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. 

The post Survivors and Partners Gather to Commemorate Arbor Day Tornado Recovery  appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

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.

Why Consider Non-Cash Assets 

Donating appreciated assets instead of cash can be a powerful giving strategy, especially before year-end. When you contribute non-cash assets directly to OCF, you may eliminate capital gains taxes and receive a charitable deduction for the fair market value of the gift. This helps you give more while supporting the causes you care about most. 

Common non-cash assets include: 

• Publicly traded securities such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds 

• Privately held business interests, including LLCs and limited partnerships 

• Real estate, farmland, or other property 

• Life insurance policies 

• Retirement plan assets 

By donating these assets directly, rather than selling them first, you can make a greater philanthropic impact and potentially increase your overall tax efficiency. 

2025 Year-End Giving Deadlines 

To ensure your gifts are processed by December 31, please note the following important deadlines: 

• Complex assets like real estate, closely held business interests or stock, and legacy gifts: Initiate by December 9 

• Wire and ACH transfers: Must be received into OCF bank accounts by December 31 

• Check contributions: Must be postmarked by December 31 

• Grant recommendations from your fund: Submit by December 29 to allow time for year-end processing 

• Online gifts: Can be made through your donor portal or at omahafoundation.org until 11:59 p.m. on December 31 

If you plan to give complex assets such as stock, real estate, or business interests, it is best to start the process early so all paperwork and valuations can be completed before year-end. 

Partnering for Impact 

At OCF, we work closely with donors and their professional advisors to streamline complex giving, align philanthropic goals, and ensure charitable intent is fulfilled. Our team can handle the administrative details of processing non-cash gifts and provide charitable receipts for your records, making it simple to give with confidence and purpose. 

Get Started Today 

The final weeks of the year offer an opportunity to reflect on your values and invest in the future of our community. Whether you are an advisor guiding clients or a donor shaping your own legacy, OCF is here to help. 

Contact Kathy Schubauer, Director of Donor Services, at 402-614-9510 or kathy@omahafoundation.org to discuss your year-end strategy, explore options for giving non-cash assets, or open a new fund that supports the causes most meaningful to you. 

The post Make the Most of Your Year-End Giving  appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

Trenton Magid and guest cohost Dave Fanslau, the City of Omaha’s director of planning, sat down with Vanessa Denney, vice president of donor and philanthropic services at the Omaha Community Foundation. Their conversation explored Giving Tuesday, trends in charitable giving, and how local donors can make a meaningful impact heading into year-end.

Grow Omaha: Vanessa, thanks for joining us. To start, give us the 30,000-foot view of the Omaha Community Foundation.

Vanessa: Thank you for partnering with us, Trenton. We’ve been in existence for over 40 years. We offer a variety of giving tools to help donors like yourself who want to give back to the community. Our goal is to help establish giving plans and use our community knowledge and expertise to ensure that donors who want to make a difference in the community can do so during their lifetime, but then also leave a lasting legacy that can make an impact on the Omaha community long term.

Grow Omaha: Giving Tuesday is coming up. What should people know about it?

Vanessa: Giving Tuesday is coming up Tuesday, December 2nd. It’s one of the largest giving days globally, but here in Omaha, it makes a significant impact every year. Omaha Community Foundation fund holders continue to play a major role in its success. And last year, we saw a 60% increase in grants to nonprofits through OCF charitable giving accounts. We count the donations that come through for the entire month of November in that total giving goal.

Grow Omaha: How long has Omaha been participating in Giving Tuesday?

Vanessa: It grew through a partnership with Share Omaha and has really became a major focus. It follows a national giving trend that we’re proud to support.

Grow Omaha: If someone wants to open a charitable giving account, how do they do it?

Vanessa: It’s simple. They can call us or visit our website. Because OCF is a 501(c)(3), donors can make one gift, receive one tax receipt, and then recommend grants over time to any qualifying nonprofit. We take care of the administrative details.

Grow Omaha: Omaha is known for generosity. How does local giving compare to other communities?

Vanessa: In 2024, OCF fundholders distributed $235.8 million through nearly 18,000 grants. Eighty percent of those dollars stayed in Douglas and Pottawattamie Counties. That level of local reinvestment says a lot about this community.

Grow Omaha: With so many ways to give, why do people choose the Omaha Community Foundation?

Vanessa: Our mission is to maximize the power of philanthropy to strengthen our community. We make giving easy, provide research and expertise, help donors engage their families, and step in where community needs and gaps exist. Recent examples include long-term recovery efforts after the Arbor Day tornadoes and the Food Relief Fund, which has already granted more than $120,000 to local food pantries.

Grow Omaha: What should people keep in mind as they plan their year-end giving?

Vanessa: Year-end is a busy time, so we encourage donors to reach out early. Many people are discussing charitable bunching, which involves making a larger contribution upfront to qualify for a deduction and then spreading their giving over time. With changes in the tax landscape, it’s a good idea to loop in your tax advisor as you plan.

Grow Omaha: Where can people find more information?

Vanessa: For Giving Tuesday details, visit the Omaha Community Foundation website or Share Omaha. And anyone interested in opening a fund or planning their giving can reach out to our team directly.

The post How Local Giving Powers Omaha: A Conversation with Vanessa Denney appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

Enjoy food and drinks as we express our gratitude for our community partnerships and learn more about your local Community Foundation.

During this event, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Build connections: Meet your Community Foundation staff and advisory committee members

• Celebrate the leaders and nonprofit organizations making a difference through projects and initiatives funded by the Community Foundations in 2025!

• Learn how you can support your local Community Foundation’s endowment fund and future grantmaking initiatives.

Register by November 24th. Feel free to bring a friend or family member who might be interested in the power of philanthropy.

Audubon, Crawford, Harrison, and Shelby counties

Cass, Fremont, Mills, Montgomery, and Page counties

The post 2025 Gathering for Good! appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

Gifts to Your Fund

Publicly Traded Securities — Gifts of publicly traded securities must be received into brokerage accounts by 3 p.m. Wednesday,  December 31. We encourage you to communicate with your broker about your gift plans, as many brokerage firms have their own year-end deadlines. As a general rule, we recommend you initiate your gift at least 10 business days prior to the deadline. Before you initiate your gift, please contact a Donor Services team member who will provide you with the appropriate transfer instructions. 

Complex Assets — Gifts of complex assets such as real estate, closely held business interests or stock, and legacy gifts should be discussed with our donor services advisor by December 9 to allow the Gift Acceptance Committee adequate time to review for approval and transfer by year-end. 

Checks — Checks sent via the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) must be postmarked on or before December 31. Checks sent via carriers such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL must be physically received at the office on or before December 31. 

Wire and ACH Transfers: Initiated at your bank — Wire and ACH transfers must be received into the bank accounts by December 31. We encourage you to communicate with your banker about your gift plans, as many banks have their own year-end deadlines. 

ACH Transfers: Initiated from the fundholder’s online account — Please initiate the transfer by December 17. Wire and ACH transfers must be received into bank accounts by December 31. 

Credit Cards — Online credit card contributions must be submitted via the fundholder’s online account by 11:59 p.m. December 31. 

Grants to Nonprofits from Your Fund

Grant requests must be submitted through your online account or via email by 5 p.m. Monday, December 29. The final day for processing grants to nonprofits in 2025 is Tuesday, December 30. Please note that the timing of grants does not impact eligibility for a charitable income tax deduction.

Office Hours

The foundation office will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, December 31.

Contact Us

Please contact a member of our Donor Services team at (402) 342-3458 or giving@omahafoundation.org with any questions you may have. The entire team is deeply appreciative of your generosity this year and every year. Thank you for your dedication to our community.

The post Southwest Iowa 2025 Year-End Giving Deadlines appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

Gifts to Your OCF Fund

Publicly Traded Securities — Gifts of publicly traded securities must be received into OCF brokerage accounts by 3 p.m. Wednesday, December 31. We encourage you to communicate with your broker about your gift plans, as many brokerage firms have their own year-end deadlines. As a general rule, we recommend you initiate your gift at least 10 business days prior to the deadline. Before you initiate your gift, please contact a Donor Services team member who will provide you with the appropriate transfer instructions. 

Complex Assets — Gifts of complex assets such as real estate, closely held business interests or stock, and legacy gifts should be discussed with our donor services advisor by December 9 to allow OCF’s Gift Acceptance Committee adequate time to review for approval and transfer by year-end. 

Wire and ACH Transfers: Initiated at your bank — Wire and ACH transfers must be received into OCF bank accounts by December 31. We encourage you to communicate with your banker about your gift plans, as many banks have their own year-end deadlines. 

ACH Transfers: Initiated from the fundholder’s OCF online account — Please initiate the transfer by December 17. Wire and ACH transfers must be received into OCF bank accounts by December 31. 

Credit Cards — Online credit card contributions must be submitted via the fundholder’s online OCF account by 11:59 p.m. December 31. 

Checks — For a mailed check to qualify as a 2025 gift, it must be mailed on or before Wednesday, December 31, and the mailing date must be verifiable. Due to new U.S. Postal Service (USPS) rules effective Dec. 24, 2025, standard postmarks are no longer a reliable way to confirm when a gift was mailed. To verify a December 31 mailing date, donors must hand the envelope directly to a USPS employee and use one of the following services:

• A Postage Validation Imprint (PVI) purchased at the counter
• A manual (local) postmark applied by USPS staff
• Certified Mail, Registered Mail, or a Certificate of Mailing

*Checks placed in a mailbox or mailed using a self-service kiosk may not provide proof of a 2025 mailing date. Checks sent via private carriers such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL must be physically received at the OCF office on or before December 31.

Grants to Nonprofits from Your OCF Fund

Grant requests must be submitted to OCF through your OCF online account or via email by 5 p.m. Monday, December 29. The final day for processing grants to nonprofits in 2025 is Tuesday, December 30. Please note that the timing of grants does not impact eligibility for a charitable income tax deduction.

OCF Office Hours

The Omaha Community Foundation office will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, December 31.

Contact Us

Please contact a member of our Donor Services team at (402) 342-3458 or giving@omahafoundation.org with any questions you may have. The entire OCF team is deeply appreciative of your generosity this year and every year. Thank you for your dedication to our community.

The post 2025 Year-End Giving Deadlines appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

The Omaha Community Foundation established Omaha’s Food Relief Fund.

DONATE ONLINE

To donate via check:

• Make your check out to the Omaha Community Foundation. Please put Food Relief Fund in the memo line.
• Mail to: Omaha Community Foundation, 1120 S. 101st Street, Suite 320, Omaha, NE 68124

The post Donate to the Omaha’s Food Relief Fund appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

An Omaha native and proud Marian High School alum, Kathy’s journey into philanthropy began early. While earning her finance degree at Texas Christian University, she completed formative internships with the UNL Huskers Athletic Fund and the TCU Frog Club. Those experiences, and a mentor who recognized her talent, set her on a path toward a career in fundraising. 

Kathy began her professional journey at TD Ameritrade Institutional in San Diego before returning home to Nebraska, where she joined the University of Nebraska Foundation. She joined the College of Engineering team with an ambitious goal to fundraise $115 million for Kiewit Hall. She was able to witness both the facility’s opening and the measurable impact it had on higher enrollment and national rankings. 

Her approach to donor engagement is rooted in building trust-based relationships—connecting philanthropists’ values with meaningful opportunities to make a difference. Kathy has learned from mentors and peers alike, crediting their example for her ability to balance professional ambition with raising her three young sons. 

In addition to her professional achievements, Kathy holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and is an active volunteer. She has been a mentor with the TeamMates program, served on the Omaha Catholic chapter board of directors, and was the GALA Chair in 2018. She also serves on the Children’s Friends Board of Directors and supports Heart Heroes with her time and talents. 

Kathy is especially inspired by the Omaha Community Foundation’s community leadership and the collaborative approach to impact.  

“I love the collective idea of what philanthropy can accomplish,” she said. “I’m excited to get to know Omaha through the nonprofits serving so many different people—and to help connect donors with causes that reflect their values.” 

Outside of work, Kathy and her husband enjoy spending time with their three boys. She’s also a competitive person—both on and off the court—having been a three-time state tennis champion in high school and once swinging a hole-in-one on her first wedding anniversary. 

Kathy’s passion for community, proven track record in fundraising, and dedication to connecting people with purpose will strengthen the Omaha Community Foundation’s work and fundholder experiences in powerful ways. We are eager to welcome her into this role and look forward to the meaningful connections and impact she will help create. 

The post From Fundraising to Philanthropy Services: Welcome Kathy Schubauer as Our New Director of Donor Services  appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

And it’s easy to see why. DAFs allow families to focus on the joy of giving rather than the paperwork that comes with a foundation.

While private foundations offer flexibility and control, they also come with administrative complexity, compliance challenges, and time-consuming management. In contrast, a Donor Advised Fund is a streamlined way to give—designed to keep your focus on impact, not paperwork.

For families who want to focus on impact and values, a Donor Advised Fund is often the simplest, most stress-free option. It allows families to give together, stay connected to their community, and experience the joy of giving without the administrative strain.

If you or your client is considering this transition, here’s how a Donor Advised Fund can help:

Let Go of the Hassle 

Managing a private foundation takes time—especially across generations. From tax filings and board meetings to investment oversight and reporting, it can feel more like running a business than giving to causes you love. 

Avoid Tax Pitfalls 

If you’re planning to donate a family business or complex asset, doing so through a Donor Advised Fund at OCF can provide a more tax-efficient, risk-aware path forward. 

Lean on Our Local Expertise 

At the Omaha Community Foundation, we’ve helped many families successfully transfer from a private foundation to a Donor Advised Fund. Our team is here to walk you through every step—from preparing board approvals to final filings—with care and clarity. 

Keep the Legacy 

Families often worry they’ll lose something in the transition. The truth? You keep what matters. A Donor Advised Fund can carry your family’s name, mirror your foundation’s grantmaking approach, and involve future generations in meaningful ways. 

Make a Smooth Transition 

Once your Donor Advised Fund is established, the private foundation can grant most of its assets to the new fund. With final expenses paid, the legal and tax termination is typically simple—especially when partnering with a trusted public charity like the Omaha Community Foundation. 

Considering the Switch? We’re Here to Help. Whether you’re ready to make the move or simply exploring your options, the Omaha Community Foundation is ready to support you. Our personalized service, deep community knowledge, and commitment to your goals make us a trusted partner in your giving journey. 

The post Why Some Families Are Moving From a Private Foundation to a Donor Advised Fund  appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.