McCOOK, Neb. -- In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the McCook Community Foundation Fund has established the COVID-19 Response Account in an effort to raise funds and make grants to local governmental and 501(c)(3) entities working to address the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the community, region, and vulnerable community members.
Additionally, the MCFF Advisory Committee approved allocating $25,000 from its 2020 spring grant cycle to start the account. The account will also be open to others in the community to make local, tax-deductible donations to focus on the response and recovery to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A committee of local volunteers will determine how funds can best be distributed to support the work of community-based organizations. Grant-making possibilities include (but are not limited to):
-- To schools to assist with technology and other needs related to remote learning
-- To schools or food banks providing assistance to families whose children rely on school programs for meals
-- To 501(c)(3) public charities that are addressing the immediate needs of economically vulnerable populations caused by lost work, closures, and cancellations related to COVID-19
-- To 501(c)(3) public charities that are addressing the immediate needs of vulnerable elderly populations who may be at high risk due to COVID-19
-- To 501(c)(3) or governmental healthcare organizations (including hospitals and public health districts) that are addressing increased demand for medical information and support, including mental health services
-- To 501(c)(3) public charities or governmental entities that are addressing fear and confusion about the outbreak among the community’s most vulnerable residents, including those with limited English language proficiency
-- To 501(c)(3) public charities to focus on community resilience as recovery from the outbreak proceeds
-- To 501(c)(3) public charities to help them maintain operations as other funding sources may decline
The MCFF Advisory Committee feels the new account meets its mission to connect and impact the community through intentional investment of time and financial resources.
“In keeping with our purpose, we are working to connect our actions with community needs,” said Cindy Huff, chairperson of MCFF, which operates as an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation.
“When challenges arise, our generous network of volunteers responds,” said Jeff Yost, president and CEO of Nebraska Community Foundation. “The qualities and values that make Nebraskans unique -- love of community and concern for our neighbors -- are precisely the principles that will help us navigate the chaos and fear that surround us. We are proud of and grateful to MCFF for their proactive actions in this unprecedented time.”
Funding priorities for the COVID-19 Response Account may change as the situation evolves and the community adapts. Grants from the account will be made only to 501(c)(3) public charities and governmental entities; this includes schools and churches. Grants will not be made to individuals or for-profit businesses.
Contributions may be made to the COVID-19 Response Account online through a link at mccookfoundation.org. Grant application forms are also available on the MCFF website and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
While grant funds have been directed toward the COVID-19 response, some funds remain for MCFF”s regular spring grant cycle, but the deadline has been pushed back from April 1 to May 1. Applications for both the COVID-19 Response Account and the MCFF grant program are available on the MCFF website or by contacting MCFF coordinator, Ronda Graff, 308-340-3412.
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To kick off the new year, Jo Beebe has been selected as the January 2026 McCook Volunteer of the month. While many people might know Jo for her years at the Sports Shoppe, she can be found giving hours of her time to the community, especially at St. Patrick Church. Whether during the weekly Mass or for a funeral or wedding, Jo shares her beautiful voice from the choir loft, as well as leading the choir members. Jo, along with her husband Harold, also has served as the St. Pat’s GALA host couple in the past and continues to help with set-up and cleanup of the annual event. Jo is also active with the Fall Festival, the Rosary Rally and the Wild Game Feed in Curtis every year. She attends every the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults class and helps students prepare for confirmation. And since retiring from the Sports Shoppe, she is active in the Altar Society, and volunteers at the Bargain Bazaar thrift store. According to her nomination, “The way Jo gives of her time and talents to our parish and community is a reflection of her faith,” and the community and the church are better because of her generosity. The McCook Philanthropy Council selects the monthly recipient for the McCook Volunteer of the Month award as part of the McCook Community Foundation Fund’s McCook Volunteer program. If there is a volunteer in the community who should be recognized, please contact the McCook Chamber of Commerce at 308.340.3200 or visit McCook Volunteers on the MCFF website, mccookfoundation.org to complete a nomination form. The only requirement is that the nominee must be a resident of McCook or Red Willow County. Please have information about the nominee along with where and how they volunteer in the community.
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