Paying it forward in Neligh

There's not much traffic in Neligh, nor much crime; nor are there crowds nor an inflated cost of living to navigate. But it's not what her community doesn't have that Sheridan loves - it's what it does have. And what Neligh has is rich history, ample natural beauty, a calmer pace of life, and amazing people. When Sheridan reflects on what keeps her in Greater Nebraska, it's her family, friends, and neighbors.

"Time and time again, I've watched all kinds of people get together to accomplish things," she said. "There is a strong spirit of partnership in Neligh."

She witnesses that spirit daily through her work as the director of economic development for both Neligh and nearby Clearwater. She also contributes by volunteering with the Neligh Area Community Fund (NACF), an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation. Sheridan and fellow volunteers recently celebrated the completion of a fundraising challenge that added $300,000 to NACF's unrestricted endowment.

"I've seen what can happen when people believe in their community," she said. "I'm so proud of people's willingness to work together."

In the last five years, the fund advisory committee has awarded grants to multiple facets of community life in Neligh. Members have supported inclusive and accessible equipment at the city playground, updated lighting at the library, and an upgrade to the community center kitchen. The committee also helped fund NebraskaChildcare.org, a unified portal that connects families to local childcare providers and financial assistance. The boost to their unrestricted endowment will empower volunteers to continue impacting Neligh as the principal continues to grow. While a portion of the income earned by an endowment is granted annually to fund projects and programs to benefit the community, the principal remains intact and grows every year. It's a development tool that reflects Sheridan's own long-term community-building philosophy.

"Economic development is about planting seeds that you won't personally see grow," she said. "Every project, program, or investment is intended to benefit the future of the community."

There's opportunity to plant many seeds in the coming decades, according to NCF's transfer of wealth study. Over the next 10 years in Antelope County alone, $679 million will transfer from one generation to the next. If everyone left just 5% to local charitable causes, it would equate to $34 million in resources residents could use to make transformational change and improve communities for the next generation who call them home. That's the motivation behind NCF's Five to Thrive campaign , which recognizes that every gift no matter the size, matters.

Sheridan proudly joined the movement last fall when she modified her estate plan to set aside 5% of a trust to benefit the NACF endowment. It was an easy decision, she said, knowing that she and others have benefited from the contributions of those who went before. She considers her gift to be part of that long line of people paying it forward to the places that give them purpose, friendship, and a sense of self.

"I continually try to do meaningful things to try to make the world a better place," Sheridan said. "I just hope my gift creates opportunities for young families, businesses, community projects, and leaders that will keep moving forward in Neligh. It's not one and done."

Nebraska Community Foundation has extensive (and free) resources to help one familiarize with the many ways to make a charitable planned gift. Visit fivetothrivene.org to learn more about how you can create your own legacy in the place you love. Click on the "Transfer of Wealth Toolkit" for a free guide called "Planning Your Legacy."

If you would like to speak to an NCF representative, you may contact Todd Mekelburg at [email protected], (402) 323-7343 or Becky Ries,[email protected] , (308) 730-1048.

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].