Nebraska Community Foundation Establishes Nebraska Flood Recovery Fund

In response to catastrophic flooding across Greater Nebraska, the Ethel S. Abbott Charitable Foundation and Nebraska Community Foundation (nebcommfound.org) have established the Nebraska Flood Recovery Fund with the purpose of assisting Nebraskans, especially low-income Nebraskans impacted by flooding in 2019, to recover and rebuild their lives.

To capitalize the fund, the Abbott Foundation is providing a challenge grant opportunity for donors matching the first $500,000 one-to-one for a possible campaign total of $1,000,000 to benefit Nebraskans with priority given to those with a desire to remain in their Greater Nebraska communities.

The floods of March 2019 are having profound impacts on many Greater Nebraska hometowns including damage to homes, small business, farms and ranches, and governmental services including schools, health care, and basic infrastructure. It has been estimated that a community continues to feel the repercussions of a catastrophic flood up to nine years following the event.

Dollars donated to the Nebraska Flood Recovery Fund will be granted to local and regional charitable organizations, such as 501(c)(3) non-profits and local political subdivisions to assist flood victims with recovery. Eligible uses may include housing, transportation, health and wellness (including mental health), or other forms of individual or community distress. A Fund Advisory Committee is currently being assembled to oversee granting decisions.

Donations may be made to the Nebraska Flood Recovery Fund online at www.nebcommfound.org/give/nebraska-flood-recovery-fund or by calling (402) 323-7330. All contributions will be matched by the Abbott Foundation up to $500,000.

Learn more about the Nebraska Community Foundation’s efforts at www.nebcommfound.org.