In the Community Archives - 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.

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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.

Download the presentation

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How Local Giving Powers Omaha: A Conversation with Vanessa Denney

Omaha Community Foundation — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 20:21:15 +0000

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.

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Enriching the Soul: Connie O’Neil’s Enduring Gift to the Disability Community

Molly Mullen — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:47:12 +0000

Constance “Connie” Cowdery O’Neil devoted her life to caring for family, serving her community, and building a lasting legacy for people with disabilities. Born February 16, 1941, in Omaha, Connie grew up with her younger sister Nancy, who was born with cerebral palsy. At the time, resources for children with significant disabilities were scarce. Connie’s mother spent a year traveling with Nancy in search of doctors who could understand her condition. “She was not going to be shuttered in the corner,” Connie once recalled. “She was going to be with us. We’re family.”

Her mother became a pioneer in championing care for children with disabilities, helping create the Meyer Children Rehabilitation Institute (now Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation). After her mother’s passing, Connie took over as Nancy’s primary caregiver—an experience that deepened her understanding of the gaps in services for adults with disabilities.

Building the Enrichment Foundation

The Enrichment Foundation, founded by Connie O’Neil in honor of her sister Nancy, is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with significant physical and mental disabilities while supporting those who care for them. Its mission is clear and deeply personal: to provide funding for services or equipment that improve quality of life, with a focus on dignity, joy, and human connection. As Connie once said, “While other efforts may keep the body alive, we will focus on the soul.”

Since its inception, the foundation has awarded grants to more than 50 nonprofits serving the disability community in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. Grants help fund adaptive equipment, therapy programs, community engagement activities, residential care enhancements, and respite care. Annual giving totals more than $%2 million, carefully allocated to projects that align with Connie’s vision of helping people live fuller, richer lives.

What sets The Enrichment Foundation apart is its collaborative approach. “One of Connie’s most intent wishes is that agencies maximize the funding we provide by partnering with others, so the funds make the greatest impact,” said board member Annie Bird. Grant recipients are encouraged to work together to avoid duplication and extend the reach of every dollar.

Board members are selected for their personal or professional experience in the disability community, and the foundation’s operations are supported by the Omaha Community Foundation’s expertise in managing charitable assets and administering grants. This combination of lived experience and professional stewardship ensures that Connie’s mission will continue for generations.

A Visionary Partner

For Bruce Froendt, founder of the AllPlay Miracle Buddy Baseball League, meeting Connie in 2016 was transformative. “I was taken by her personal involvement. Her and her daughter and son were directly engaged with our work,” he said. “This wasn’t just a foundation that gave away money.”

AllPlay provides a safe, joyful baseball experience for children and adults with disabilities. Players, often sidelined in other settings, get to take the main stage—building memories, experiencing teamwork, and being cheered on by friends and family.

Connie embraced AllPlay not just with funding, but with collaboration. Each year, the organization shares its dreams and plans with the foundation, finding ways to “piggyback” efforts rather than duplicate them. “They want the funding to go the furthest,” Froendt said. “That’s rare. It expands the reach and impact.”

A Lasting Relationship

For Tinashe “Nash” Mahupete, President & CEO of QLI, the connection to Connie began through Nancy, who lived at QLI for six years. Long before he knew Connie’s family, Nash worked as a direct caregiver and got to know Nancy personally. “She always had a big smile, always cheery,” he recalled. “I knew her first as Nancy, the person, before I knew her as someone’s sister or aunt.”

Nancy flourished at QLI, participating in trips, playing pranks, and building close relationships with staff and residents. Mahupete remembers a photo of her laughing with a feather on her head: “She was happy. Who cares about anything else? That’s who she was.”

Nearly 20 years after Nancy’s passing, The Enrichment Foundation continues to support QLI’s programs, funding services that go beyond what insurance covers and helping residents live full, rich lives. “The foundation doesn’t have to keep supporting us, but they do,” Mahupete said. “Because of the Enrichment Foundation, we have seen so many lives enriched. Nancy passed away in 2006, so we are now talking about 20 years later. The support of the foundation helps us continue to do great work and serve individuals.”

A Legacy That Lives On

Connie passed away on May 9, 2024, at the age of 83. Her leadership style was often quiet and discreet, preferring to let partner organizations and their clients shine. Yet her influence is everywhere, from adaptive sports fields to residential care centers.

She built The Enrichment Foundation not just to honor her sister, but to serve countless others. As Froendt reflected, “She set up something that will live long past her. The impact it will have on people with special needs will go on for so long, because of the care she took in selecting the right people and partners.”

Through The Enrichment Foundation, Connie’s belief in dignity, joy, and opportunity for all will continue enriching lives for generations.

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Food Relief Fund Continues to Give to Local Organizations

Molly Mullen — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 19:27:52 +0000

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:

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.

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Food Relief Fund Contributes $104,000 as a Rapid Response to Growing Community Need

Rachel Grahovac — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 22:40:58 +0000

The Food Relief Fund, established in partnership with the City of Omaha, was created to provide timely support to local food pantries and distributors, ensuring families throughout the metro area have access to nutritious food. More than 259,000 Nebraskans are currently food insecure. With recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), households are experiencing disruptions in their food benefits.

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.

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:

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.

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Where to Give to Support Food Insecure Nebraskans

Omaha Community Foundation — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 20:09:10 +0000

More than 259,000 Nebraskans are currently food insecure. With recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), households are experiencing disruptions in their food benefits. To help ensure families have continued access to food, the City of Omaha has coordinated a community-wide effort to support local food pantries—an essential resource for many during this time.

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.

Food Bank for the Heartland	Regional hub that supplies food to 500+ partner pantries, schools, and programs across Nebraska and western Iowa.
Heart Ministry Center	Large, low-barrier choice pantry offering food and wraparound support.
Together Omaha	Choice pantry model with flexible access and multiple metro locations.
Hanscom Park United Methodist Church	The All People’s Pantry is a culturally inclusive pantry featuring African, Asian, and Latin American staples.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha	Operates food pantry and emergency assistance programs.
Heartland Hope Mission	Food assistance and household stability support.
Brookside Church – Brookside Care Center	Free food center integrated with basic needs services.
Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership	Food support and connections to broader stability resources.
Kountze Commons Community Outreach Center	Weekly, low-barrier pantry welcoming walk-ins.
Catholic Charities of Omaha	“The Market” is a choice pantry that emphasizes nutritious, culturally relevant foods.
Iglesia Luterana San Andres	Bilingual, church-based pantry serving South Omaha families.
House of Bah Foundation	Launching November 2, 2025, House of Bah will provide culturally affirming meal distributions for affected households, in partnership with Grammercy Park Collective and Green Line Café. Donations will help cover food and supply costs.
Christian Outreach Program Elkhorn	Operates a food pantry with a variety of fresh foods, meat, nonperishables, personal care items, diapers, clothing, and home furnishings to families in need.
Whispering Roots	Operates a 26,000-square-foot Community Food Hub to source, store, and distribute emergency food in the Omaha metro, serving over 40 partner organizations and addressing food access gaps not covered by the Food Bank.
Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue	Rescues and redistributes high-quality perishable foods—such as produce, dairy, and proteins—to nonprofit partners across the Omaha metro, reducing food waste while addressing hunger.
The Salvation Army – Burrows Center	This center provides a monthly food pantry, offering canned goods, frozen foods, boxed nonperishables, and fresh produce.
City of Omaha – Food Relief Fund	A fund established through the Omaha Community Foundation to collect donations and ensure local pantries receive support for households facing food insecurity.

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.

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Call 2-1-1 if you were impacted by the 2024 Arbor Day Tornadoes

Omaha Community Foundation — Fri, 02 May 2025 15:04:45 +0000

If you or someone you know was impacted by the April 2024 Arbor Day Tornadoes in Douglas, Sarpy, or Washington Counties, help is just one call away.

Starting May 1, survivors can call 2-1-1 to request financial assistance through the Neighbor Recovery Fund—a coordinated disaster recovery effort designed to support urgent and ongoing needs. The fund is available to renters, homeowners, and displaced individuals and families who experienced tornado-related hardship.

Whether you’re looking for help with housing, utility bills, transportation, mental health support, or other recovery needs, this fund is here to help. The Tri-County Long Term Recovery Group is partnering with local nonprofits and case managers to streamline the application process and connect survivors to the support they need—quickly and compassionately.

“This initiative is about making recovery easier, faster, and more accessible for every survivor,” said Anne Meysenburg, Director of Community Investment at the Omaha Community Foundation.

What Support Is Available?

Through this fund, eligible survivors may receive support with:

Temporary housing and relocation costs
Utility assistance
Transportation
Mental health services
Legal/documentation costs
Debris removal
Other essential recovery expenses

All payments are made directly to service providers (e.g., landlords, utility companies, mental health counselors)—never to individuals.

How To Apply

Survivors call 2-1-1 for a brief screening
Referrals are sent to OCF & Disaster Case Managers for follow-up
Requests are reviewed by partners contributing to this effort
Payments are issued directly to service providers on the survivor’s behalf

This initiative is made possible through the collaboration of the Tri-County Long Term Recovery Group, United Way of the Midlands, The Salvation Army, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and the Washington County Long-Term Recovery Team.

“After the Arbor Day tornadoes, our community showed up for one another in incredible ways,” said Laura Contreras, Senior Program Manager at the Omaha Community Foundation. “The Nebraska Tornado Recovery Fund made it possible to support more than 300 households—and now, through the Neighbor Recovery Fund, we’re continuing that care by working alongside local partners to make sure every survivor has a pathway to recovery. Many people still need help—whether it’s short-term stability or long-term support—and this fund is here to meet them where they are.”

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is eligible to apply?

A: You may qualify if:

You lived in an area impacted by the April 26, 2024 Arbor Day Tornado
You experienced direct impact from the storm (damage, displacement, income loss, etc.)
You have a current essential need related to your tornado recovery

Q: Am I eligible to apply if I was impacted by a storm other than the April 25 Arbor Day Tornadoes?

A: No, you are not eligible as this fund is designated specifically to support survivors of the April 2024 Arbor Day Tornado.

Q: If I have received tornado recovery funding in the past, am I eligible?

A: Yes. Even if you’ve received tornado-related financial assistance in the past, you can still request support through this fund.

Q: Can I only apply once?

A: You can request support more than once, but will be referred to a disaster case manager for ongoing assistance.

Q: Do I have to work with a disaster case manager to have access to this application?

A: You may be referred to a Disaster Case Manager if your case needs additional support.

Q: Do I have to share my financial information to apply?

A: Yes. In some cases, a basic household budget or financial overview may be requested to help guide support.

Q: What if I’m not sure what support I need?

A: That’s okay. Just call 2-1-1 and explain your situation. Their team will help you figure out what support you may qualify for and assist with submitting your request. The Tri-County Disaster Recovery team will then review it and determine how the Neighbor Recovery Fund can best support your recovery.

Q: What documents do I need to provide?

A: You’ll need to provide one document in each of these three areas:

Residency – A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or letter from a landlord or organization showing you lived in the impacted area in April 2024
Tornado Impact – A FEMA or insurance letter, photos, mental health referral, or a case manager statement
Essential Need – A bill, invoice, or paperwork that shows what type of help you’re requesting (rent, utilities, transportation, counseling, etc.)

If you’re missing some documentation, our team or a Disaster Case Manager can help you figure out next steps.

Q: Will the money come directly to me?

No. The Neighbor Recovery Fund payments are only made directly to vendors—such as landlords, utility companies, counselors, or service providers—on your behalf.

Q: How long will it take to get help after I apply?

A: Most requests for one-time or urgent needs are reviewed within a few business days. More complex needs may take longer depending on documentation and coordination with a Disaster Case Manager.

Q: What kinds of things can the fund pay for?

A: Examples of covered needs may include housing support, utilities, transportation, legal fees, debris removal, counseling or mental health services, or other disaster recovery-related expenses. Each request is reviewed individually based on your situation and documents.

Q: What if I already paid for something out of pocket — can I be reimbursed?

A: In most cases, the fund does not reimburse individuals directly. If you’ve already paid for something, please still reach out — we may be able to help with other recovery-related needs to reduce ongoing hardship.

Q: Is there a deadline to apply?

A: There is currently no firm deadline, but funds are limited and will be distributed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you need support.

Q: Can I share this opportunity with other survivors?

A: Yes! Please share this with your neighborhood, friends, and family who were impacted.

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Growing Good Together: The McMeekins’ Commitment to Community

Molly Mullen — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:44:53 +0000

For Maggie and Mike McMeekin, giving back isn’t just a practice—it’s a way of life. Through their professional careers, leadership in nonprofits, hands-on volunteering, and financial generosity, the McMeekins have spent decades making a tangible impact in Omaha. As longtime fundholders with the Omaha Community Foundation (OCF), they have found a simple and effective way to support the causes they care about while staying deeply connected to the community.

Maggie and Mike’s dedication to community service is rooted in their upbringing. Maggie, raised in Falls City, Nebraska, in a family of 12, recalls her parents as generous, community-minded individuals who set an early example of what it meant to give. Mike, originally from Columbus, Nebraska, carried similar values into his career as a civil engineer and later as the president of a local firm.

“Being part of a community means seeing its needs and stepping up where you can,” Maggie shares. “That’s what my parents did, and that’s what we’ve tried to do.”

Business as a Force for Good

During his tenure in the engineering industry, Mike became acutely aware of the ethical responsibility businesses have to support the communities they serve. “There’s this idea that a company’s only role is to generate profit,” Mike says. “But businesses have so much more to offer. If we don’t support the nonprofits and organizations doing vital work, who will?”

As a leader in the Greater Omaha Chamber’s Local Business Ethics Alliance, Mike championed the idea that companies should invest in their communities—not just financially, but through mentorship, pro bono services, and strategic partnerships. His firm provided free engineering services for water projects in South Sudan through Aqua Africa, demonstrating that businesses can and should use their expertise to create meaningful change.

Hands-On Engagement

Maggie’s decades-long career as an educator opened her eyes to the challenges many students face, particularly immigrant and refugee youth. After retiring, she found opportunities to continue making a difference, starting with tutoring students on college essays at Omaha South High School.

“That experience changed everything,” Maggie says. “It opened my eyes to the incredible resilience of these students and the barriers they face.”

That passion led both Maggie and Mike to deeper involvement in immigrant support organizations. Mike now serves on the board of the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA), a nonprofit working with immigrants and refugees, while Maggie remains an active advocate and mentor.

Beyond this, the couple has been involved in the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program, guiding local students interested in architecture and engineering, and Omaha by Design, which fosters thoughtful urban planning.

The Joy of Service

One of the most striking things about Maggie and Mike is the sheer joy they express when talking about their work in the community. Their passion for service is infectious, and it’s clear that giving back is not just a responsibility but a source of deep fulfillment for them.

“We get so much more than we give,” Maggie says with a warm smile. “Seeing the impact on someone’s life—whether it’s a student getting a scholarship, a family finding support, or a neighborhood becoming stronger—brings us immeasurable joy.”

Their energy exudes a spirit of joyful service. Whether they are sitting across from a student editing an essay, working with fellow board members to strategize solutions, or making a gift through their OCF fund, they do so with kindness, gratitude, and an unwavering belief in the power of community.

The Power of Collective Giving

With such a broad scope of interests and commitments, the McMeekins appreciate the ease and flexibility that their OCF fund provides. “A friend told us about OCF’s Charitable Checkbook, and it was a game-changer,” Maggie says. “We can make one lump-sum contribution and distribute funds throughout the year as needs arise.”

Mike sees OCF as a valuable resource not just for managing donations, but for learning about Omaha’s evolving needs. “The Foundation offers insight into local issues and organizations we might not have known about otherwise. It helps us give more effectively.”

The McMeekins’ philosophy of philanthropy aligns closely with OCF’s mission: to connect donors with causes that create lasting impact. They emphasize that philanthropy isn’t just about financial contributions—it’s about relationships.

“When you give both time and treasure,” Mike explains, “you develop relationships with the people doing the work and the people benefiting from it. That makes giving more meaningful.”

In Omaha, where philanthropy is deeply ingrained in the culture—from Warren Buffett’s legacy to the giving spirit of local families—the McMeekins feel fortunate to be part of a community that prioritizes generosity. “This city has set a standard,” Maggie says. “You don’t need to chase a bigger and bigger lifestyle. A part of your wealth—whatever that may be—should always go back to the community.”

Keep It Simple

As longtime donors, volunteers, and advocates, Maggie and Mike hope to inspire others to find ways to contribute, whether through professional expertise, mentorship, or financial support. They encourage those new to philanthropy to explore OCF’s resources, which simplify the process and help donors maximize their impact.

“We want people to know that giving doesn’t have to be complicated,” Maggie says. “With OCF, it’s easy, accessible, and, most importantly, impactful.”

The McMeekins exemplify what it means to be truly community-minded. Through their work, leadership, and generosity, they embody the spirit of growing good, together.

Open a fund

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Building Resilience: How ARPA Funding Strengthened Nonprofits

Omaha Community Foundation — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 17:45:54 +0000

The City of Omaha took a bold step in addressing the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by launching the ARPA Community Grants Program, a strategic initiative designed to support nonprofits working in crisis intervention, violence prevention, and workforce development. With $9.6 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Omaha Community Foundation (OCF) managed the grant distribution, ensuring resources were directed to organizations making the greatest impact.

A Community-Wide Impact

Through this program, 35 nonprofit organizations received critical funding, reaching over 24,500 individuals across 30 ZIP codes, with a focus on underserved areas. Among those served, 60% were youth under 18, and 80% identified as people of color, demonstrating the initiative’s commitment to equity and inclusion.

By strategically investing in existing programs, the City of Omaha and OCF helped nonprofits expand services and build sustainability. Grant recipients saw a 25% increase in operating budgets from 2022 to 2024, reinforcing their ability to serve the community long-term.

Read the report

Addressing Urgent Needs

The program prioritized four key areas:

Violence Prevention: Supported youth mentorship and gang prevention efforts, awarding $3.98 million to organizations fostering safer neighborhoods.
Community-Based Services: Expanded access to mental health support and therapy, providing $2.13 million to organizations enhancing behavioral health care.
Workforce Development: Funded job training, employment readiness, and certification programs, distributing $1.64 million to workforce initiatives.
Crisis Intervention: Assisted families in crisis with housing, food security, and safety resources, with $1.85 million dedicated to this work.

Strengthening Omaha’s Nonprofit Sector

Beyond direct funding, the ARPA Community Grants Program helped nonprofits gain experience managing large-scale federal grants, preparing them for future opportunities. Many organizations expanded services, hired new staff, and developed innovative programs to meet evolving community needs.

For example:

Charles Drew Health Center expanded its trauma-informed care, providing culturally relevant support for Omaha’s youth.
Siena Francis House used funding to provide over 29,000 nights of transitional housing and 13,000 hours of behavioral services for young mothers.
AIM Institute launched culturally responsive tech education programs to reduce barriers for Spanish-speaking communities.

Read impact stories os how the ARPA funds allowed nonprofits to serve individuals locally:

A Collaborative Effort

This initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the City of Omaha’s partnership with OCF, whose expertise in nonprofit funding ensured that resources were allocated efficiently and equitably. The United Way of the Midlands also played a key role in distributing additional ARPA funds to support local initiatives.

The City of Omaha ARPA Community Grants Program exemplifies how strategic investment in nonprofits can create lasting change, building a stronger, more resilient community for years to come.

Read the report

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