When people think of the YMCA, it traditionally involves fitness classes, the swimming pool or youth sports.

But to make those things - along with many other activities - happen, the YMCA is like many other organizations and institutions in needing computers just to function. The McCook YMCA was one of the Fall 2020 grant recipients from the McCook Community Foundation Fund with the $2,000 grant used to upgrade computers. 

The next MCFF grant deadline is quickly approaching with applications for the spring 2021 grant cycle due by Thursday, April 1. Applications will be considered in mid-April with the final announcement in early May. 

The YMCA was among the half dozen grants approved last fall when more than $40,000 distributed. At the YMCA, the laptops hadn’t been replaced in many years yet are used on a daily basis to form soccer teams, to create adult volleyball schedules or to plan swimming lessons for all ages. The laptops are just one tool used by YMCA staff to serve the needs of the community, YMCA Executive Director Mitch Gross said. 

“In order to be productive and efficient in their roles,these new computers will aid our staff in producing new content for programs and activities, membership recruitment, and marketing/promotions,” Gross said. “It is through these processes that our organization will be able to impact our community through increased involvement in leading healthy and active lifestyles.”

Other grants awarded last fall included Norris Institute for the development of Norris Alley, $25,000; Cultivate Rural Leaders to form the second class of the McCook Leadership group, $3,000; McCook Toy Box for gifts during the holiday season, $1,000; Community Hospital Health Foundation for the Heart-to-Heart Campaign, $2,500; and McCook Public Schools for the third annual Bison Days to take place in May 2021, $4,000. 

MCFF distributes grants twice a year, each spring and fall, with more than $100,000 available annually to organizations and individuals who are working to make McCook an even better place to call home. 

A complete list of previous grant winners is available on the MCFF website, mcookfoundation.org, along with an application form and more information about MCFF. 

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