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.

Launched on October 29, the Food Relief Fund began distributing grants just days later to community-based programs with the capacity to reach households quickly. To date, more than 99% of all funds, totalling $122,000 have already been granted to 18 local organizations providing direct food assistance to children, older adults, working families, and individuals.

The Food Relief Fund will continue to remain open for donations, allowing the community to continue strengthening the local food network and supporting those most affected by rising need. Every contribution helps extend the Fund’s reach and ensures that resources are distributed where they are needed most, swiftly and effectively.

Grant determinations were made in collaboration with the City of Omaha to ensure funding reaches organizations best positioned to deliver immediate impact. Additional grants will be awarded as more contributions are received.

As of November 17, the following organizations have received grants from the Food Relief Fund:

• CIRA
• Restoring Dignity
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha
• Youth Emergency Services
• Black Men United
• City Sprouts
• Completely Kids
• ENCAP
• Heart Ministry Center
• Heartland Hope Mission
• San Andres Iglesia Luterana 
• Intercultural Senior Center
• No More Empty Pots
• North Omaha Community Partnership
• Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue
• Siena Francis House
• Together Omaha
• Whispering Roots

Individuals seeking help can contact 211 for local food resources by calling 211, texting their ZIP code to 898211, or visiting NE211.org. 

If you have questions about opening a fund or making a credit card donation, email giving@omahafoundation.org. 

The post Food Relief Fund Continues to Give to Local Organizations appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

Launched on October 29, the Food Relief Fund began distributing grants just days later to community-based programs with the capacity to reach households quickly. To date, 98.6% of all funds received, equaling $104,000, have already been granted to organizations providing direct food assistance to children, older adults, working families, and individuals.

The Food Relief Fund will continue to remain open for donations, allowing the community to continue strengthening the local food network and supporting those most affected by rising need. Every contribution helps extend the Fund’s reach and ensures that resources are distributed where they are needed most, swiftly and effectively.

Grant determinations were made in collaboration with the City of Omaha to ensure funding reaches organizations best positioned to deliver immediate impact. A second round of grants is planned as additional contributions are received.

As of November 7, the following organizations have received grants from the Food Relief Fund:

• Black Men United
• City Sprouts
• Completely Kids
• ENCAP
• Heart Ministry Center
• Heartland Hope Mission
• San Andres Iglesia Luterana 
• Intercultural Senior Center
• No More Empty Pots
• North Omaha Community Partnership
• Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue
• Siena Francis House
• Together Omaha
• Whispering Roots

Individuals seeking help can contact 211 for local food resources by calling 211, texting their ZIP code to 898211, or visiting NE211.org. 

If you have questions about opening a fund or making a credit card donation, email giving@omahafoundation.org. 

The post Food Relief Fund Contributes $104,000 as a Rapid Response to Growing Community Need appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

Early giving turns momentum into meaning. Each contribution made in November is included in Omaha’s Giving Tuesday totals, showcasing the power of local generosity to sustain the organizations that care for our neighbors.

“Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to maximize collective generosity in our community,” said Donna Kush, president and CEO of the Omaha Community Foundation. “As nonprofits face mounting challenges from an increased demand for services to rising operational costs, this one-day emphasis on giving plays an important role in sustaining the organizations that strengthen and serve our community.”

Research shows that communities with a coordinated Giving Tuesday effort raise nearly twice as much as those without one. Omaha has proven that time and again. Before SHARE Omaha launched its metro-wide campaign in 2019, Giving Tuesday brought in about $800,000. By 2024, local giving had grown to $3.7 million, totaling 30,000 gifts that reached 470 nonprofits across the metro.

Since 2019, donors in our region have contributed over $22.5 million on Giving Tuesday, helping hundreds of local nonprofits continue their vital missions. Nearly one in four donors last year supported a nonprofit that was new to them, demonstrating how this movement inspires both discovery and connection.

Omaha Community Foundation fundholders continue to play a major role in this success, with a 60% increase in grants to nonprofits through OCF charitable accounts last year. Many donors say the day motivates them to give more throughout the year, regardless of economic conditions.

This Giving Tuesday, you can help keep Omaha’s spirit of generosity growing. Make your gift directly through your Omaha Community Foundation fund or at SHAREomaha.org. Every contribution counts toward both Omaha’s community total and the global Giving Tuesday movement, reminding us that giving together makes a difference that lasts all year.

The post Early Giving Opens for #GivingTuesday402 appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

The Omaha Community Foundation is partnering with the City to establish the Food Relief Fund, which will provide direct support to local organizations working to keep shelves stocked and families fed. You can contribute to this effort by donating to the Food Relief Fund or any of the organizations below. 

“Since 2018, we’ve seen a fourfold increase in the number of households visiting our pantries, and we are on the verge of an ongoing food crisis,” said Tim Williams, Government Affairs and Advocacy Officer at Food Bank for the Heartland. “Just in one year alone, we’ve seen a 6.5% increase in people served alongside an 11% reduction in resources.” 

Anyone can make a credit card donation to the relief fund. OCF Fundholders can also make an immediate impact by recommending a grant from their fund to support local food pantries or by contributing directly to the Food Relief Fund in partnership with the City of Omaha. 

Below is a list of local organizations helping to meet the community’s food needs. 

Individuals seeking help can contact 211 for local food resources by calling 211, texting their ZIP code to 898211, or visiting NE211.org. 

If you have questions about opening a fund or making a credit card donation, email giving@omahafoundation.org. 

The post Where to Give to Support Food Insecure Nebraskans   appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

Timing and Tax Efficiency 

The final weeks of the year account for a significant share of giving. Nonprofits typically raise 17 to 20 percent of their annual revenue in December, with the last three days alone accounting for about 10 percent, according to fundraising research from Nonprofit Tech For Good. Getting gifts in early, before Giving Tuesday, offers more breathing room for donors who want to avoid year-end crunch. 

Giving Tuesday and Beyond 

Giving Tuesday, which falls on Dec. 2 this year, generated $3.6 billion in the United States in 2024, up 16 percent from the previous year, with more than 36 million participants (Associated Press, 2024). While the day is an important giving moment, it represents only part of the broader season. 

The Omaha Community Foundation and SHARE Omaha are working together this year to encourage donors to give earlier, combining philanthropic forces to get more dollars into the community sooner. The goal is to make the holidays less stressful for both donors and nonprofits. 

“Giving Tuesday is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together,” said Teresa Mardesen, executive director of SHARE Omaha. “Collective giving at the local level strengthens nonprofits and neighborhoods, but giving early allows organizations to plan for and meet holiday needs more effectively.” 

Strategic Giving 

Advisors can work with the Omaha Community Foundation to establish a fund with a tax-deductible contribution now and advise grants later, providing both flexibility and efficiency. Gifts of cash or other assets can simplify giving for clients and offer immediate tax benefits for 2025. 

“Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to maximize collective generosity in our community,” said Donna Kush, president and CEO of the Omaha Community Foundation. “As nonprofits face mounting challenges, from an increased demand for services to rising operational costs, this one-day emphasis on giving plays an important role in sustaining the organizations that strengthen and serve our community.”

To learn more about establishing a Donor Advised Fund at the Omaha Community Foundation, contact us at giving@omahafoundation.org. 

The post Holidays Simplified: Clients can participate in Early Giving Tuesday Nov. 1 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.

For those with a fund at the Omaha Community Foundation, you can use your fund to support any of the organizations listed below. Log into your online portal to recommend a grant. If you need assistance, our team is here to help facilitate your giving.

Primary Giving Opportunities

Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country – Kerr County Flood Relief Fund

This is the central relief fund established by the local community foundation to ensure that donations go directly to vetted on-the-ground nonprofits, first responders, and government response teams across the hardest-hit areas.

San Angelo Area Foundation

This fund provides financial support to flood victims in San Angelo and surrounding areas.

Additional Organizations

Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR)

TEXSAR is leading volunteer-based rescue and recovery efforts in Kerr County and beyond. Their teams are performing:

• Swiftwater rescues, K9 and ground searches
• Boat and drone operations
• Coordination with local and state agencies

As of July 6, over 50 volunteers were deployed. This will be a long-term response requiring ongoing support for logistics, gear, food, fuel, and housing.

Ark of Highland Lakes

Formerly known as Highland Lakes Crisis Network. Actively supporting flood-impacted communities in Burnet and Llano counties and surrounding areas.

• Operating a warehouse in Marble Falls (800 Industrial Blvd) for meal prep and supply sorting
• Organizing volunteer muck-out teams for flooded homes
• Providing hot meals and delivering essentials to impacted households
• Planning for long-term recovery alongside churches and community partners

World Central Kitchen

WCK mobilized immediately following the flooding and has served thousands of hot meals since July 4. Their response includes:

• Delivering food to displaced families, reunification centers, and first responders
• Supporting impacted summer camps, including Camp Mystic
• Partnering with local chefs and residents to prepare and distribute meals
• Providing comfort to grieving families and fueling search crews with nutritious meals

Mercy Chefs

Providing hot, chef-prepared meals to victims, first responders, and volunteers in the days ahead.

Operation BBQ Relief

Delivering hot BBQ meals to displaced families, first responders, and volunteers.

Austin Pets Alive! & Kerrville Pets Alive!

During the floods, more than 150 pets have been rescued across Kerr, Williamson, and Burnet counties. Their teams are:

• Providing emergency medical care onsite
• Transporting displaced animals into APA!’s care
• Coordinating volunteer-led pet search and rescue along the Guadalupe Rive
• Working with Kerrville Pets Alive! and Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter to reunite pets with families
• Offering cremation services for deceased animals

San Antonio Food Bank

Coordinating food support across Central and South Texas. However, they are not accepting item donations yet—assessments are ongoing.

Team Rubicon

Team Rubicon has deployed veteran-led disaster response teams to support cleanup and recovery operations in the flood-affected areas. A matching gift program is currently active (up to $100,000), maximizing the impact of donations. Their volunteers are helping with:

• Debris removal and home cleanup
• Damage assessments
• Coordinated support with local agencies and emergency responders

Every gift helps

Natural disasters like this one require both immediate relief and sustained support. Whether you’re helping to feed displaced families, supporting search and rescue teams, or funding long-term recovery efforts, your donation matters. Our team is available to help guide your support to the areas of greatest need—please don’t hesitate to reach out.

The post How to Support Flood Recovery Efforts in Texas appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

“We didn’t have much money,” he said, “but we had a lot of support, responsibility, and care for others. That stays with you.” 

Those early values would shape how Art approached service throughout his life. After serving in the military and building a career in education, accounting, and eventually business ownership, he settled in Omaha and looked for ways to connect more deeply with his community. He joined the local Optimist Club, a service organization focused on supporting youth. At its peak, the club had hundreds of members working to mentor, encourage, and uplift young people through programs like student recognition, bike safety, and youth sports.  

“It was heartwarming to see the impact we could have,” Art said. “We recognized kids not for sports or grades, but for their resilience—what they had overcome.” 

It was through the Optimist Club that Art began to learn about many small, often overlooked nonprofits working across Omaha to support vulnerable children—especially those affected by abuse and trafficking. Organizations like Bikers Against Child Abuse left a lasting impression.  

“These smaller groups don’t always have a big presence, but they’re doing incredible work,” he said. “That’s where I wanted to help.” 

As Art reached a stage in life where he could give more financially, he opened a fund at the Omaha Community Foundation to simplify his charitable giving. The flexibility of the fund allows him to make a single charitable contribution from his retirement account and then take time to decide where those dollars will go.  

“It gives me space to do my homework,” he said. “I can call these smaller nonprofits directly, learn what they need, and make sure my support really matters.” 

Having children of his own—and a growing awareness of local needs—sparked Art deep interest in supporting child advocacy causes. Over the years, that interest has grown into a focused commitment to helping young people thrive, especially those impacted by abuse, trauma, or lack of access to support. 

For Art, giving back is not about recognition or wealth—it’s about gratitude.  

“I’m just thankful to be in a position where I can give,” he said.  “I get to do this, and that’s a pretty good place to be.” 

The post The Art of Optimism Starts With Giving Back appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.