Community Funds
Big Give Thayer County is back for 2025!
Our Big Give looks a little different this year - but contributing to local nonprofits remains simple and accessible. Browse the organizations below to learn about their projects and how you can give directly. Any donation can be dropped off at any of the following locations: Thayer County Bank in Hebron, Midwest Bank in Deshler, Cornerstone Bank in Davenport, Western National Bank in Chester or Byron, Citizens State Bank in Carleton, or Bruning Bank in Bruning! Let the teller know you are dropping off a donation for the Big Give and they will know what to do!
Arts Council of Thayer County
Donations will be used toward the continued outdoor lighting display project.
Contact for questions: hebronmajestic402@gmail.com. Visit our Website
Bruning Community Foundation
The mission of the Bruning Community Foundation, Inc. is to provide a means for concerned citizens to help build and preserve the future of the Bruning Community in a tax-deductible way, so future generations can enjoy the quality of community that they have enjoyed and remember. The Foundation provides funding for community improvement projects for the present and the future. Contributions will provide a base capital in which interest will be used for charitable and educational purposes, physical improvements and assistance for the inhabitants of the Bruning area. The Foundation is committed to keeping the Bruning community a clean, growing, prosperous community with many opportunities for all ages.
Byron Community Fund
We are fundraising for a new “Welcome to Byron” sign.
Donations can be sent to PO Box 22, Byron, NE 68325 or dropped off at the Western National Bank in Byron.
Contact: Tyler Tietjen 402-768-4217. Visit Our Facebook!
Chester Community Fund
Your donations to the Chester Community Fund can be designated to any or all of these:
- General Account (These donations will be used for the 2025 Big Give Project to replace current American Flags on light poles in Chester)
Memorial flag kits have been donated and mounted on light poles in Chester. The original kits included a flag, flagpole, bracket, topper and plaque choice of “In Loving Memory of” or “Donated by”. The flags are flown in Chester from May through November each year and need to be replaced regularly. The Chester Community Fund chose replacing flags for their 2025 Big Give Thayer County Project to ensure that flags flown are not damaged.
- Unrestricted Endowment (These donations will help grow our permanent account that generates an ongoing source of interest income for various projects in Chester)
- In the past, the interest income has helped with donations towards:
- Replacing American Flags (2025)
- Signage in Chester – ongoing (2023-2024)
- Chester Memorial Park Downtown (2022)
- Youth Movie in the Park (2020)
- Village of Chester (2020)
- Demolition of Nuisance Properties (2019)
- Ballfield Improvements (2019)
- Chester Sports Complex (2018)
- Chester Volunteer Fire Department (2017)
- Chester Rescue Unit (2015)
- Epler/Schleifer Memorial Scholarship (These donations will provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors associated with an alumni from either Chester, Chester-Hubbell, or Chester-Hubbell-Byron)
- Donations are tax deductible and can be made: online OR in person at Western National Bank, 523 Thayer Ave, Chester, NE 68327 OR mailed to Chester Community Fund, PO Box 336, Chester, NE 68327
Contact Info: Linda Sutton-Nutsch Email: Fund@ChesterNE.com Phone: (402) 200-1324
Deshler Community Fund
What’s next for DCF?
Our biggest project yet — the new pickleball courts — is well underway! Thanks to generous donors, we’ve already funded the concrete pad. Now, we’re working toward adding a premium court topper, which will make the surface softer on joints, safer to play on, and easier on the eyes. Construction is set to begin within the next year, and every contribution brings us closer to game day!
Join our Legacy Club and make your impact last.
If you want to create a lasting difference, consider joining our Legacy Club by setting up a recurring monthly or annual donation. As a Legacy member, you’ll receive exclusive community swag when you reach giving milestones — a fun way to celebrate your ongoing commitment to Deshler’s growth. Every dollar matters. Every gift makes a difference. When you give to the Deshler Community Fund, your contribution not only improves our
community but is also tax-deductible. Your support helps us build projects that enhance life for
generations to come — right here at home. Together, we’ve accomplished so much — and we’re just getting started.
Follow us on Facebook to learn more about what we do!
Link to Give Online If you have questions along the way, feel free to reach out to us!
Paige Hansen (DCF Secretary), paigekniep@gmail.com
Kristi Zucker (DCF Treasurer),
Mari Fangmeyer (DCF Board Member)
Foundation for Thayer County Health Services
Help Us Provide Better Care: Support New Hospital Beds at TCHS
The Foundation for Thayer County Health Services is asking for your help to fund the purchase of two new hospital beds and mattresses. These state-of-the-art beds feature adjustable mattresses for added comfort and even built-in USB chargers — a real improvement for our patients. Each bed and mattress set costs $20,000, for a total goal of $40,000. By contributing, you are directly supporting patient comfort and quality of care at Thayer County Health Services.
About the Foundation
The Foundation for Thayer County Health Services raises funds to support TCHS in acquiring modern, cutting-edge equipment and improving facilities. Your generosity ensures that our hospital continues to provide the best possible care.
How You Can Help
We welcome your donations of any size.
Gifts may be mailed to:
Foundation for Thayer County Health Services
120 Park Ave
Hebron, NE 68370
Tax Information
The Foundation for Thayer County Health Services is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your donation is generally tax-deductible.
Questions or Other Ways to Give
If you’d like to discuss donating grain, other assets, or making a planned gift through your estate, please call us at 402-768-4636. We’d be happy to help. Thank you for considering this important gift. Your support makes a difference for patients and our entire community.
Jeremy Pearson, Director
Foundation for Thayer County Health Services
Gilead Playground Committee
The Gilead Playground Committee is dedicated to raising $36,000 for new playground equipment in the Village of Gilead, Nebraska. Through community fundraisers, grant applications, and generous donations from individuals connected to our village, we’ve already raised over $27,000. Our goal is to reach the full amount by December 2025 so we can install all the planned equipment in March of 2026 and create a safe, fun place for children and families to enjoy. If we fall short, we’ll need to prioritize which pieces to install first. To learn how you can support our project—especially during the Big Give—please contact us or send a contribution using the information below.
Contact Us
Cyndi Shinn
📞 (402) 587-0761
Email: gileadplaygroundcommittee@gmail.com
Mail Contributions To:
Gilead Playground Committee
PO Box 22
Gilead, NE 68362
Please make checks payable to the Village of Gilead and include “playground” in the memo line. ***Please note that this donation is not eligible for tax write-offs. Facebook page for Gilead Playground Committee
Hebron Community Fund
While Willard Park currently features a small play structure and two additional pieces of playground equipment on its south side, the YAC group recognizes the opportunity to further enrich the space for local families. To create a more engaging and inclusive environment, plans are underway to expand the playground area by adding new independent play equipment. Funding for these enhancements is anticipated to come from the 2026 Big Give.
Hebron Historic Preservation Commission
Windows To the Past Mural Project: Eight Window Murals on the east wall of the Hebron Activity Center.
Murals will be painted by a local artist and will be completed by Summer of 2026. Founded in 1869, Hebron's rich history will be captured through eight window murals at the Hebron Activity Center. Each mural highlights an important event, landmark, or figure, to showcase the town's heritage. The project aims to preserve local history and connect generations by celebrating Hebron's unique story with the murals featuring pictures painted by a local artist.
Your donation will help fund this project. Cost of the project is estimated at $5,000. Your check can be dropped off at, or mailed to the Hebron City Office at 216 Lincoln Ave. Donations can also be left at Thayer County Bank and Bruning State Bank. Checks or donations should be made to the Hebron Historic Preservation Commission.
Hope Crisis Center
Project: Safe Travels
It’s late on a Friday night and “Linda” has just been assaulted by her partner. She needs to get to the hospital, which is 20 miles away from the small town where she lives, but doesn’t have a car. She calls Hope Crisis Center and the on-call Advocate drives 60 miles to pick her up, transport her to the hospital, and then back to shelter, where Linda can rest. On Monday, the Advocate will drive Linda to the bus station and purchase a ticket so she can reunite with her family in Texas, where she’ll be safe. Travel for Linda costs about $360.
Confidential emergency services provide a pathway forward for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Hope Crisis Center advocates for safety, justice, and healing by providing emergency shelter, 24-hour hotline assistance, transportation, legal advocacy, medical advocacy, bilingual advocacy, financial assistance, and individualized one-on-one support to survivors throughout seven rural counties in Southeast Nebraska.
When survivors in isolated rural areas lack access to transportation, they also lack access to safety, resources, and opportunities. Hope Crisis Center can reduce these barriers in many ways, but our program is running dangerously low on funding for travel. We need your help to get our clients on the road to futures without abuse!
Hope Crisis Center’s travel fund ensures that services are accessible and survivors can get where they need to go! This fund covers: transportation to appointments, hospital and court accompaniments, travel to meet with survivors, bus and plane tickets, and fuel vouchers.
For Giving Tuesday, we would like to raise $5,000+ in support of our travel fund, which ensures that survivors in rural areas have access to safety, support, and resources. Will you support safe travels for survivors of abuse?
Supporters can donate online They can also mail checks to: Hope Crisis Center, PO Box 365, Fairbury, NE 68352.
Mandy VanLaningham
402-729-2570
Kinder Academy
We are currently raising money for an expansion project. You can read about it on our website! Donations can be taken to Bruning Bank in Bruning or mailed to 132 N. Jefferson Street, Bruning, NE 68322.
Website Contact: Ciara Burton, Director - 402-353-3105 or kinderacademy0@gmail.com
Spring Creek Kids
We are actively fundraising for two important initiatives that will greatly enhance our learning environment:
- Soundproofing Equipment for Classrooms
To reduce echo and improve the overall auditory experience for our students, we are seeking funds to install soundproofing materials in our classrooms. This will help create a more focused and comfortable learning space, especially for our younger learners. - Sustainability- Spring Creek Kids is committed to long-term program sustainability by strengthening its financial stability, investing in staff development, and maintaining high-quality early childhood services for families. Through strategic planning, community partnerships, and diversified funding, the center aims to ensure reliable, affordable charcare for years to come.
We gratefully accept donations in the following ways:
- Online – Convenient and secure digital contributions.
- By Mail – Donations can be mailed directly to our address at 279 E Bryson Ave, PO Box 538, Deshler, NE 68340
- In-Person Drop-Off – A donation box is available in our lobby, and all local banks are participating as drop-off locations for added convenience.
Stay up to date and learn more about our programs and fundraising efforts by visiting our website and following us on social media:
If you have any questions or would like more information about our fundraising efforts, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help!
- Phone: (402) 241-5597
- Email: director@springcreekkids.org
- In Person: Feel free to stop by our front desk during regular hours.
Thayer Kids Academy
Help Us Keep Thayer Kids Academy’s Future Bright!
As a newly founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable foundation, established in February 2025 and overseen by a dedicated Board of Directors, we are reaching out with a heartfelt ask for your support during The Big Give.
We are now excitedly coming up on our two-year mark of operating! Our passion for nurturing the children of Thayer County and surrounding communities is stronger than ever. We currently have 71 children enrolled, with a capacity of 110, and their bright smiles are the fuel for everything we do.
The Challenge of the "Tiny Tornadoes"
We must confess: these little guys (and gals!) are extremely rough on a facility! While their energy and enthusiasm are a joy to witness, they put our building and grounds to the test every single day.
To ensure we can continue to operate, stay in full compliance, and provide the safest, highest-quality environment, we have some critical, immediate needs that represent a massive cost for our organization:
- Facilities TLC: We are needing to do many updates to both our facility’s façade (to keep us looking sharp!) and our playgrounds. We must ensure that our outdoor equipment stays the best that it can be for the future little adventurers!
- Kitchen Upgrades (The Great Dish Crisis!): To provide the four nutritious meals and snacks these children need daily, we urgently require a commercial grade fridge, a new oven, and, most importantly, a replacement commercial dishwasher. Washing dishes by hand for this many students and meals is unsustainable and a significant compliance challenge.
- Security Enhancements: We are actively attempting to address our current security issues. Additional security measures are necessary to ensure the young minds of our county are completely safe and taken care of in an environment where they can thrive.
The High Cost of Healthy Futures
While we are experts at being frugal, our operating costs are incredibly high. A major area of expense is our commitment to top-tier nutrition for every student:
- Fueling Future Leaders: For the growing brains and bodies of our children, protein is key! We ensure our students receive the necessary meat and other proteins throughout the day. We are dedicated to serving fresh fruits and vegetables at every meal and snack, but this commitment comes with a significant price tag. While this is an area where we are seeing a significant loss on our budget, it’s one we will never compromise on for the health of our kids!
Please know that we are fiercely dedicated to the long-term sustainability of our foundation. We will continue to host fundraisers and tirelessly search for grants. However, your generous gift during The Big Give means the absolute world to us. It provides the immediate, critical resources needed to address these infrastructure and security requirements, allowing us to focus on our primary mission: to continue to operate and serve the children and families of Thayer County and surrounding communities for years to come!
Every dollar you give is an investment in our community's future.
Contact:
Kendra Taylor, Executive Director.
402-200-2045.
Email: thayerkidsacademy.kendra@gmail.com
Community Funds
Hebron Community Fund
Organized in 2001, the Hebron Community Fund is dedicated to progress and long-term prosperity. A volunteer Fund Advisory Committee works actively to increase charitable giving and award grants to local worthy causes and projects that are addressing emerging needs and future opportunities in our community.
Deshler Community Fund
Created in 2011, the Deshler Community Fund is dedicated to progress and long-term prosperity. A volunteer Fund Advisory Committee works actively to increase charitable giving and award grants to local worthy causes and projects that are addressing emerging needs and future opportunities in our community.
Chester Community Fund
Established in 2011, the Chester Community Fund is dedicated to progress and long-term prosperity. A volunteer Fund Advisory Committee works actively to increase charitable giving and award grants to local worthy causes and projects that are addressing emerging needs and future opportunities in our community.
Davenport Area Community Fund
The Davenport Area Community Fund, which was established in 2011, is dedicated to progress and long-term prosperity. A volunteer Fund Advisory Committee works actively to increase charitable giving and award grants to local worthy causes and projects that are addressing emerging needs and future opportunities in our community.
Bruning Community Foundation
Foundation for Thayer County Health Services Fund
The purpose of the Foundation for Thayer County Health Services Fund is to build an endowment for the Foundation for Thayer County Health Services, a 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation for Thayer County Health Services exists to actively raise the funds needed to support Thayer County Health Services in providing high-quality compassionate care close to home.