The Nebraska Community Foundation peer learning network doesn’t just reside within Nebraska’s borders, it extends to leaders in communities across the country and around the world who are doing extraordinary things in their places.
In early September 2019, over two dozen ambitious Nebraskans hailing from hometowns across the NCF network, boarded an Iowa and Minnesota-bound tour bus to learn about the assets and opportunities available to neighboring community builders and the innovative ways they are capitalizing on them.
The tour group included volunteers and NCF staff members from communities including: Bennet, Bertrand, Columbus, Howells, Imperial, Lincoln, McCook, Minden, Norfolk, Ogallala, Omaha, Paxton, Red Cloud, and Stuart. Many of the volunteers are currently working to meet transformative challenge grants to build their community unrestricted endowments.
The bus tour began in Winterset, Iowa where local leaders talked about heritage tourism and placemaking. In Manchester, the group met a contingent from the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque and set out on field trips to visit affiliates in Allamakee, Clayton, Delaware, and Jones Counties. There, tour participants had the opportunity to interact with and observe programs focusing on rural art, youth engagement, inclusiveness, childcare, energy sustainability, reconnecting people with what they love most about their hometown, and ending stigmas around brain health.
The multi-day tour culminated with a visit to Austin, Minnesota, just 15 miles north of the Iowa border. Austin community builders proudly shared their community welcoming plan with their Nebraska visitors which is designed to welcome new residents, and particularly new Americans, to their community.
Herve Idjidina, the executive director of Austin’s Welcome Center, told his own inspiring story of coming to Austin from Benin, a small French-speaking country in West Africa, through a lottery program so that his children could receive a quality education and enjoy access to job opportunities.
The last stop of the tour was Mason City, Iowa where Mayor Bill Schickel and City Manager Aaron Burnett explained their unique community development strategy. “Art is economic development in Mason City,” said Schickel.
Members of the Nebraska Community Foundation network remarked on what a positive and enlightening experience the tour was. When asked what they will take back to their own NCF affiliated funds, one said “A better, sharper, more well-rounded thought process regarding community development.”
“Embrace what we are and make the most of it. Get people to buy-in to being our best selves as a community. Be innovative while staying true to yourself,” said another.
Sara Rippen named February 2026 McCook Volunteer of the Month
Practicing Good Stewardship Takes Effort But Reaps Many Rewards
Bison Days brings high schoolers and community members to learn about job possibilities but also interests and hobbies in their hometown.
With little to snow on the ground in McCook, holiday lights help beat the drab and dreary season.
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.
Master Storyteller Will be Missed but Memories Remain
Maintaining the status quo or not doing anything may be cheaper initially but long-term, the costs are more.
Make 2026 memorable by getting involved and making an impact in your community.
As the year comes to a close, members of the MCFF Advisory Committee share "why" they do their community work.
