Building Strong, Healthy & Resilient communities.

Community is a powerful concept. It can mean many things to many people. What we have learned over the years is that we are all better off when people don’t just think about themselves but think beyond their own immediate needs and concerns. We believe that people caring for their friends and neighbors builds strong, healthy and resilient communities. It builds the social trust that holds our communities together. THIS is the power of community!

We were very fortunate this past year to work with individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations that demonstrate this care and concern for their neighbors every day. We were grateful to support their efforts to enhance emergency services, preserve our historical landmarks, increase affordable housing, advocate for at-risk children and much more.

Over $3.3 million was awarded this past fiscal year in competitive, donor-advised and other grants. The foundation currently manages over $33.4 million in community assets and hosts a variety of programs that lift up and support the vital work of the charitable sector. Our Youth Philanthropy Grants Program exposes area youth to the joy of giving back. Our Nonprofit Leadership Program hones the leadership skills of our agency partners. And our annual Fremont Area Big Give showcases the important work being done every day by our nonprofit community.

This year’s annual report provides some highlights of the great work happening throughout the Fremont area. We know that none of this happens without YOU! You care about building social trust and understand that partnerships make good things possible. You make all the difference, and YOU are truly the Power of Community!

Thank you for all you continue to do. We are honored to be your partner in building a better Fremont area for all.

Melissa Diers Executive Director

Jennifer Bixby Board President

^$33.4 Million

Total Assets
823 Grants

Totaling $3,305,958
16 New Funds

227Total Funds
120 Scholarships

$148,808Awarded

NEW FUNDS

Scholarship honors cross country coach

When Heidi Melcher was about to retire from teaching at Fremont Public Schools (FPS) last spring, Jacob Melcher and Amanda Melcher wanted to honor their mom’s distinguished career as a special education teacher and coach of a winning girls cross country team. They surprised her during that year’s cross country banquet with news that they’d created the Coach Melcher Scholarship Fund at FACF. Every year, Fremont area graduating seniors who have participated at least one year in a girls cross country program are eligible to receive this scholarship.

Heidi taught at FPS (her alma mater) for 33 years — at Linden Elementary, Lincoln Elementary and Fremont Middle School. She was originally hired to teach second grade but also taught fourth, fifth, sixth, sixth-grade science, sixth-grade resource and eighth-grade resource. An avid runner herself, Heidi coached track for 20 years and cross country for 18. What a great way to celebrate a successful teaching and coaching career!

Schilke Fund supports Fremont Forever

Created by their daughter, Lisa, and her family, this endowment supports the Fremont Forever Fund and the foundation’s unrestricted grant making. The Fremont Forever Fund transcends generations to support initiatives and organizations improving quality of life in the Fremont area today and in the future.

Through the years, many Fremont Forever Fund grants have been transformative for area nonprofits, which are the “boots on the ground” in tackling issues and embracing opportunities in our community. Grants have aided efforts to expand affordable and workforce housing throughout Dodge County. They’ve helped create, sustain and expand nonprofit organizations. They’ve helped us address numerous community priorities in a meaningful way, from access to affordable healthcare to access to cultural and recreational opportunities.

The Neil and Bonnie Schilke Endowment Fund will serve the needs of our area for years to come.

New fund aims to enhance North Bend

Generosity and possibility drive the Purcell Initiative, a new fund established by North Bend residents determined to enhance economic, community and housing development to ensure this town of 1,200+ thrives. Current efforts include raising money for a sign to be installed at the frontage road along the new Highway 30 expressway. A grant of $15,000 from the community foundation is helping this project move forward.

More New Funds

Arbor Vitae Eastern Star Scholarship Fund
Robert and Dian Hillis Endowment Fund
Daniel and Katherine Wiesen Donor-Advised Fund
Dodge County Sports Complex Fund
Joseph C.H. Bales Emergency Fund for Disabled Veterans
Andy Mruz Memorial Scholarship Fund
FEVR Rail to Trail Fund
Beebe Family Donor-Advised Fund
Terry J. McClain Scholarship Fund
Arbor Vitae Eastern Star Shrine Bowl Fund

NEW FUND

Roberts memorialized as education trailblazer

Establishing a scholarship fund is an excellent way to celebrate the life and legacy of a loved one. Ex-husband and lifelong friend Cary Stitt did just that for Jeanette Carpenter Roberts following her passing in 2022. A 1964 graduate of Fremont High School, Jeanette received a full merit scholarship to the University of Denver and was the first in her family to graduate from college. She received a Bachelor of Arts in speech pathology from DU in 1968 and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado Denver in 1978.

Jeanette pursued a multitude of careers and was a firm believer in education. She continually pursued knowledge throughout her lifetime and encouraged her family to do the same. Her final career was teaching fourth- and fifth-grade students at Lincoln Elementary School in Delta, CO.

“Jeanette was the quintessential pathfinder throughout her life,” Cary Stitt said. “She blazed an educational path beyond high school, was a risk taker but could also manage loss. She was a proud Nebraskan, an independent thinker and with a practical and loving heart. What more could her legacy be?

“The Fremont Area Community Foundation is the perfect place for me to honor Jeanette. She loved Fremont so much!” Stitt said. “I will sleep well tonight, knowing I have honored the people I love most in the world!”

The Roberts Scholarship provides financial assistance to Fremont High School graduating seniors pursuing post-secondary education.

OUR GRANTEES

Grant will help transform rail line into trail

The FEVR Rail to Trail Foundation, a component fund of the Fremont Area Community Foundation, was created in 2021 to accept a gift of land once occupied by the Fremont and Elkhorn Valley Railroad (FEVR). Originally built in 1869, this 17-mile rail line extended from Fremont to Hooper. It was part of Nebraska’s Cowboy Rail Line, which existed for nearly 125 years and covered more than 400 miles across the northern portion of the state.

After decades of sitting idle, the old rail line will once again see life. A collaboration of community supporters and bicycling enthusiasts is working to transform the old rail line into a bike and pedestrian trail for Dodge County residents and visitors. The trail system will be a destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the region. It will provide an excellent amenity to locals of all ages and create opportunities for increased economic impact on the communities of Fremont, Nickerson and Hooper.

OUR GRANTEES

Camp Invention brings wonder of learning to kids

A grant from the Fremont Area Community Foundation provided the Camp Invention experience to underserved children in the Fremont area for the 20th year. The 2023 Camp Invention curriculum, Wonder, included four modules — Catching Air™, Invention Celebration™, Pop-Up Venture™ and MimicBot™. It guided children as they explored hands-on applications of physics, biology, engineering, entrepreneurship and the arts. In Wonder, participants also practiced teamwork, communication and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) skills as they worked together to bring their ideas to life.

Students in grades K-6 were hosted at area schools, and their parents had this to share about the program:

“Every day, when my daughter came home from camp, she was excited to tell us about her experiences and what she was working on. After the program concluded, she was beaming with joy and loved sharing her new inventions with her siblings.”

“My kids look forward to this every year. They know there are no limits to their creativity in this program.”

Midland’s new Health Science Facility receives boost

Healthcare and medicine have been among the fastest growing and most popular choices for high school career education for much of the last decade, and the pandemic has accelerated the demand. Midland’s new Health Science Facility will offer students a more relevant learning experience focused on the healthcare industry. It will generate interest in health science professions to help meet the growing workforce needs in the state and region.

Support from the Fremont Area Community Foundation for this project has served as a launch point for additional fundraising. Midland plans to pursue additional private foundation and federal grants, as well as individual donations from alumni and friends of the university.

Effort brings new life to old properties

Rundown homes and vacant lots in Fremont could soon become attractive and affordable housing. A grant from the community foundation helped meet the local match requirement for a $1.5 million Nebraska Rural Workforce Housing Fund grant. These revolving funds give local developers and homeowners low-cost incentives to bring new life to old properties. As loans are paid off, the cycle starts again with new projects.

New boats improve water rescue capabilities

In March 2019, the Fremont area was under water following a 500-year flood. For six days, the Fremont Rural Fire Department performed nearly 120 documented flood rescues involving nearly 300 individuals despite having improper rescue suits and less than ideal water-rescue boats. Five years later and thanks to a grant from FACF, the FRFD and other area rescue departments have improved water safety equipment, including a 16-foot flat-bottom boat, motor and accessories; an inflatable boat; and a boat trailer. The FRFD has a fund at the community foundation, so donations to the all-volunteer department are tax deductible.

LEGACY SOCIETY

Planned giving assists police and fire departments

The Legacy Society recognizes individuals and families who plan to leave a gift to the community through a bequest, trust, life insurance policy, retirement plan or charitable annuity.

The Herb Herre First Responders Fund provides a perfect example of what a thoughtful and strategic planned gift can accomplish when you partner with the foundation. JoAnn Herre, or Joanie as she was called, passed away last November at the age of 88 after living in Fremont for 57 years.

Joanie loved all God’s creatures, according to family members, and during and after her lifetime, she was an avid supporter of organizations devoted to the care of animals. But Joanie also wanted to leave a legacy to honor her late father-in-law, Herbert William Herre, who served as Fremont Fire Chief from 1942-1947.

Per Joanie’s wish, the Herb Herre First Responders Fund will support the Fremont Fire and Police departments for five years. It will provide critical funding for equipment to assist in crime prevention and training, promote public health and safety, aid staff retention efforts and more.

Sustaining growth through gifts from our Legacy Society

FACF created a Legacy Society to recognize and thank individuals and families who plan to leave a gift to the community through a bequest, trust, life insurance policy, retirement plan, or charitable annuity.

Members of our Legacy Society care about the future of the Fremont area and realize that their gifts will strengthen the projects and programs of local nonprofit organizations and the people they serve. We thank the following members for their foresight and generosity…

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR THE COMPLETE LIST

OUR PROGRAMS

Youth Philanthropy Grant benefits pet rescue group

The Fremont Kiwanis Builders Club received a $1,000 grant from the Fremont Area Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Grants Program to aid FurEver Home Inc., a pet rescue in Fremont. The club includes more than 30 students from Johnson Crossing Academic Center and Fremont Middle School.

The club made 56 tie-blankets for cat cages and assembled cleaning supplies including laundry detergent (enough for 432 loads), dish soap, hand soap, trash bags, paper towels, bleach, vinegar and OdoBan disinfectant. The club also donated 200 pounds of cat litter, 48 cans of cat food and four slip-lead dog leashes.

Fremont Area Big Give raises nearly $433,000

The seventh Fremont Area Big Give raised nearly $433,000 for a record 83 area nonprofits. The 24-hour, online giving event raises funds and awareness for nonprofits in the greater Dodge County area each May. Since its inception, the Big Give has raised over $2.5 million.

Archbishop Bergan Catholic Schools topped the list in 2023 with $83,785 in donations and prizes. Others in the top five were Digg Site Productions, $22,390; Care Corps’ LifeHouse, $18,685; Fremont Area United Way, $17,370; and Rebuilding Together Platte Valley East, $16,095. Pacesetter sponsors Pinnacle Bank gave $5,500, while First State Bank and Trust (now RVR Bank) and FNBO each contributed $5,000 in incentive prizes, joining many other partner sponsors who also supported the event.

Nonprofit leaders learn to strengthen organizations

Six organizations are participating in the community foundation’s Nonprofit Leadership Program for 2023-24. They are Calvin Crest Camp, Conference and Retreat Center; MainStreet of Fremont; Dodge County Historical Society; Fremont Family Coalition; TeamMates of Fremont Public Schools; and Fremont Area United Way. Their leaders are learning how to strengthen their organizations and increase their impact through one-on-one director coaching and meetings with other executive leaders.

The program includes some sessions specifically for CEOs and others include board members. In addition, each organization receives a capacity-building grant of $5,000 to address needs such as strategic planning, technology improvements or professional development. The 2023-24 group is the fifth cohort of nonprofits to participate in the program.

FACF meets high standard, earning accreditation

The Fremont Area Community Foundation is accredited with the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations™ - the industry benchmark for excellence in philanthropic practice. Achieving the National Standards designation is not mandatory for community foundations. Our Board of Directors chose to seek this distinction to certify and affirm our commitment to excellence and accountability. Our accreditation provides assurance that we have sound policies and practices in place and meet the highest standards for local giving.

To receive accreditation with National Standards, foundation policies and procedures are submitted to a rigorous review of 41 National Standards in six key areas of community foundation operations, including donor services, investment management, grant-making and administration. This certification from the Council on Foundations says that we meet the most rigorous standards in philanthropy – a promise to our community that we’ll continue to do this good work together, right here in the Fremont area.

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Fremont Area Community Foundation

1005 E 23rd St #2 | Fremont, NE 68025 | (402) 721-4252 |

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