SIDNEY, Neb. — Community leaders, donors and residents gathered Thursday night at Boss City Brewing to celebrate a major milestone for Cheyenne County and to look ahead to the next phase of growth.

The event marked the completion of a challenge grant that has raised $1.25 million for the Sidney and Greater Area (SAGA) Fund’s permanent community endowment, often referred to as its “forever fund.”

Co-chair Erika Revord said the endowment ensures long-term support for local projects by preserving the principal and using earned interest for future grants.

“We were celebrating raising $1.25 million into our forever fund — our community endowment fund,” Revord said. “That means that $1.25 million stays in our funds and the interest we earn off of that goes to grant out money.”

Since October 2023, the SAGA Fund has awarded more than $96,000 to 28 projects across Sidney, Potter, Lodgepole, Dalton, Gurley and surrounding communities. Those grants have supported education, public safety, youth programs, libraries, the arts and community events.

Revord said Thursday's event drew a wide cross-section of supporters from across the county.

“I think what I felt most proud of was seeing person after person walk through the door,” she said. “From donors, to grantees, to people just learning about SAGA — it was incredible how many different communities we saw tonight.”

During the celebration, a new challenge grant was issued. The Sidney Donor Advised Fund pledged $1 million if SAGA raises $500,000 over the next three years.

“We’re already at $1.25 million, and then we can get another $1.5 million on top of that,” Revord said. “Just think of the possibilities.”

Eligible grant applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities and partnerships. Grant application periods are held each April and October. Monetary, planned and commodity gifts can be made through the SAGA Fund website.

“We need to acknowledge the volunteers and the donors,” Revord said. “A lot of times those people go unnoticed, and it’s really important to say thank you.”