit the number of organizations survivors had to contact and reduced the burden of repeating their story. Most importantly, it supported households working toward safe housing and stability, even when traditional systems could not cover every cost.

The Neighbor Recovery Fund was made possible through the collective efforts of the Omaha Community Foundation, United Way of the Midlands, The Salvation Army, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, First Lutheran Church ELCA (Blair), and the Washington County Long-Term Recovery Group.

The post Creating the Neighbor Recovery Fund: A Community Bank Model appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

The Blueprint for Resilient Recovery, a Wrap-Up Report

Sarah Sjolie — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 21:38:12 +0000

Executive Summary

On April 26, 2024, several EF4 Tornados created large-scale destruction that traveled 32.5 miles across Blair, Bennington, Elkhorn, Kennard, and Waterloo. Nearly 1000 homes were partially damaged or demolished, impacting a majority of vulnerable, elderly, and rural neighbors.

The Omaha Community Foundation was called into action following the tornado by its donors to support a meaningful response, setting up to receive donations on their website within hours. After raising $1.3 million for the Arbor Day Tornado survivor recovery, OCF launched a coordinated recovery effort that was based on the unique assets of each community. Its long-term stewardship of the funds has ensured that even 18 months after the tornadoes, survivors continue to receive case management and can apply for unmet needs support.

Traditional disaster recovery models struggle with significant delays, fragmented services, and funding bottlenecks. This white paper outlines a blueprint for recovery with three pillars:

Coalition Building
Specialized Case Management
Innovative Funding Orchestration

By integrating community assets with expert navigation and a centralized “community bank” funding model, the gap between immediate disaster relief and long-term stability has been bridged for more than 254 closed cases and 54 current active cases. This effort will wrap-up on May 3, 2026 after more than two years of recovery support.

Pillar 1: Building a Coalition of Community-Based Assets

Effective recovery is not the work of a single agency but the synchronized effort of a multi-disciplinary coalition. When the 2024 Arbor Day Tornado struck, there was little infrastructure to support a coordinated response and no resources to drive long-term recovery. For a typical event like an EF4 tornado, recovery can take up to two years after the event.

Following national best practices through United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) case management and the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster‘s (VOAD) community asset model, Omaha Community Foundation formed the Tri-County Long Term Recovery Coalition to bring agency experts, neighborhood leaders, elected officials, and donations resources together to coordinate a multi-county response.

The work of the Tri-County Long Term Recovery Coalition focused on integrating six core service areas into a unified response structure:

Community Assessment: Canvass and connect early responder data to obtain community-wide assessment of needs and connect survivors to long term recovery.
Construction Management: Coordinating owners’ representation support services, connection to contractors and skilled labor to prioritize structural integrity and code compliance.
Counseling & Mental Health: Addressing the trauma of post-event experiences with survivors. Tornado survivors were connected to a series of free mental health counseling and partnered with Nebraska Strong via Region 6.
Volunteer Coordination: Partnering with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and local Douglas and Washington counties to train on the importance of tracking volunteer time. Various events were curated by the Tri-County Coalition, and more than 150 long-term volunteers engaged in community clean-up days, tree distribution days, and supporting local move-ins back into permanent housing.
Resource Coordination: Physical donations management was coordinated through partners like Heartland Hope Mission and Salvation Army. Development of physical donations management is still needed. Where the Tri-County coalition thrived was by streamlining the intake and distribution of financial donations to maximize impact through the unmet needs committee – Neighbor Recovery Fund.
Integrated Case Management: Serving as the connective tissue between all other assets to ensure no survivor falls through the cracks, the Tri-County Coalition partnered with UMCOR to train 12 specialized case managers to lead the survivor recovery outreach. This highly successful team has positively impacted more than 292 cases.

Pillar 2: The Specialized Disaster Case Management (DCM) Workforce

The heartbeat of this work is a specialized DCM workforce. They are the key ingredient to the survivor recovery journey success. Unlike general social work, disaster-specific case management requires high-level technical expertise about property damage assessment, insurance coverage and claims processes, FEMA process, and the ability to co-currently serve the survivor and hold them accountable to complete their self-driven recovery journey. This complex relationship places the survivor and the DCM as partners in the process.

Due to the Arbor Day Tornado’s national disaster declaration for individual assistance, the Omaha Community Foundation was awarded a $1M FEMA grant that provided paid Disaster Case Management time for the workforce to canvass, advocate, and serve the survivors as they work to reach a new normal.

Expert Navigation and Insurance Advocacy

Our DCMs were trained as subject matter experts in:

Insurance Literacy: Navigating complex policy language, understanding “Actual Cash Value” (ACV) vs. “Replacement Cost Value” (RCV), and identifying “underinsured” gaps and when to make an appeal to the insurance company or FEMA.
Claims Processing: Assisting survivors in documenting losses and appealing denied claims to maximize private recovery funds before tapping into public or philanthropic resources.
The Recovery Roadmap: Moving survivors through a phased approach—from stabilization to rebuild—ensuring that every family has a tailored, achievable path home.

Pillar 3: The Neighbor Recovery Fund (NRF)

To ensure that Arbor Day Tornado funding was aligned for maximum impact, eight major funding organizations engaged into a Community Bank Model, called the Neighbor Recovery Fund. This centralized fund, totaling $1.6 million, revolutionized how investments were made among more than 46+ households and 102 unmet needs across Douglas and Washington Counties.

The Neighbor Recovery Fund “Community Bank Model” was made possible by the following funding partner agencies:

The Salvation Army
Omaha Community Foundation
Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church
Washington County Long Term Recovery Group
First Lutheran Church of Blair
Heartland Hope Mission
COPE Elkhorn
The Society of Saint Vincent dePaul

Each of these organizations is a member of the Tri-County Long Term Recovery Coalition and thus were aligned and ready to join the Neighbor Recovery Fund as a united collaboration on behalf of tornado survivors.

The “Community Bank” Mechanics

Instead of families applying to six different grants, they call 211 or they work directly with their own Disaster Case Manager to apply. The NRF operates on a collective impact principle:

Unified Deployment: Decisions are made by a Rapid Review Panel of agencies, thereby ensuring equitable distribution and a focus on the donor intention for the funds.
Efficiency: Reduced administrative overhead by centralizing the vetting process through the DCM workforce. Using one system and one, neutral facilitator, the Community Bank partners can commit to the county or specific need that aligns with their criteria.
Impact Metrics: To date, the NRF has served 46+ families and distributed $864,037 across Arbor Day Tornado-impacted survivors.

Metric	Achievement
Approximate Initial Fund Value	$1.6 Million
Families Served	46+
Funds Distributed	$864,037
Participating Funders	8 Organizations

Conclusion: A Scalable Blueprint

The success of the Arbor Day Tornado recovery demonstrates that when community assets are organized, case managers are specialized, and funding is centralized, the timeline for recovery is drastically shortened. This blueprint serves as a scalable model for any municipality facing the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Work continues to capture this established infrastructure in a shared coalition manual for replication in future large-scale disasters. Douglas County Emergency Management Agency has committed to convene the first long-term recovery coalition in the event of a future disaster, using the current protocol. The Red Cross and Salvation Army have stepped in as anchor institutions to lead the future volunteer and physical donations processes. Finally, the coalition facilitated local planning sessions to help curate key resources across Douglas County to utilize in the event of the next disaster. These maps continue to grow resources and remain a critical resource for emergency response.

The post The Blueprint for Resilient Recovery, a Wrap-Up Report appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

Tri-County LTRG Honored with Good Neighbor Award for Ongoing Tornado Recovery Work

Molly Mullen — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:13:13 +0000

The Tri-County Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) recently received the Good Neighbor Award from the American Red Cross, recognizing its steady humanitarian leadership following the Arbor Day tornadoes of 2024. The award highlights the coalition’s unique strength: a flexible, latticed system that adapts to changing needs across Douglas and Washington counties while keeping survivor support at the center.

This work is part of a broader recovery effort supported by nonprofits, government agencies, volunteer groups, and philanthropic partners. After the initial crisis response ended, the Omaha Community Foundation established the LTRG and hired a Disaster Recovery Coordinator, Sarah Sjolie, to bring structure, communication, and coordination to the long-tail challenges that follow a disaster. Today, the coalition manages casework, unmet needs, volunteer coordination, resource navigation, and community assessments, all while planning for future emergencies.

“A community foundation exists to meet needs as they arise, even in times of great challenge,” said Anne Meysenburg, OCF Director of Community Investment. “By understanding what our community requires and helping to build the LTRG, we demonstrate our commitment to resilience and recovery.”

The impact is already visible in the lives of survivors. One example is Max, a single father and non-native English speaker who spent his savings on repairs and basic expenses after a divorce. Facing the real possibility of homelessness, he connected with the LTRG and received support through the Neighbor Recovery Fund. That assistance covered critical repairs and debris removal, stabilizing his home and giving him a path forward as he returns to work and parenting.

At the same time, the LTRG is helping navigate deeply complex recovery cases that require legal support, technical expertise, and patient coordination. Blair Freeman, the coalition’s survivor owner’s representative, is currently supporting an elderly Washington County resident whose home shifted off its foundation and is no longer structurally secure. Insurance denied the claim, leaving her with few financial options and significant safety concerns. The LTRG is working with partners to explore viable reconstruction paths while ensuring she remains rooted in her community. Cases like this reveal the depth of coordination required to guide survivors through situations no household can navigate alone.

“For the Long-term Recovery Group, they get plugged in wherever the need changes,” said Laura Contreras, OCF Senior Program Manager. “If the group determines that the need changes, the structure stays the same. This is a latticed approach that can be flexed for the needs of the moment.”

To date, the Nebraska Tornado Recovery Fund, launched by the Omaha Community Foundation in the immediate aftermath of the April 2024 Arbor Day tornadoes, has deployed a total of $1,103,357 to support impacted families. A key component of this effort is the Neighbor Recovery Fund, a collaborative initiative that helps fill financial gaps for households still rebuilding. In partnership with The Salvation Army, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, First Lutheran Church in Blair, and the Washington County Long-Term Recovery Group, more than $739,000 has been committed across 93 approved requests, directly supporting 41 households with urgent needs like home repairs, debris removal, moving expenses, and other essential needs. These investments reflect a region-wide commitment to helping survivors rebuild and regain stability long after the initial emergency.

More than a year after the tornado, the work continues. With each home repair, case management milestone, volunteer effort, and community partnership, the LTRG is helping survivors regain stability while strengthening the region’s long-term resilience.

The post Tri-County LTRG Honored with Good Neighbor Award for Ongoing Tornado Recovery Work appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

2025 Nonprofit Workshop Series: Resources & Presentations

Molly Mullen — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:46:30 +0000

The 2025 Nonprofit Workshop Series was designed to strengthen nonprofit capacity, build community trust, and provide valuable insights into key topics identified by local organizations. Hosted by the Omaha Community Foundation in partnership with nonprofit experts, these workshops covered essential areas such as grant writing, financial management, strategic planning, and more. Whether you attended a session or want to catch up on what was covered, this page serves as a hub for all materials and presentations.

Workshop Presentations & Recaps

OCF 101: Understanding the Omaha Community Foundation

This session introduced nonprofits, board members, and financial advisors to the Omaha Community Foundation’s role in supporting local organizations. Participants gained insights into available funding opportunities, donor-advised funds, and strategies to strengthen collaboration with OCF.

Download the Presentation

Agency Funding: Building Financial Stability

This workshop focused on equipping nonprofits with tools to strengthen financial stability through endowments, emergency funds, and strategic banking relationships. Participants learned how to prepare for future funding needs and explore OCF’s financial support options.

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Fiscal Sponsorship Fundamentals

This workshop aimed to help nonprofit leaders, board members, and community groups understand the structure and benefits of fiscal sponsorship. Participants explored key elements such as roles, agreements, financial oversight, and how this model can support emerging projects or initiatives without 501(c)(3) status.

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Winning Grants

This workshop provided a practical overview of fiscal sponsorship, including the roles, responsibilities, and agreements involved in the model. Led by One Omaha and The Foundry Community, the session helped attendees explore how fiscal sponsorship can support nonprofit growth, expand community impact, and provide financial and administrative structure for emerging projects.

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Navigating Funder Relationships to Sustain Support

Strong relationships with funders are key to long-term sustainability and deeper impact. This interactive session covered strategies for donor recognition, communicating outcomes effectively, framing operating support requests, and low-cost tools for prospect research.

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Developing a Strategic Plan for Growth

Strategic planning is more than a document, it’s a powerful tool to align an organization’s mission, goals, and resources. This session explored the purpose of strategic planning, how it supports organizational success across departments, and how to get started or strengthen an existing plan.

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Partnerships, Collaborations & Mergers

When does it make sense to formally join forces with another organization, and when is a strategic partnership the better path? How can nonprofits build toward long-term sustainability through collaboration? And what role can fundraising play in making these strategies a reality?

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More resources: Download the Memorandum of Understanding template, the partnership explorer tool, and the strategic alignment spectrum.

Strengthening Nonprofit Finance

This interactive session focused on financial best practices, including cash flow planning, budgeting, forecasting, and how to present financial information clearly to stakeholders. It included aligning an annual budget with mission growth for long-term sustainability.

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Exploring Nonprofit Business Models

In today’s rapidly changing landscape, nonprofit leaders must understand not only how to fulfill their mission but also how to sustain it. This workshop explored the spectrum of nonprofit business models, from traditional funding strategies to innovative, revenue-generating approaches that are reshaping the sector.

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The Nonprofit Lifecycle

Every nonprofit goes through predictable stages of development, from startup to maturity and beyond. Understanding where your organization stands on that journey can help you plan strategically and lead with clarity.

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