Thank you to everyone who joined us for yesterday’s Nonprofit Success Series workshop on winning grants with Deb Bunting hosted at the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative! We explored key elements of successful grant proposals, including storytelling strategies, budget development and distinguishing distinguish outcomes from outputs. Navigating Funder Relationships: Strengthening Support—is coming up on June 17. We’ll cover donor recognition, impact communication, and how to build lasting relationships with funders with Tessa Barney, Director of Philanthropic Services at the Omaha Community Foundation. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nonprofit-success-series-navigating-funder-relationships-tickets-1373222127349?aff=oddtdtcreator (fb)

Let’s celebrate Aaron Koontz’s 1-year anniversary at the Omaha Community Foundation! As the Grants Program Administrator supporting our Community Investment and Philanthropic Services teams, Aaron has been instrumental in improving the way nonprofits interact with our grants process. In his first year, he immersed himself in learning the unique details of each grant program and quickly became a key player in our transition to a more efficient application platform. Over the past six months, Aaron led the charge to tailor this new system to better meet the needs of our team—and, most importantly, local nonprofits. Through countless conversations, ongoing problem-solving, and a deep commitment to improving user experience, he helped create a more streamlined and consistent application process across all grant opportunities at OCF. Beyond his technical expertise, Aaron also took home an award at our 2024 chili cookoff—not for chili, but for his meticulous, chocolate-covered cream puffs that the staff are still hoping to see make a comeback. Thank you, Aaron, for your initiative, insight, and dedication to strengthening the tools that help us serve our community better. (fb)