McCook Philanthropy Council

The McCook Philanthropy Council was restarted by the McCook Community Foundation Fund (MCFF). The council focuses on gift planning and was relaunched to enhance community engagement and impact. The MCFF also supports other initiatives like community grants, scholarships, and mentorship programs for youth. 
Here's a more detailed look:
Purpose:
The McCook Philanthropy Council is designed to engage community members in philanthropy and help them find ways to support local organizations through gift planning. 
Focus:
The council specifically addresses gift planning to ensure that donations are used effectively and efficiently to meet the community's needs, according to the McCook Community Foundation. 
MCFF's Role:
The MCFF, a community foundation, actively supports the council's efforts and provides resources and guidance. 
Community Engagement:
The council aims to connect individuals with organizations and programs that benefit the community, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective action according to the McCook Community Foundation. 
Beyond the Council:
The MCFF also supports various other community initiatives, including community grants for projects that benefit the wider population, scholarships for students, and mentorship programs for young people. 

History of Beautify McCook:
One person's vision for downtown lights

A group of local volunteers are working to bring beauty, color, nature to McCook. The group came together several years ago to oversee the installation of lights along the skyline of downtown McCook's buildings. Since then, lights have been added in Norris Park with the hope of more lights along Norris Avenue and Santa Claus Lane. The group has also added planters on the corners in downtown McCook during the summer and into the holiday season. They have also set their sights on helping homeowners with small projects such as painting and yard-work. 

Funds for the group are through MCFF's Celebrate McCook subaccount, which was created for all-things McCook related to make it a better place to call home.

Join "Friends of Norris" to Help Beautify McCook

You can be a part of Beautify McCook, by volunteering for projects such as hanging lights or watering plants. 

And in 2024, you can join "Friends of Norris" by contributing to the Beautify McCook fund. As a "Friend of Norris," you'll become an essential partner in our mission to enhance the charm and allure of our beloved downtown district. 

The program offers a unique opportunity for you to make a meaningful impact on the beauty of vitality of downtown McCook, without having to roll up your sleeves and do the work yourself...unless you want to. Project examples that funding may go toward: 

  • Downtown season planters
  • Downtown Christmas lighting
  • Norris Park Christmas lighting
  • Future beautification projects as identified by the community

Checks may be mailed to MCFF/Beautify McCook, Box 525, McCook NE 69001

or made online by clicking on the donate button.

For more information about joining "Friends of Norris," contact Amanda at amanda@mccookne.org or 308.340.4379.