In 2003, Great Plains Communications’ owner Robert Hunt established the Robert and Jeanette Hunt Foundation, which was created to fund long-term projects and assist in community development in our communities. Since its creation, the fund has helped communities raise more than $250,000.
Much of the money given by the Hunt Fund is done through challenge grants. These grants, which are normally 3-to-1 matching grants, guarantee funds if the participating city raises the challenged amount. These kinds of grants help to support and strengthen both the challenged cities.
Now the fund is turning its attention to the cities of Arnold and Callaway who have each been challenged with a 3-to-1 matching grant. Each city will need to raise $75,000 to receive a $25,000 grant from the Hunt Fund. Each community will have a full year, beginning on July 1, 2011, to complete the challenge. Both communities must meet the $75,000 challenge in order for either city to receive the matching funds.
In the Arnold area, the money raised will start the Unrestricted Endowment account for the Arnold Community Foundation Fund. In the Callaway area, funds will be added to the city’s existing Unrestricted Endowment account for the Callaway Community Foundation Fund.
Those who would like to donate can do so in several ways. Gifts of cash are the most common, but gifts of grain, livestock, IRA rollover contributions or stock are just a few of the other ways to “give back.” For those who are interested in supporting their communities and helping meet this challenge, please contact one of the Fund Advisory Committee Members for either Arnold or Callaway.
Those who wish to donate to the Arnold challenge can find out more information by visiting here or by contacting a member of the Arnold Community Foundation Fund Advisory Committee. Members include Shane Cool, Dean Weinman, Edwin Johnson, Carolyn Watkins, Holly Hornung Remund, Mary Becker and Peg Scott.
Those who wish to donate to the Callaway challenge can find out more information by visiting the affiliated funds section of the Nebraska Community Foundation website here or by contacting a member of the Callaway Community Foundation Fund Advisory Committee. Members include Ken Pitkin, Randy Meyer, Melanie Morrison, JoAnn Pandorf, Rick Dale, Chuck Myers, Mark Kimball, Roy Stamp, Terry Jensen and Tim Rosfeld.