You Don’t Need Deep Pockets or Endless Spare Time to Make a Difference
Philanthropy has a way of sounding like an intimidating word. Something you should aspire to do “when.”
When you are financially able to write out large checks.
When you’re retired and have more freedom to volunteer multiple hours a day.
“People see the big things happening in the community and think you have to have a lot of money to make them happen,” said Philanthropy Council of Northeast Nebraska (PCNN) co-chair Brittany Melby-Heimes. “But philanthropy doesn’t have to be about a dollar amount. It can mean volunteering for a nonprofit that matters to you.”
A $25 donation, a few hours of volunteering, or just showing up to support a local fundraiser can do wonders.
“The big gifts tend to get the headlines, and sometimes that works against the broader idea of philanthropy as a community effort,” said PCNN co-chair Nick Benes. “People who give smaller amounts more frequently, whether annually or monthly, can contribute more over time, and often build a stronger relationship with the organization.”
“Even a small gift can go a long way when people give together,” added Melby-Heimes.
Creating a Localized Culture of Giving
The seed that would eventually grow into PCNN was planted back in 2010, during a small, grassroots meeting between local foundation directors and volunteers.
The idea was simple: create a localized culture of giving.
But instead of operating as an isolated foundation, they thought, why not form a collaborative alliance? That way, local nonprofit leaders could share resources, and in turn, maximize community impact and reduce competing or duplicate fundraising efforts.
By 2012, council leaders realized they could also start inspiring the next generation to think about philanthropy now.
“It’s a habit you can build at every stage of life,” offered Benes.
So, instead of doing something for the kids, they decided to do something with kids.
That idea gave birth to PCNN’s signature Youth Philanthropy Contest, giving students from kindergarten through college a chance to apply for up to $1,000 to design and execute their own community-benefit projects.
The Norfolk Big Give… and Beyond
The Council is also the driving force behind the Norfolk Area Big Give, a week-long, 24-hour fundraising blitz held annually in May, although the Council’s work extends far beyond it.
This includes encouraging Norfolk’s nonprofit leaders to support each other during “low seasons.”
Instead of getting stuck trying to navigate individual organizational challenges, they can reverse engineer them into collective learning experiences and share resources.
“We’ve seen nonprofits encourage one another through difficult seasons, sharing what worked and helping each other through challenges,” said Melby-Heimes. “At the end of the year, we ask organizations what went well and what challenges they faced, and we make time to celebrate their successes.”
Understanding the “Why”
But the Council also works hard to get to know their donors and to understand their “why.”
“That personal connection makes a gift more meaningful and encourages people to stay engaged,” she added.
After all, maybe you see the value in supporting literacy, but have a real passion for helping kids. That’s totally fine.
There’s no right or wrong when it comes to philanthropy or which local nonprofits you choose to support. What matters is that it matters to you.
And that emotional connection goes far beyond an hour of volunteering or even a large check.
“When donors stop by the office to make a gift, rather than giving online, it gives us a chance to build a relationship,” said Benes. “Often, I’ve met them before, we may attend the same church, our kids may go to the same school, or we may volunteer together. Some of our biggest donors are men I sing with in a church choir. Getting to know people beyond a signature on a check or a name in a database makes all the difference.”
Creating a Community Where People Can Build a Meaningful Life
For the Norfolk Area Economic Development Council, attracting people to Madison County isn't just about attracting jobs.
It's about creating a community where people can build a meaningful life.
That's one reason the work of the Philanthropy Council of Northeast Nebraska matters so much to our community. They make it easier for residents to find organizations and causes they truly care about.
