Few things last forever, but an unrestricted endowment can come pretty close. That’s the sentiment in Howells, where members of Howells Community Fund are busy building a resource that will benefit residents now and well into the future.
For those passionate people who want to ensure their lasting impact in Howells, volunteers make sure they know what it means to contribute to the fund.
“When you give to the unrestricted endowment, you’re part of everything,” said fund advisory committee member Trent Mastny, “You’re part of everything forever. Every project, every grant, everything.”
The illuminated welcome sign? Part of that. The new pickleball courts? Part of that, too. The newly resurfaced ballfield? That’s right, part of that as well.
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Much like a retirement account, an unrestricted endowment generates investment income for your community year after year. It isn’t designated for any specific use or project, making it a source of funding for whatever dreams your hometown imagines. Because the principal remains untouched, it grows with every gift – and so does the annual payout. The fund advisory committee stewarding the unrestricted endowment account can grant the funds in ways that they determine will fulfill its mission.
Trent and his wife, Nevada, want to be part of all the progress unfolding in Howells. That desire to give back to their community is what inspired their decision to designate the Howells Community Fund’s unrestricted endowment as a beneficiary of their life insurance policy. The young couple knows that commitment won’t be realized for a long while, but they also believe that demonstrating faith in the community can be powerful to their family, friends, and neighbors.
“We are showing that we believe in the future of Howells,” Trent said. “We believe our community will be thriving for decades to come.”
Trent is a Howells native who left for college, bounced around the state after graduation, then decided to return home to the family farm and the community that raised him. Through his time away, the words of a high school teacher reverberated through his mind. During his senior year, this teacher offered some words of wisdom to Trent and his classmates.
“He said, ‘you all can move somewhere and take your talents there, or you can hone your skills and bring them back to your community,’” Trent recalled. “That really resonated with me. There’s a bigger purpose.”
Those words played a part in bringing him back home, but a community-wide visioning session nearly 10 years ago opened his eyes to Howells’ potential. He was invited to attend by his mother, Joan, who was one of the founding members of the community fund. The number of people was unbelievable and the conversations were inspiring.
“It didn’t matter who you talked to,” he said. “Everyone had the same ideas of what they wanted for Howells.”
And what people wanted (and still want) was to ensure Howells continues to be the best place it can be. The fund advisory committee remains vibrant and active, bringing together residents of many generations to bring community dreams to life. Like Trent and Nevada, most of the FAC have made a commitment to give to the unrestricted endowment. They understand the need to both talk the talk and walk the walk. Making grantmaking decisions is always a big responsibility, especially when granting the money their fellow residents entrust them to steward well.
The payoff is worth it.
“You are part of something that is bigger than yourself,” Trent said. “You have a lot of weight on your shoulders to ensure you’re using that money properly. It is one of the most rewarding things I have ever been a part of.”
The Mastnys encourage everyone to think about making their own commitment to the community.
“It’s never too early to think about leaving your impact in Howells with a legacy gift,” Nevada said. “Whether that be a church, school, organization, or the Howells Community Fund, giving back with a legacy gift is a gift that lasts forever.”
Nebraska Community Foundation has extensive (and free) resources to help one familiarize with the many ways to make a charitable planned gift. Visit fivetothrivene.org to learn more about how you can create your own legacy in the place you love. Click on the “Transfer of Wealth Toolkit” for a free guide called “Planning Your Legacy.”
