NORFOLK, Neb. – The Northeast Community College Foundation was among area non-profit organizations to receive financial gifts in a 24-hour campaign of giving recently.
The Foundation was among 25 organizations and agencies to participate in the fifth annual Norfolk Area Big Give, which allows supporters an opportunity to give back to their favorite local charities and educate themselves on other non-profits in the community and region.
The Northeast Foundation received $11,020 during the campaign. Overall, 605 donations in the amount of $91,934 were contributed to the 25 organizations and agencies during the event, which was held only online this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Tracy Kruse, associate vice president of development and external affairs and executive director of the Northeast foundation, said dollars contributed during the Norfolk Area Big Give will go into the College’s general scholarship fund or the fund of the donor’s choice.
“During 2018-19, for example, Foundation scholarships in the amount of $415,259 were presented to Northeast Community College students, with an average award of approximately $812. Last year, we received 773 online scholarship applications, but unfortunately only 511 students received funds, meaning we had 262 students who had to go without support.”
Kruse said the need for students requesting financial assistance grows every year.
“We are grateful to our Big Give donors and our other donors throughout the year who are helping us close the gap through their donations to Northeast’s general scholarship fund or another fund they may select. These gifts will allow our students to fulfill their dream of a quality education.”
The Northeast Foundation also works with the College's Grants Office in acquiring funds from private and public sources.
According to its website, the goal of the Norfolk Area Big Give is to match Norfolk area supporters' passions and generosity with local nonprofit organizations already doing great work. Though community members are aware of the efforts of several non-profits in the area, there is much work that goes unnoticed.
Through the combined participation of all Philanthropy Council of Northeast Nebraska collaborative partners, the goal is to also further educate community members on the robust non-profit sector that exists in the Norfolk area and give them an opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of the community.
The Philanthropy Council was established in 2010 with a mission to create a culture of giving in northeast Nebraska. It is comprised of collaborative partners from area non-profit organizations who come together to share resources and support the mission to create a culture of giving.
To learn more, go online to norfolkareabiggive.org. For information on the Northeast Community College Foundation, log on to northeast.edu/Giving.
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