Nebraska Farmers Union Foundation
Without considering the match from the Lincoln Community Foundation, 34 donations totaling $3,206.58 were received as part of the annual Give to Lincoln Day 2026 that ran from May 1st through May 28th. That compares to 34 donations totaling $3,755 received last year. There were 497 nonprofits taking part this year compared to a record number of 502 in last year’s Give to Lincoln. The NeFU Foundation ranked #291 on the leaderboard in donations compared to #265 last year.
In addition to the donations raised for this year’s “Give to Lincoln” effort, participating nonprofits will receive a proportional share of a $650,000 match fund from the Lincoln Community Foundation, and several local businesses and sponsors.
NeFU Foundation Secretary John Hansen said “We appreciate the opportunity to participate in “Give to Lincoln” and are grateful for the generosity of the Lincoln Community Foundation and our supporters.”
Contributions to the NeFU Foundation can either be designated for general support, or as a memorial to someone in the Farmers Union family. All donations are put into principal and only the earnings are used for programming to support family farm, ranch, and rural families while maintaining a growing permanent endowment.
This year memorials were received in memory of Paul Grabouski, Jim Schoenrock, Norman Kavan Sr. – father of Midwest Agency Agent Mark Kavan, Mary Dittrich – mother of NeFU members Keith and John Dittrich, and Midwest Agency Agent Kenneth Troost.
NeFU Foundation President Jeff Kirkpatrick said “We are grateful for all of the contributions which help us grow our endowment, especially considering the tough financial situation many farmers are facing. The larger our endowment, the more revenues are available to support our programs and services. Because we keep the principal, and only spend the investment revenues, donations to our foundation are gifts that continue to provide support year after year. We deeply appreciate the generosity of our supporters.”
NeFU Foundation Secretary John Hansen concluded, “Our NeFU Foundation continues to expand its footprint across the state. We co-sponsor estate planning and beginning farmer workshops with our Nebraska Rural Response Hotline partners. We received a substantial USDA grant that allows us to expand one-on-one financial counseling services through the Hotline across the state to farm and ranch families facing financial challenges. A little bit of the right help at the right time makes a world of difference. Our Foundation is proud of our role in providing critical services to farm and ranch families in their time of need. Our NeFU members continue to support their foundation dedicated to serving family farmers, ranchers, and the rural community.”
