AUBURN  — The Nemaha County Future Fund awarded four grants totaling over $4,000 at an October meeting at the Rural Impact Hub in Auburn. 


The largest grant went to the Johnson Community Library. The library will use the $2,610 to cover the cost of adding a kitchenette to the community’s only cost-free public gathering space. Upgrades include adding hot water, as volunteers previously hauled water from home.

Grants of $500 were awarded to the Peru ball park and family area, Auburn Meals on Wheels, and Auburn Strokes Paint Out.

 

Peru Bark Park and Family Area: $500

Stephanie Holmes accepted a check for $500 on behalf of Nemaha County Leadership Class #7. 

The funds will be put toward the group’s project, the Peru Bark Park and Family Area, to repurpose the community’s ball field.

In total, the project is expected to cost about $30,000, which will be raised through private fundraising. The city of Peru will take over maintenance of the dog park and family area upon completion. 

 

Auburn Meals on Wheels Program: $500

Margie Zimmerman accepted a check for $500 on behalf of the Auburn Senior Center.
The funds will be used to help sustain Auburn’s Meals on Wheels program, which has been essential through the pandemic. Locally, the program feeds dozens of senior citizens every weekday.

This award builds on previous impact, as NCFF partnered with Auburn Berean Church to grant $5,400 to Auburn Meals on Wheels in March 2021.

 

Auburn Strokes Paint Out: $500

Leslie Clark accepted a check for $500 on behalf of Auburn Arts and Events. The funds will be put toward advertising for community-wide arts-related events and opportunities such as the plein air paint out in September and Summer Sounds concerts in the park throughout the year.

 

For more information on applying for NCFF-sponsored grants, giving to the fund or becoming a fund advisory committee member, email NCFF Chair Brent Comstock at brent@bcomonline.com or visit https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/nemaha-county-future-fund.