Great ideas are always abundant in McCook and Southwest Nebraska. Some have gained in prominence recently, such as a new pool, a dog park and entertainment options. Others have been around for a while but continue to top local lists, such as walking trails, child-care programs and more shopping possibilities.

McCook Community Foundation Fund is looking to address these and many other ideas in two ways.

The first is through grants to the community. Twice a year, MCFF distributes grants to local non-profit organizations and other charitable programs. The Fall 2018 grant deadline is Monday, Oct. 1, with grant funds distributed in November.

The Fund’s Advisory Committee, made up of 11 local volunteers, also realizes it doesn’t have all the ideas to make McCook a better community. So “idea trees” have been placed around McCook. Anyone may write down their idea, dream or hope for the community, give everyone a voice. Some people just like reading the ideas already on the trees, happy to see that others share their same dreams.

One of the trees is regularly on display at Sehnert’s Bakery and Bieroc Cafe. Another is currently in the lobby of MNB Bank, but will also make appearances at upcoming events.

One right around the corner is “An Autumn Concert” presented by Simply Strings on Sunday, Oct. 7 at the Fox Theatre. Simply Strings is a recent recipient of a grant from the McCook Community Foundation Fund.

Other 2018 grant recipients included:

McCook Community Chest for Big Give McCook, McCook Public Schools’ Health Career Field Trip, McCook Community College’s Hormel Entrepreneurship Program, Teammates of McCook, performers for Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival and the Prairie Roots Festival, as well as funding for five college interns based in McCook this summer.

MCFF has been collecting ideas and dreams for McCook over the past few months as part of the Sehnert Challenge, which will help grow MCFF’s unrestricted endowment.

As part of the Sehnert Challenge, Susan Sehnert Stuart has challenged the McCook Community Foundation Fund to raise $400,000 in unrestricted endowment funds.

In return, she will provide an additional $200,000 in matching funds to recognize her parents, Walt and Jean Sehnert, and the impact they have had on McCook, along with arts and culture in McCook; over the past 60 years.

When the challenge is complete, MCFF will provide a grant in Walt and Jean Sehnert’s name to a project or organization which reflects their interests and passions for McCook.

Grant applications are available online at www.mccookfoundation.org . Applications may be submitted online or through the mail, but must be postmarked Oct. 1.

Additional information about all the grants MCFF has given since 2003 along with information about the Sehnert Challenge is also available online.

McCook Community Foundation Fund is an affiliated fund of the Nebraska Community Foundation.