Advances in funding for community impact

By Dennis Demmel

PCCFF Chairman

Grantmaking to fund local projects is a key activity of the Perkins County Community Foundation Fund, PCCFF. The Nebraska Community Foundation indicates that, “transformational grantmaking is knowing your community, developing relationships, and creating trust with your community. It is investing to create change that would otherwise not occur.” The local Fund strives for this practice.

For years the PCCFF has received applications from non-profit entities and government agencies for funding various projects. This has been the standard for making grants to the organizations. 

A recent annual report mentioned thinking “outside the box” as a new approach to funding projects not necessarily proposed by entities.  Well, the Fund has arrived at that level of community support, with potentially greater impact.

Recently two projects followed the change from the previous model. First, child care was considered; it is a big issue in the area, often with more demand than services available. Fund Advisory Committee (FAC) member, Janet Lagler, contacted Mid-Plains Community College (MPCC) staff member, Mary Pierce, about the potential training of persons interested in home child care as a business. MPCC arranged for training this past spring in two different sessions, with the offer of financial support from the Fund. 

Although only several people registered, individual training has been arranged. The training likely will be offered again in the fall, according to Pierce.

The second unconventional project being developed came with discussion and interest from FAC member, Rodolfo Aragon, regarding a class on English as a Second Language, ESL. Rodolfo and another FAC member approached Hastings Memorial Library staff Member Val Foster on the potential of such training.  The library had “desired for such a class for some time,” said Foster. 

The fund then awarded $1,000 to the library in a collaborative approach to start an ESL class in the fall for potentially some 20 students, primarily Spanish speaking. The financial support will provide for curriculum materials and class presenters. This effort has transformational potential for advancing communication within our local communities.

It is interesting that these projects have been low cost, but also have major impact potential for community development. Looking forward, the Fund’s agenda includes collaboration with Our GoldenHours, LLC to develop a new nursing home for the County.

The author is chair of the Fund Advisory Committee of the Perkins County Community Foundation Fund. The PCCFF maintains an unrestricted endowment fund to support projects that provide positive community impact. PCCFF has a vision of “promoting vibrant communities and a high quality of life” for the County. The PCCFF is a nonprofit 501c3 affiliate of the Nebraska Community Foundation.