Cindy Huff of the McCook Community Foundation said the organization wants to partnership with the school to make a big impact on generations to come. The unrestricted endowment fund has over $4 million and with only interest being spent, that’s a $100,000 payout per year, she said. The organization is also willing to make a multi-year commitment. “Start dreaming, there’s no down side here, it’s all good,” she said.

Funds can be used for big projects or for smaller ones. She cited the example of supplies for an innovative idea coming from a teacher. “What can we do to encourage the community, to make MHS stand out in the state?” she said.

Grants from the local foundation often can be matched with the state community foundation. When schools across the state were shut down in March due to COVID-19, a $20,000 grant from the McCook Community Foundation was matched with another $20,000, for a total of $40,000 that purchased 30 Chromebooks for remote learning, for students at Central Elementary and the junior high.

MCF grants also provided $17,000 for hot and cold storage carts for the food service program, $1,500 to buy additional sensory equipment for the high needs special education students, “Bison Days” at the high school and funded a summer intern this year at MCF.

“Ball fields, tennis courts, academics, we’re excited about it,” Huff said. “Let’s make McCook a better place to call home.”

Gavin Harsh, a MHS alumni, graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is now working as a fifth-generation farmer on the family farm. He, too, spoke to the board how the MCF wants to impact students in a significant way, so students can interact with the community by “not just one step but many steps and not only by text books.” This could include recruiting former MHS grads to return to the area by showcasing the many jobs in McCook; Harsh said he didn’t realize the many job opportunities available until he took a local leadership class. He cited entrepreneurship and technology as others areas that could use funds.

School board member Dennis Berry is also a member of the McCook Community Foundation and he emphasized the partnership component. MCF members would be happy to meet with teachers and the school board to discuss ideas how to use the funds. “They really want to be a partner, not just write checks,” he said

McCook High School principal Jeff Gross, whose daughter, Lexi, was an intern this year at the foundation, said when the school district’s bond is paid off (for the remodel of McCook Elementary) that will free up some money for a big project. He cited the high school auditorium that needed updated and other fine art areas that could benefit. There are many projects at each school that could probably put the funds to good use, he said. “Us principals, we can dream,” he said.