Communal spirit fuels McCook challenge grant victories

"I think the key to a successful homegrown challenge is to think about what the needs are in your community and define and articulate those needs," Dueland said. "Then start to create a story you can be passionate about."

Once the community begins to share that passion, residents notice abundant assets and shift their gears into active hope.

"Some people may have a scarcity mentality," said Ronda Graff. "What these homegrown challenges demonstrate is its actually plentiful. There's plenty of financial resources available in the community and people want to share those resources to make the community better."

McCook's success with challenge grants leaves them in a superb position to capitalize on a tremendous transfer of wealth opportunity - $608 million potentially changing hands through the next decade in Red Willow County.

Dueland, a fourth-generation farmer, understands the importance of keeping the wealth in the community. He's seen too many family farms cease operations over the years.

"We have abundant resources in our community," Dueland said. "We need to capture part of that to keep our community vibrant and vital."

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Reach out to your professional advisor to learn how you can give and consult Nebraska Community Foundation's Planned Giving resources for more information. You can also contact NCF's Office of Gift Planning by calling 402-323-7330 or sending an email to [email protected].

When we all leave five, our hometowns thrive.

For information on how you can give back to your hometown, contact Nebraska Community Foundation's Office of Planned Giving, 402.323.7330 or [email protected].