August 5, 2020 NCompass Live - http://nlc.nebraska.gov/ncompasslive/ Since 2012, the Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund has granted over $570,000 to Nebraska's small-town public libraries through a term endowment established by the late Shirley Kreutz Bennett, a lifelong educator originally from Harvard, Nebraska. Thanks to this generous support, dozens of libraries have launched projects to repair, renovate, or replace existing facilities, create programs that enhance library services, and importantly, prepare libraries, boards and directors to become accredited, which opens the door to increased state funding. A Fund Advisory Committee composed of Ms. Kreutz Bennett’s nieces and nephews recommends matching grants each year to libraries serving communities with populations under 3,000. Join us to learn how your library can apply for this annual grant opportunity. Presenters: Kristine Gale, Community Impact Coordinator, Nebraska Community Foundation; Christa Porter, Library Development Director, Nebraska Library Commission.

3. Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund
established by a gift from Shirley Kreutz Bennett
 Educator- Life long learner
 graduate of Harvard High School
 BA from University of Washington, Seattle
 MA and PhD from Columbia University, New York
 Retired Professor of Education at the University of Nebraska
 Shirley created the Kreutz Bennett Donor Advised Fund to
make grants to rural libraries
 She named her nieces and nephews who serve on the DAF
Committee

4. KREUTZ BENNETT DONOR-ADVISED FUND
GRANTS FOR LIBRARIES
Eligible applicants: Nebraska public libraries located in
communities with fewer than 3,000 residents.
Three Grant Areas
Planning Grants
Enhancement Grants
Facilities Grants

5. PLANNING GRANTS
For non-accredited public libraries working toward
accreditation
Annual amount: $500 minimum; $2,500 maximum
Match required: 1:1 (In-kind match not allowed)
Timeframe: Multi-year grants possible

6. ENHANCEMENT GRANTS
For accredited public libraries to enhance programs and
services
Annual amount: $1,000 minimum; $20,000 maximum
Match required: 1:1 (Up to 50% of the match amount may be
in-kind)
Timeframe: Multi-year grants possible

7. FACILITIES GRANTS
For accredited public libraries to build or improve their
facilities
Grant amount: $5,000 minimum; $20,000 maximum
Match required: 1:1 (In-kind match not allowed)
Timeframe: Multi-year grants are possible over several grant
cycle years; not to exceed $20,000 per applicant

8. RAVENNA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Date Authorized: 2017
Amount Authorized: $20,000
Purpose: To build a Children’s library room as part of a new
one-level library building which opened in 2018.
Type of grant: Facilities

9. https://www.1011now.com/content/news/Donor-advised-fund-helped-with-Ravenna-library-558700111.html

10. RAVENNA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Date Authorized: 2020
Amount Authorized: $20,000
Purpose: To enhance a makerspace in the Ravenna Library. Ravenna was part of the “Library
Innovation Studios Project Mobile Makerspace.
Type of grant: Enhancement Grant
After having Ravenna staff trained and seeing the impact and engagement of the community,
they decided to build their own
This grant was used to purchase a vinyl cutter, heat press, and a filtration system for a laser
cutter

11. GRANT APPLICATION
Short-form applications are due October 1. After initial review,
eligible applicants will submit full proposals, due in January.
Guidelines and application forms are at
https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/kreutz-bennett-donor-
advised-fund/

13. QUESTIONS?
Contact: Kristine Gale
kgale@nebcommfound.org
(402) 822-0466
www.nebcommfound.org/give/kreutz-bennett-donor-advised-
fund