Fund advisory committee sets “impact” goals

About a year ago, this column reported on the Fund Advisory Committee of Perkins County Community Foundation Fund, PCCFF, participating in “impact planning”. The objective of the sessions was to gain a better understanding of Perkins County in order to provide for increased impact when funding local.

The Nebraska Community Foundation provided 2020 census data in early 2022 to the Fund Advisory Committee, FAC. Some of the data included the following. The fastest growing age group was 35-44 years old, indicating interest in their hometown by young people. Business succession may have potential from retirees to the younger generation. Population decline is slowing. Young people desire good schools and safety of their hometowns.  Lack of adequate and affordable housing remains a deficiency.

Goals of Impact Planning were established over the year of 2022 in four categories: fund development, leadership development, marketing & communication and grant making. The fund development goal seeks to double endowment payout in five years while increasing endowment funds to $3.5 million in 10 years and $6.5 million by 2042. This effort includes expanding donors relations, transfer of wealth considerations, planned giving and a future endowment campaign.

Leadership development goals and objectives include consideration of potential FAC members over time, member diversity and succession planning for officers. The marketing/communication objectives include keeping the communities of the County informed through both traditional and social media.

The goal of “Impactful grantmaking” is based on the vision of our communities. Objectives include listening sessions with various communities from Elsie to Venango.  The process anticipates intentional conversations with various entities and being proactive. Some focus areas may include housing, child care, and youth participation, for example. 

A document entitled “County & Community Snapshot” will be available soon. This pamphlet will expand on the above census data and includes the Fund framework of vision, mission and values along with the Fund goals and some history. Stay tuned.

The author is Chair of the Fund Advisory Committee of the Perkins County Community Foundation Fund. PCCFF has a vision of “vibrant communities and a high quality of life” for the County. Government and nonprofit entities can apply for grant funding from the Fund. The PCCFF is a nonprofit 501c3 affiliate of the Nebraska Community Foundation.